5 STEPS TO YOUR AUTUMN GLOW UP

I don’t want to alarm you, but…it’s officially that time of year again. The mornings are darker, bare ankles are starting to feel a bit optimistic, and your skin? Well, it’s definitely not thriving like it was back in July.

Autumn brings crisp air, cosy layers… and a whole new set of challenges for your skin. Gone is the summer humidity that gave us that effortless glow – now we’re dealing with drier air, central heating, and a dullness that no highlighter can fix.

As the seasons shift, so should your skincare. This is the time to recalibrate your routine. Think of it as a seasonal skincare reset: richer textures, deeper hydration, and ingredients that support your barrier through the colder months ahead.

This is your no-fuss, realistic guide to giving your skincare routine a mini autumn glow-up. The goal is to restore and maintain skin barrier function and enhance hydration levels. We’re talking small swaps, smart layering, and products that actually do something – no £95 face mists or 10-step routines required.

So pop the kettle on, light a candle, and let’s get your skin cosy-season ready… ✨

PS: remember when shopping on Look Fantastic to use code THISISMOTHERSHIP for a cheeky discount

YOUR AUTUMN GLOW UP ROUTINE:

Switch up your cleanser: In colder months, the skin’s natural lipid barrier becomes more vulnerable due to the drying effects of low humidity and temperature fluctuations (central heating, our bodies love you, our skin less so).

Opt for hydrating cleansers that don’t strip your skin barrier. Cream or oil-based formulas are ideal to ensure hydration is locked in from the first step.

WE LIKE: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser: rich in ceramides and hyaluronic acid, helping replenish and protect the skin barrier. // Medik8 Lipid Balance Cleansing Oil my absolute favourite cleansing oil; removes every scrap of everything and leaves skin plump and glowy. // Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm: the OG. This award-winning 3-in-1 cleansing balm turns cleansing into a luxury rather than a chore; the transformative balm-to-oil texture nourishes skin, melts away makeup and hydrates. Heavenly.

Chemical exfoliation over physical for gentle resurfacing: Autumn can bring dullness to the skin, so adding gentle exfoliation can help brighten it. Since skin is more sensitive during this time, opt for a non-abrasive chemical exfoliant with AHA/BHA that provides gentle resurfacing, such as lactic acid or glycolic acid for gentle exfoliation. AHAs not only slough off dead skin but also increase skin hydration by binding moisture to the skin. Use 2-3x a week.

WE LIKE: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution : an affordable option with glycolic acid that helps exfoliate and hydrate the skin, giving it a smoother texture. // Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant: ideal for those with larger pores or occasional breakouts, it gently exfoliates and unclogs pores while calming redness. // First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads: gentle enough for sensitive skins and designed for daily use, a blend of glycolic and lactic acids smooth skin and give you back your glow.

Target issues with serums: As autumn brings cooler, drier weather, make sure your serum addresses skin changes that come with it. Autumn skin can be more prone to sensitivity, oxidative stress, dryness which all combine to the loss of elasticity. Peptides help firm and plump the skin by stimulating collagen and elastin synthesis, Vitamin C is great for brightening and niacinamide for calming and strengthening your skin barrier. If dryness is a conccern, squalane or hyaluronic acid are both amazing hydrators.

WE LIKE: Medik8 Liquid Peptides: a powerful serum that combines a 30% peptide complex with a drone delivery system for the best skin penetration // The Ordinary Multi Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% : affordable, well-formulated, and ideal for strengthening and rejuvenating the skin in colder weather // Drunk Elephant Amino Rain Serum: this lightweight serum has amino acids and four types of hyaluronic acid to hydrate, visibly plump skin plus glazes skin in a radiant finish. // Skin Rocks The Antioxidant: a highly stable, absorbable form of vitamin C it helps strengthen skin and even it’s tone.

Switch your moisturiser: Look for thick creams or oils that are packed with fatty acids, antioxidants, and oils to lock moisture in. Ceramides, shea butter, squalane and jojoba oil are perfect. They help mimic your skins natural lipids, repairing your skin barrier, effectively sealing in moisture.

WE LIKE: Medik8 Pro-Collagen+ Peptide Cream: increase collagen production by 45% and results are visible in 7 days. A powerhouse product. // The Inkey List Bio-Active Ceramide Moisturiser: targets multiple visible signs of skin ageing, while simultaneously delivering a rich boost of hydration, for under £15. // Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream: a rich and replenishing cream packed with probiotics for a soothing effect, ideal for redness or sensitive skin. One the whole family can use.

SPF, yes still: You know the saying, summer bodies are made in winter? Kind of the same here for your skin. Just because it’s autumn doesn’t mean you can skip sunscreen. UV rays still affect your skin, so make sure you’re wearing SPF daily to prevent skin damage and pigmentation. During the colder months, adjust the formulation to a lighter texture but still with full-spectrum protection.

WE LIKE: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-Dark Spot Fluid: a high-protection sunscreen with a lightweight texture that is great for erasing summers left-over pigmentation.