As the leaves turn golden and temperatures drop, your skincare routine deserves a seasonal makeover. Autumn in Australia brings cooler mornings, drier air, and less humidity – all of which can impact your skin. Adjusting your skincare regime for autumn ensures your skin stays hydrated, healthy, and glowing. Let’s dive into tips, tricks, and ingredient recommendations to help you transition seamlessly.

1. Embrace Hydration: Switch to a Gentle Cleanser

During summer, gel or foaming cleansers may have helped control excess oil, but autumn calls for something gentler. Opt for a hydrating cleanser that removes impurities without stripping natural oils. Look for ingredients like:

• Glycerin: A humectant that attracts moisture.
• Aloe Vera: Soothes and hydrates.

This small change prevents dryness and keeps your skin’s barrier intact.

2. Layer Up with Moisture

Colder air can leave skin feeling tight and dry, making hydration crucial. Switch to a richer moisturiser or layer a lightweight hydrator under your current cream. Key ingredients to look for include:

• Hyaluronic Acid: Retains moisture and plumps the skin.
• Ceramides: Strengthen the skin barrier.
• Squalane: Mimics natural skin oils for deep hydration.

Pro Tip: Apply your moisturiser while your skin is slightly damp to lock in extra hydration.

3. Don’t Forget SPF

While the sun may feel milder in autumn, UV rays are still strong in Australia. Continue using broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to protect against UV damage and prevent premature aging.

Bonus Tip: Swap your lightweight summer sunscreen for one with added moisturising benefits to combat dryness.

4. Introduce Nourishing Serums

Autumn is the perfect time to introduce serums that address hydration and repair. Serums to consider include:

• Vitamin C: Protects against environmental damage and brightens skin.
• Niacinamide: Reduces redness and strengthens the skin’s barrier.
• Vitamin E: Provides antioxidant protection and deeply nourishes.

These serums can be layered under your moisturiser for enhanced results.

5. Exfoliate, But Gently

Exfoliation is key to removing dead skin cells that accumulate in the cooler months. However, over-exfoliation can lead to sensitivity. Stick to gentle exfoliants like:

• Lactic Acid: Hydrates while exfoliating.
• Mandelic Acid: Ideal for sensitive skin.

Limit exfoliation to 1-2 times per week and follow up with a hydrating product.

Autumn in Australia can vary depending on your location. In drier areas, focus more on hydration. In coastal regions, you may need to address wind exposure with barrier-strengthening products.