Four Easy Ways To Change Up Your Skincare Regime For The Autumn Season & Beyond

We never did get that last hit of summer, did we? I was waiting and waiting, but those summer dresses remained tucked away and my toes firmly covered in something altogether more cosy. As the nights are drawing in and the days are getting chillier, it's the time of year when we need to start transitioning our skincare regime from one season to the next. It may sound a little over zealous and unnecessary, but our skin is a rather temperamental organ that responds to temperature and climate change; if you don't look after it you could find it looking dry, dull and lacklustre - and your makeup not sitting as well as you'd like. If you make a few small changes though, the results could make a real difference; here are four ways to change up your regime for the better that don't even require much effort!

ADD IN AN EXTRA HIT OF HYDRATION

I'm all about the hydration at any point in the year, but as the temperature starts to drop and the central heating gets turned on the upper layers of our skin can become a little fragile and parched. If you've been skipping a moisturiser during the summer months, now is the time to reintroduce it; if you've been using a lightweight formula or a tinted moisturiser, now is the time to switch to a richer texture. Hardworking moisturisers don't have to be thick, gloopy and interfere with your makeup either - just look for Hylaronic Acid on the ingredient list (something our bodies naturally produce that holds up to 1000 x its weight in water) and your complexion will be hydrated, plump and radiant in no time at all. 

USE A DELICIOUSLY RICH CLEANSER

I'd never advocate the use of face wipes for anything other than an emergency cleanse or pre-cleanse step, but if you've been away or festivaling all summer long and reverting only to micellar water and those dreaded wipes then you especially need to invest in a great cleansing product. Look for rich oils and balms which will remove all surface dirt, grime and makeup without stripping the skin of its goodness; these are often enriched with nourishing oils too, helping to treat your skin as you cleanse. There's nothing quite like a great cleansing ritual before bed - and your complexion will thank you for it when the cold really starts to set in.

TREAT YOUR SKIN TO A NIGHTTIME BOOST (FACIAL OILS) 

Night creams tend to contain high levels of active ingredients, perfect for targeting a specific skin concern, which can really get to work while you sleep. UV rays can break down some ingredients during the day, so night time is the perfect opportunity to put your skin to work. Although it’s much debated, research shows that your skin reacts differently according to your body clock – during the day your skin is busy protecting itself, whereas at night cells focus on repairing themselves from damage. During the winter months this process is even more important, helping to nourish the skin and even kick-starting it into tackling those signs of ageing or dryness. Using a facial oil or a skin booster mixed in with your usual night cream will help to get the most of your slumber and ensure your skin is in top notch condition; if you can apply it an hour before bed and take some time for a little facial massage too, that's a bonus! 

EMBRACE A BI-WEEKLY FACE MASK 

As a teen, using a face mask was all about a little pampering 'me time' - but as a 30-something woman it's all about giving my skin what it's craving and treating it to an intense boost a couple of times a week. Face masks are great at drawing out impurities, re-balancing skin and injecting some much needed goodness or moisture; integrating them into your autumn skincare regime will help to keep your complexion looking radiant and avoid any nasty shocks to the system too. During the summer the sunshine and fresh air can keep our faces fresh, but when the chilly weather and dark days set in there's little opportunity to recreate the same impact - taking ten minutes for yourself to boost your skin will really make all the difference. (You can see my top tips on mixing up your face masks and using them in different ways here!)

How will you be prepping your skin for the new season? Do you have any other top tips for those wanting to keep their skin looking as fresh as a spring daisy?

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