6 Best skincare swaps for autumn and winter

It is best to adjust your skincare routine during seasons of major weather pattern changes, meaning late spring and late autumn. The biggest thing that happens during these times is the level of moisture in the air changes.

I always recommend investing in a good humidifier during those colder months, as running a humidifier pulls moisture back into the air to improve dry, itchy skin and help it retain that hydration. Cracked lips, limp hair, itchy skin, and bad allergies are all conditions that can improve with the use of a humidifier. 

Here are some easy and effective ways of transitioning your skincare from autumn to winter.

A cream cleanser has a thicker, creamy texture and is formulated with ingredients to help the skin retain moisture, like plant-based oils. Sometimes called cleansing “milks” or “lotions”, cream cleansers are gentle—they cleanse the skin without stripping it of its natural oils.

I recommend MEdik8 Cream Cleanse. It can help to soothe irritated skin leaving the complexion calm and comfortable. Skin conditioners such as natural glycerin and organic sweet orange oil nourish and hydrate to reveal healthy and soft skin.

A cream is thicker and has higher oil content than a lotion and gel, making it more hydrating. An ointment is the thickest of all, making it the most effective in remedying dry skin. Emollients in these moisturisers keep your skin soft and smooth. However, oil-free moisturisers are well-suited for acne-prone skin, while thicker formulas with humectants and lipids are better for dry skin.

I recommend REN Clean Skin Evercalm, a hydrating day cream that is proven to instantly calm and soothe skin. Formulated for sensitive and dry skin and also suitable for use on eczema-prone skin, this comforting moisturiser is enriched with nourishing oils and our antioxidant Global Protection Complex to defend against dehydration and help shield your skin against everyday pollutants and free radicals. 

Yes, you still need to wear sunscreen in the winter. Even in winter, UV rays are still beaming down ready to hit your skin. Don’t forget to apply to your neck.

I recommend Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF 50+. This will easily slot into and respect your existing skin care and make up routine—all without pilling or balling! Sun protection that hydrates, primes and protects against the elements with a satin-like finish.

Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B, which strengthens your skin's moisture barrier so it can better hold on to moisture. It's perfect for dry skin in winter, as with niacinamide, your skin is less likely to dry out and stays hydrated longer.

I recommend La Roche-Posay Pure Niacinamide 10 Serum. It's formulated with not only niacinamide but also HEPES, which gently exfoliates the skin, and hyaluronic acid to help retain skin moisture during the winter months. It has a lightweight texture that absorbs beautifully into skin without even a hint of greasiness.

Injectable skin boosters are known as the injectable moisturiser. Results are normally instant, giving visible hydration of the skin adding gentle volume and plumping effects. Always ensure your practitioner is qualified and insured before proceeding with any aesthetic procedure.

I recommend Sevent Hyal as this excels in deep hydration, making it an excellent choice for individuals with dry or dehydrated skin. Its advanced delivery system ensures effective penetration, also leading to a noticeable reduction in wrinkles and fine lines.

Don’t forget to keep your hands and lips moisturised during those cold winter months, wrinkly hands and shrivelling lips are tell tale signs of ageing. For the lips, I recommend Medik8 Mutiny Squalane-Based Alternative Lip Balm—moisture is locked in tight, leaving the lips visibly nourished and replenished. 

For the hands I recommend Kiehls Ultimate Strength Hand Salve. This thick, rich formula provides daily care for active and dry hands. Formulated with avocado oil, eucalyptus oil and sesame seed oil, this hand moisturiser for dry skin leaves hands feeling soft, conditioned.