Autumn skincare routine: 4 essential tips for healthy, glowing skin

Autumn is officially here, bringing with it cooler temperatures, a drop in humidity levels and the return of indoor heating.

And while we’re here for the cosy jumpers, crisp mornings and pumpkin-spiced everything, the seasonal switch-up can leave skin feeling dry, tight and more reactive.

“We’ve also had one of the sunniest summers on record, meaning your all-important skin barrier could be feeling the effects of increased sun exposure,” Rosa Scialo says, skincare specialist and founder of BodySense Beauty Treatments. “For example, maybe your skin feels dull and lacks luster, perhaps it's oily and congested or you might have noticed that it’s dry and dehydrated. Whatever your skin is dealing with, remember that, alongside age and hormones, the changing seasons can also have an impact. So, as autumn arrives, it’s the perfect time to refresh your routine and give your skin barrier some extra support.”

For a healthy, hydrated and glowing complexion, Rosa has shared her essential autumn skincare tips to see you through the season. 

Autumn skincare routine tips to live by

1. Make exfoliation a priority

Sun exposure, sweat and environmental stressors can cause dead skin cells to build up. “But gentle exfoliation can help give your skin a fresh start,” explains Rosa. “It does so by sweeping away this build-up and revealing smoother, brighter-looking skin.” Regular exfoliation can also help improve skin texture and create a more receptive surface for your moisturisers and serums. So it’s a win win. 

There are two main types of exfoliation, physical and chemical, each with different levels of intensity. Physical exfoliation, like Hydra-dermabrasion, is a simple, safe and non-invasive solution to skin resurfacing. “It’s a three-in-one treatment that I’ve been using for years to gently exfoliate, deeply cleanse and hydrate the skin,” Rosa says. 

Chemical exfoliation, which uses acids or other active ingredients, can be used if you’re keen to unlock a healthy, radiant glow, want to rid pigmentation and/or improve the texture of your skin. Rosa would recommend a TCA BioRePeel as it is the most advanced medical grade peel on the skincare market, and can target all skin concerns at once with minimal-to-no-shedding.

2. Adapt your homecare for autumn

With sunbathing, swimming and plenty of time spent outdoors, sweating can leave your skin craving extra hydration and nourishment.

“But that’s where brilliant homecare, tailored to your skin and adapted to each season, can make all the difference.” Rosa notes. “That’s because your skincare needs can change with the seasons, so what works for you in summer may need a little adjustment come autumn.”

For example, if you’re not already using retinol, autumn could be a great time to revisit this powerful anti-ageing ingredient as it can help with everything from pigmentation, skin texture, photoaging and enlarged pores to collagen production and fine lines. You might also wish to include vitamin C into your routine, as this powerful antioxidant works to brighten skin tone, boost collagen production, and protect against free-radical damage. 

“Or, if you love using an oil on your skin come the cooler months I love Slow Ageing’s Essential Facial Essence,” Rosa says. “It's an antioxidant powerhouse packed with deeply hydrating hazelnut oil and vitamin E which helps to preserve collagen and lock in moisture. The added bonus? It’s packed with pure botanical ingredients and smells absolutely gorgeous!”.

3. Invest in great SPF

SPF isn’t just reserved for holidays and heatwaves. “SPF should be part of your skincare routine all year round — come rain or shine, you still need your SPF!”. 

That’s because both UVA and UVB rays (which are two types of natural UV radiation produced by the sun) are damaging to the skin. “UVA rays are present year-round,” Rosa explains. “While UVB rays are significantly reduced in winter, they are still present during daylight hours.”

UVB rays are responsible for burning the skin. While the UVA rays contribute to ageing.

At Rosa’s Beckenham-based clinic, she is an official stockist for Heliocare — which is a dermatologist-recommended sun care brand. The Heliocare 360° range provides very high level, full-spectrum daily protection against UVA and UVB rays. It will protect your skin from the blue light emitted from everyday devices, like TVs, computer monitors and smartphones.

“Plus, it’s lanolin-free and non-comedogenic," Rosa says. “So it has been specifically formulated not to clog pores.” 

4. Less is more

With endless skincare products vying for space on your bathroom shelf, it’s easy to think more products mean healthier skin. But when it comes to skincare, more isn’t always better.

“Your skin doesn’t necessarily need more products,” Rosa says. “It just needs the right products and treatments and in the right order.”

Rosa offers a wide variety of non-invasive skincare treatments and creates bespoke beauty solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of your skin. “That’s because there is no one size that fits all and my approach is never about quick fixes, it’s about longevity,” Rosa adds. 

Unsure on where to start?

Whether you want to top up on sunscreen, retinol, or vitamin C serums or get some advice on your current skincare regime and how you can strengthen your skin barrier — Rosa has 40 years’ experience and offers the full suite of skincare treatments. 

To help decipher what your skin might need, give Rosa a ring on 07719 568651. Or if you know what treatment you're after, book an appointment here.