Is your skin suddenly staging a revolt? You're not alone! Everyone's been bombarding me with skincare questions lately, and it seems like there's a good reason why. As someone in the beauty industry, I'm used to being the go-to person for skincare dilemmas, but the recent surge in inquiries is definitely noticeable. So, what's causing this sudden influx of skincare SOS calls?
It could be a mix of things. Misinformation spreading like wildfire on social media definitely plays a role (let's not even get started on the SPF-is-toxic myth!). Also, people are becoming more aware of the sheer number of skincare ingredients out there, again, thanks in part to social media. But, and this is a big but, the changing seasons are often the biggest culprit. As the weather shifts, our skin throws a tantrum, leading us to desperately seek expert advice on what to use. "What should I be using on my skin in autumn?" is the question on everyone's lips.
To help you navigate this seasonal skincare minefield, we've tapped into our Beauty Collective for their tried-and-true autumn skincare swaps. After all, if the experts are switching up their routines, it's a pretty good sign we should be paying attention. Get ready to take notes!
'Opt for milky textures'
"If I could recommend just one product to add to your routine (besides sunscreen, of course, which is non-negotiable!), it would be a milky toner. If your skin is feeling particularly dry or craving a hydration boost, this is likely the product it's been begging for. Think of it as a tall glass of water for your face! A milky toner provides an extra layer of moisture before you apply the rest of your skincare, and it even creates a hydrating base for your makeup to sit flawlessly on top. No more cakey foundation!
One of my absolute favorites has been The Ordinary's 'Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner'. It's been my go-to for ages, smoothing my complexion and keeping my skin hydrated, morning and night. However, but here's where it gets interesting, as we've moved into autumn, I've found its consistency to be a little too watery for the colder weather. It just wasn't cutting it anymore.
My skin is normal-to-dry, but it becomes significantly drier during the colder months. So, I needed a milky toner that could handle the dropping temperatures and those unpredictable warm, sunny days. Enter: Bubble's 'Cosmic Silk Hydrating Milky Toner'. I stumbled upon this gem a few months ago while judging a beauty awards panel. Honestly, I didn't expect much from it initially, since The Ordinary's toner had been my holy grail for over a year. But from the very first application, I noticed the formula was thicker than what I was used to (without feeling heavy or greasy). It delivered an incredible hydrating and smoothing finish, leaving my skin plump and radiant.
Because of its richer consistency, it's the perfect autumn companion. I can't stop raving about it to all my friends!" – Vanese Maddix, HELLO! beauty contributor.
'It's retinal season'
"For me, autumn unequivocally means it's retinal season. It's time to bring it back into my routine after taking a break during the summer months. Why the summer hiatus? Well, this powerful ingredient makes your skin incredibly sensitive to the sun, increasing the risk of sun damage and pigmentation – which is ironically one of the reasons I use retinal in the first place! Even with sunscreen, I'd rather not take any chances.
During the summer, I swap retinal for bakuchiol, a natural alternative that offers similar benefits without the sun sensitivity. Think of it as retinal's gentler cousin. However, and this is the part most people miss, as winter approaches, I'm back on the retinal train. In my opinion, it's one of the most effective products for combating the signs of aging. It boosts cell turnover, stimulates collagen production, and helps to minimize fine lines and wrinkles, leaving skin smoother and plumper.
Now, here's the thing: In the past, my skin was so sensitive to retinal that I had to give it up entirely because of the intense peeling. But thankfully, there's a new generation of retinoids (the family that includes retinol and retinal) that are formulated with soothing ingredients, making them much more tolerable. It's a game changer!
My retinal of choice is DoSe's 'Granactive Retinoid 5% Serum'. It's non-irritating, and my skin doesn't react negatively to it at all." – Glynis Barber, HELLO! wellness columnist.
