Autumn Skin: Why Your Skin Changes With the Seasons

There’s something beautiful about autumn. The cooler mornings, cosy evenings, changing leaves and that unmistakable feeling of slowing down. But while we may be embracing the change of season, our skin sometimes needs a little more encouragement to adjust.

As temperatures fall and humidity levels drop, the air becomes drier. Add chilly winds outdoors, central heating indoors and perhaps a few more hot showers, and your skin can start losing moisture more quickly. As a result, your skin can feel tight, dry, rough, dull or generally a little less comfortable than it did during summer.

And for some of us, autumn is when our skin starts quietly asking for more nourishment.

Your skin barrier needs a little extra love

Your skin barrier is your first line of defence. It helps keep moisture in and protects your skin from external irritants. When the weather becomes colder and drier, that barrier can become more vulnerable.

You may notice:

• Tightness after cleansing
• Dry or flaky patches
• A rougher texture
• Skin that looks dull or tired
• Fine lines appearing more noticeable
• Increased sensitivity or irritation

When skin loses too much moisture, it can become dehydrated and rough, and fine lines can temporarily appear more pronounced. So autumn is the perfect time to rethink your skincare routine, not necessarily by adding lots of products, but by becoming a little more intentional about what your skin actually needs.

Start from the inside

Beautiful skin isn't only about what you put on it. Remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Staying adequately hydrated supports your body's normal functions, although drinking more water isn't a substitute for moisturising dry skin.

Think about your diet, too. A varied diet containing plenty of fruit, vegetables, healthy fats and protein provides the nutrients your body needs to support healthy skin.

And don't underestimate sleep. Those long autumn evenings can be an invitation to slow down, rest and allow your body and your skin some much-needed recovery time.

Turn down the heat.

We all love a steaming hot shower when it's cold outside, but very hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils and make dryness worse.

Try warm rather than hot water and keep showers reasonably short. After cleansing, gently pat your skin dry rather than rubbing it, then moisturise while your skin is still slightly damp to help retain moisture.

And if central heating is making the air particularly dry, a humidifier in the bedroom can be a simple way of adding moisture back into your environment.

Give your face a little more nourishment

Summer skincare often revolves around keeping things light. Autumn is different. This is the season to think about nourishing, protecting and supporting your skin barrier.

At the Hogarth Medispa, we offer a full range of facial treatments to help you get your skin looking and feeling at its best.

Discover our facials here to nourish your skin or contact the Medispa to book in a consultation to help you decide which facial would suit you.