Autumn is upon us - so it's time to switch up your skincare routine. Read on to find out why, and what you can do to protect your skin as the temperature drops and winter approaches.
How does autumn affect the skin?
Autumn is a season of change, and as temperatures drop and humidity levels decrease, you might see it in your skin with dryness, sensitivity, and dullness. As we experience cooler temperatures outside and dry heating indoors, natural oils can be stripped away from your skin - leading to flaky patches and irritation. On top of this, UV exposure in the summer might also have left lingering effects such as dark spots or fine lines.
Great! But all is not lost. A few tweaks to your routine, and your skin will be glowing once more!
Establishing an autumn skincare routine
So you’ve noticed some changes to your skin since the summer ended. Here’s what to do:
Switch up your moisturiser
Now’s the time to swap lightweight summer lotions for richer, oil-based moisturisers that will create a protective barrier and lock in moisture. Look for ingredients like shea butter to help restore and maintain your skin’s hydration while repairing any damage caused by sun exposure.
For cleansing, we recommend: Eco Warrior All Over Body Bar, made with shea butter for deep hydration and fragranced with Lavender, Sweet Orange and May Chang essential oils for a relaxing and rejuvenating clean.
Clean your makeup brushes
As the weather changes, so does the skin’s texture and susceptibility to spots. Did you know that one major culprit behind unexpected autumn breakouts can actually be dirty makeup brushes and sponges?
Unclean brushes can be a breeding ground for bacteria - yuk! But did you also know that it’s super easy to clean your brushes? In fact, you can use our very own Unperfumed Pure Olive Oil Soap Bar for this - simply rub your brushes over the bar, then rinse. Easy peasy!
Gently exfoliate the skin
Flaky skin can be a real problem as the weather changes, so if you’re not already, you need to make gentle exfoliation part of your new skincare routine.
But go easy here - use gentle ingredients that won’t irritate the skin, and don’t overdo it. Once or twice a week is usually enough to get the skin glowing and bright.
We recommend: Eco Warrior Body Scrub Bar - a gorgeous all-over soap bar made with Citrus Essential Oils and blended with oatmeal to help calm and reduce inflammation.
Don’t skip the SPF
Just because the weather is (suddenly!) a lot cooler, doesn’t mean you don’t still need protection against harmful UV rays. Even in autumn, the sun can still damage your skin, so make sure to wear a broad-spectrum SPF every day to protect against UVA and UVB rays.
Incorporate natural ingredients into your skincare
Incorporating natural ingredients into your skincare can be a soothing and effective approach to keeping your skin radiant during autumn.
Here are our favourite fall-friendly natural ingredients:
- Pumpkin Seed Oil: Rich in vitamins A and E, pumpkin seed oil can help maintain skin elasticity and reduce signs of ageing. It also provides a dose of fatty acids that keep the skin hydrated.
- Oatmeal: This humble ingredient is perfect for calming irritated, dry skin. Use a DIY oatmeal mask or opt for a gentle cleanser with colloidal oatmeal to reduce inflammation and soothe itchiness. Check out our Organic Unperfumed Bar Soap with Oatmeal for Sensitive Skin - a tried and tested favourite first launched in 2010, and still a best-seller thanks to its hydrating properties.
- Honey: Known for its antibacterial and moisturising properties, honey is a powerhouse ingredient. It helps lock in moisture while providing a gentle exfoliation, leaving the skin smooth and refreshed.
- Coconut oil: It’s deeply hydrating, with anti-inflammatory properties and protection against oxidants. The perfect addition to your autumn skincare routine! Check out our Organic Orange Blossom Bar Soap, made with coconut oil, for an indulgent and deeply relaxing cleanse.
- Avocado oil: This is a great ingredient to look for in your skincare products for autumn - it’s so nourishing and great for sensitive skin. Check out our Unperfumed Avocado Soap Bar for Sensitive Skin.