Okay, besties, gather 'round! It's Emma here, and can you believe it's almost autumn? Seriously, where did the summer go?! But honestly, I'm kinda excited. Cosy jumpers, pumpkin spice lattes (okay, maybe just one!), and, most importantly, tweaking our skincare routines for the cooler months.
And because I love you all, I've been doing some serious digging – aka, chatting to my dermatologist pals and reading ALL the reviews – to figure out the absolute BEST skincare ingredients for this autumn. Let's get started!
Dermatologist's Favourites: The MVP Ingredients
These aren't just buzzwords, you know? These are the ingredients that dermatologists swear by, and honestly, I've seen the difference they make.
* Retinoids (Vitamin A): Okay, let's get the big one out of the way. Retinoids are basically the gold standard for anti-ageing and overall skin health. They boost collagen production, reduce fine lines, and help with acne. I started using a retinol serum a few years ago and I can honestly say it's transformed my skin. My pores are smaller, and my skin just looks brighter.
* My Pick: I'm currently loving the No7 Advanced Retinol 1.5% Complex Night Concentrate from Boots. It's a great starting point if you're new to retinoids, and it's pretty affordable at around £35. Just remember to start slow (like, once or twice a week) and always wear SPF during the day! Trust me on this.
* Vitamin C: This is your daily shield against environmental damage. It's a potent antioxidant that brightens skin, fades dark spots, and protects against free radicals. I pop a Vitamin C serum on every morning after cleansing. It’s become an essential part of my routine. I tried this when I skipped it for a week whilst on holiday – my skin felt dull and looked noticeably less radiant. Lesson learned!
My Pick: The Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum is a bit of a splurge at around £60 from Boots, but it's so* worth it. It smells amazing and gives my skin an instant glow. If you're after something more budget-friendly, the Superdrug Vitamin C Booster Serum is a great option at under £10.
* Hyaluronic Acid: Hello, hydration hero! Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, which means it draws moisture from the air into your skin. This is especially important during the autumn and winter months when the air is drier. I layer a hyaluronic acid serum under my moisturiser every morning and night.
* My Pick: The The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is a classic for a reason. It's super affordable (around £7 from Boots or Look Fantastic) and really effective. I also love the La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum (around £40 from Boots) if you want something a little more luxurious.
* AHAs/BHAs: These are chemical exfoliants that help to slough off dead skin cells, revealing brighter, smoother skin underneath. AHAs (like glycolic and lactic acid) are great for surface-level exfoliation, whilst BHAs (like salicylic acid) are oil-soluble, so they can penetrate deeper into pores and help with blackheads and breakouts.
* My Pick: I use the Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant (around £34 from Cult Beauty) a couple of times a week to keep my pores clear. If you're new to chemical exfoliants, start with a lower concentration and gradually increase as your skin gets used to it. And ALWAYS wear SPF!
Fall Skincare Routine: My Top Tips
Okay, now that we've covered the star ingredients, let's talk about building your autumn skincare routine. Here's what I've learned over the years:
Transitioning from Summer: What to Change
So, what changes should you make to your skincare routine as we transition from summer to autumn?
* Swap out your lightweight moisturiser for a richer one. I usually switch from a gel moisturiser to a cream-based one.
* Add a hydrating serum. Hyaluronic acid is your best friend!
* Consider using a facial oil. This can help to lock in moisture and protect your skin from the elements.
* Exfoliate more regularly. This will help to remove any dead skin cells that have built up over the summer.
* Adjust your retinol usage. If you've been using retinol during the summer, you may need to reduce the frequency as the weather gets colder and drier.
Other Bits & Bobs
Don't forget about the rest of your body! The skin on your body can also get dry during the autumn and winter months. Make sure to moisturise regularly, especially after showering. I love the Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter from Boots – it smells amazing and leaves my skin feeling super soft.
And whilst we're on the topic of routines, have you seen the Reverse Cat Eye? It's My New Obsession! post? It's all about switching up your makeup for autumn, and honestly, it's amazing. There's also Reverse Cat Eye? Obsessed Doesn't Cover It! and Obsessed with the Reverse Cat Eye! You will be too. Go check them out!
So there you have it – my dermatologist-approved skincare ingredient guide for autumn! I really hope you found this helpful. Remember, everyone's skin is different, so what works for me may not work for you. But with a little experimentation, you'll find the perfect routine for your skin. Let me know in the comments what your favourite skincare ingredients are for autumn! I always love hearing from you.
Stay glowing, besties!
Love,
Emma xx