'I'm hesitant to swap my skincare seasonally'
"When I find skincare that genuinely works for my complexion (right now, that's Skinceuticals' 'CE Ferulic' or Medik8's 'C-Tetra Advanced' in the mornings, followed by Dr Sam's 'Flawless Nightly Pro Serum' or Beauty Pie's 'Happy Face 10% Azelaic Acid Skin-Clearing Gel-Cream', topped with 'MyBlend Revitalizing Cream' at night), I'm always a bit reluctant to start swapping out these tried-and-tested favorites, regardless of the season. Why mess with a good thing, right?
However, but here's where it gets controversial... as I reluctantly pack away my summer wardrobe, I've noticed my perimenopausal skin is feeling a bit drier than usual and calling out for extra hydration. So, I've added Weleda's 'Hyaluronic Moisture Serum Booster Drops', a simple way to supercharge my existing routine with a dose of hyaluronic acid. And for a more targeted treatment, Hada Labo Tokyo's 'Wrinkle Corrector Eye and Mouth Cream' provides some strategic skin-boosting." – Cassie Steer, HELLO! Contributing Head of Beauty.
'Switch in a nourishing cleanser'
"All summer long, I was using Belif's 'Aqua Bomb Jelly Cleanser', a super bouncy gel texture cleanser that made quick work of removing my makeup. It was perfect for those hot summer days when I didn't want to spend too long at a sink filled with hot water.
Now that it's colder, I'm happy to linger a bit longer in a steamy bathroom. So, instead of a quick once-over with this (admittedly supremely hydrating) cleanser, I'm taking my time with Nataliya Robinson's Quantum Botanika 'Cleansing Balm'. It has a lighter texture than many other cleansing balms, which tend to be solid. This one has a jelly texture, but being lipid-based, it works hard to support my skin's protective barrier and boost hydration – exactly what I need when the temperature drops!" – Melanie Macleod, HELLO! Deputy Beauty and Lifestyle Editor
'Up the hydration ante'
"I don't typically make drastic changes to my skincare routine from season to season. However, I've just had a summer filled with a lot of back-to-back flights, and as much as I've enjoyed traveling, my skin is feeling a bit worse for wear. It's both dry and congested at the same time! So, my first and most immediate swap has been to a more hydrating moisturizer, especially around the eye area, where dryness is most noticeable.
I swear by Bioderma's 'Atoderm Eye Cream' whenever my skin feels dry or tight, and I often use it on my entire face (and even on dry patches on my body!). I've paused my Japanese-branded retinol-based eye cream for now and will go back to it once my dryness has subsided.
The next step for me once I'm back in London will definitely be trying to book a Deep Glow facial with Sarah Chapman. This will address the congestion and bring my skin back to its optimal health. Her treatments always leave my skin feeling more resilient, and I'm hoping it will help me avoid breakouts this winter." – Sidra Imtiaz, HELLO! beauty contributor
'Make way for ceramides'
"I absolutely love autumn and the return of cozy sweater weather! I enjoy swapping my summer wardrobe for cashmere jumpers, and I do the same when it comes to my skincare. This season, I always boost my moisturizer with something a little richer and more nourishing. Right now, I'm obsessed with Neal's Yard Remedies' 'Oat and Ceramide Barrier Repair Cream'. It's vegan, fragrance-free, and leaves my skin feeling cocooned, cushioned, and soft. It's packed with ceramides, certified organic oat extract, magnesium, and prebiotics to strengthen the skin's natural defenses!" – Ateh Jewel, HELLO! beauty contributor.
'Look for a hydrating SPF'
"Sunscreen is crucial year-round, especially for me since I live in sunny Florida. Throughout the summer, I used Beauty Pie 'Traceless UVA/UVB SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen + Primer' because it protected my skin without sliding off in the humidity. Plus, it doubled as a great base for makeup. But now that the weather is cooler and drier, my skin needs something more nourishing. So, I've switched to Elemis' 'Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30', which feels richer and more hydrating without being heavy. It gives my skin a healthy, dewy finish while still providing daily sun protection."
So, there you have it! The skincare swaps that the experts are making this autumn. But what about you? Do you adjust your skincare routine with the changing seasons? Are there any products you swear by for keeping your skin happy and healthy during the colder months? Share your thoughts and recommendations in the comments below! Let's start a conversation!
