How to care for your skin in autumn: a complete step-by-step guide | Injector Maya | High Wycombe
Why you should take care of your skin in autumn
Autumn can be a tricky time for our skin. After a summer of sun exposure, high temperatures and often salty or chlorinated water, the skin is left dehydrated, dull and in need of extra care. Add cooler winds, central heating and a drop in humidity, and you have the perfect recipe for dryness and sensitivity.
This is why autumn is the best season to refresh your skincare routine. In this guide, you’ll discover simple yet effective ways to protect, hydrate and restore your skin, ensuring it stays radiant and healthy right through to winter.
STEP 1: Switch to more nourishing skincare
Lightweight gels and water-based moisturisers work well in summer, but autumn demands richer, more protective textures.
- Choose creams and serums with ceramides, hyaluronic acid and nourishing lipids.
- Opt for formulas that strengthen the skin barrier and lock in hydration.
- Avoid overly mattifying products that can strip the skin further.
STEP 2: Hydration is key
One of the first signs of autumn skin stress is tightness and flakiness. The answer? Proper hydration inside and out.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Use hydrating serums and moisturisers containing humectants like glycerin or aloe vera.
- Seal moisture in with emollients to prevent transepidermal water loss.
- Add a weekly hydrating mask for an extra boost.
STEP 3: Don’t skip SPF in autumn
It’s a common mistake to put sunscreen away once the summer ends. In reality, UVA rays are present all year round and are the main cause of premature skin ageing.
- Wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30–50 every morning, even on cloudy days.
- Reapply if you spend long hours outdoors.
- Look for lightweight formulas that sit comfortably under make-up.
STEP 4: Gentle exfoliation for a fresh glow
Dead skin cells tend to build up after summer, leaving the complexion looking tired. Regular exfoliation brings back radiance.
- Choose enzyme exfoliators or gentle acids like lactic or mandelic acid.
- Exfoliate once or twice a week depending on your skin type.
- Avoid harsh scrubs that can cause irritation.
STEP 5: Antioxidants and night-time renewal
Autumn is the perfect season to introduce (or reintroduce) powerful active ingredients.
- Antioxidants like vitamin C protect against free radicals and brighten the skin.
- Retinol supports cell turnover, softens fine lines and improves texture.
- Use richer night creams to maximise the skin’s natural overnight repair process.
STEP 6: Don’t forget lips, hands and neck
These areas are often the first to suffer in cooler weather.
- Apply a nourishing lip balm regularly to prevent chapping.
- Keep a hand cream handy and reapply after washing your hands.
- Extend your skincare down to the neck and décolletage for a uniform result.
STEP 7: Professional treatments for autumn
As sun exposure is lower, autumn is the ideal season for professional skin treatments that may be less suitable in summer.
- Chemical peels help fade pigmentation, smooth rough texture and refresh dull skin.
- Microneedling stimulates collagen production, improves firmness and supports natural regeneration.
- Skin boosters deeply hydrate and restore radiance.
Professional treatments complement your home routine and accelerate results.
STEP 8: Lifestyle habits that support healthy skin
Great skin isn’t only about what you apply – it’s also about how you live.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins A, C and E.
- Prioritise quality sleep and manage stress levels.
- Stay active to boost circulation and oxygen delivery to the skin.
Key steps
Autumn skincare is about protecting, nourishing and gently renewing the skin after the stresses of summer. By switching to richer moisturisers, keeping SPF in your daily routine, exfoliating with care and introducing antioxidants, you can maintain a healthy, glowing complexion all season long.
For those who wish to take their routine a step further, professional treatments such as microneedling or chemical peels can provide additional benefits – helping to refresh and strengthen the skin at a deeper level. If you are considering professional support, a consultation with a qualified practitioner will help you choose the most suitable option for your skin’s needs.
Professional Support for Autumn Skin
While at-home skincare forms the foundation of healthy skin, some treatments performed by professionals can enhance the results and target deeper concerns. Autumn is an ideal time to consider these options, as reduced sun exposure lowers the risk of post-treatment sensitivity.
If you would like to explore these treatments, they are available at Injector Maya in High Wycombe, carried out by a qualified aesthetics practitioner.
