Revamping our wardrobes, changing our diets and updating social calendars, we are officially in the season of transition. 

Autumn also provides the perfect time to switch up your beauty, from autumn make-up looks to on-season hair colours. But there’s one part of your beauty routine that shouldn’t be overlooked: your skincare.

The arrival of the colder months brings various challenges to your skin. Temperature drops, icy cold winds and artificial air from heaters can cause the skin to feel more sensitive and dry, and your complexion may feel dull, too. That’s why dermatologists have already started winter-proofing their skin.

We spoke to the skin experts to discover the skincare swaps to make and the products to use to uncover your best winter skin, maintain your glow, and reveal a radiant complexion. Here are five skincare hacks you need to know. 

“Autumn and winter skincare routines should change to accommodate seasonal weather and skin changes; often, this includes adding richer products,” says Dr Maryam Zamani, a leading oculoplastic surgeon, facial aesthetics doctor and founder of MZ Skin. Opting for thicker formulas will enable your skin to hold on to that much-needed moisture for longer.

Dr Catriona Maybury, consultant dermatologist at Dermatica, recommends moisturising regularly with a gentle formula and applying when your skin is damp to lock in hydration. 

“Masks are an essential component of winter skincare routines as constant changes in temperature with harsh winter winds and indoor heating can have a drying effect on the skin” says Dr Zamani. 

She recommends using a hydrating mask containing hyaluronic acid weekly to boost hydration and restore brightness to the complexion. 

“Dead skin from the summer months should be cleared to provide the foundation to enhance the skin and repair damage caused by UVA and UVB rays,” Dr Zamani explains. This makes the colder months a perfect time to include a resurfacing ingredient like retinol in your routine. “[Retinol] will gently refine the skin and stimulate cell turnover to help reverse the damage caused by the summer sun, resulting in healthy, refreshed and glowing skin”. 

Dry skin is a tell-tale sign that your skin barrier is damaged. Aesthetic doctor and dermatologist Dr Dev Patel explains that “the right ingredients, without harsh associated inactives, will rebalance the skin environment and thus provide a healthier and calmer skin barrier”. Opting for barrier-boosting skincare will strengthen your skin’s barrier, allowing it to stand up to aggressors and maintain much-needed moisture.

Rest assured, your glowing skin goals are still within reach even in the winter months. Vitamin C is a winter skincare hero that is often overlooked. Its antioxidant-rich properties strengthen your skin to stand up to environmental stresses while encouraging collagen production to allow your skin to hold on to much-needed moisturiser. 

Dr Zamani agrees, and recognises antioxidant ingredients as a year-round essential for your skin. “Treatments with vitamin C and other antioxidant ingredients will help diminish the appearance of pigmentation and promote collagen production.” 

Images: Stylist Loves; courtesy of brands