Top 5 Ways To Transition Your Skin From Summer to Autumn

The Australian Summer has come to an end and whilst we sit back to watch as nature around us changes from a verdant green to vibrant and lively hues of red and orange, it is important to remember that as Australian seasons change, so too does our skin. Whilst it is widely agreed upon that factors like sun exposure levels and temperature shifts can affect the needs of our skin, it is difficult to pinpoint the necessary steps one must take to prepare for these changes. We've done the heavy lifting for you and assembled a list of the best tips and k-beauty products to help you prepare your skin this Autumn. 

1. Maintain moisture 

As temperatures and humidity start to drop, our skin finds it more and more difficult to retain levels of hydration that help to protect and maintain a healthy skin barrier. A disrupted skin barrier can lead to irritation and inflammation - both of which we don't want. To help maintain moisture, you'll want to transition away from lighter lotions towards heavier creams like the COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream 100g. This cream-based moisturiser features a combination of classic skincare ingredients like Hyaluronic acid as well as natural additions like Sea Buckthorn oil that helps to nourish and repair skin cells.

Some other great options include the Egg Mellow Cream 100g that functions as an all-in-one anti-aging creamy moisturiser, further enriched by the inclusion of yolk and egg white extracts that deliver nutrition and additional hydration to your skin.

Another amazing creamy moisturiser is the Curel Intensive Moisture Cream 40g, specifically designed for sensitive, dry skin this moisturiser offers soothing hydration and protection from dry skin. It's an award winning bestseller, colourant and alcohol free making it a must try on this list. 

The final recommendation for moisturisers is the Bio Intense Glutathione White Cream 50g, this product ideal for treating blemishes and freckles that you may have carried over from the Summer. The inclusion of 5 different peptides ensures that your skin remains hydrated and nourished. 

2. SPF is still essential 

Despite the common misconception that the increased cloud cover during the Autumn and Winter months may be enough to protect your skin, this is simply not the case and experts around the world continue to recommend wearing sunscreen year-round. My personal recommendation and the 3rd place winner at the 2022 Olive Young K-Beauty Awards in the sunscreen category, is the Cell Fusion C Laser Sunscreen 100 SPF50+ / PA+++ 50ml.

This hypoallergenic sunscreen minimises irritation during application whilst maximising UV ray protection with its core Zinc Oxide ingredient, it is the perfect product even for those with sensitive skin. 

If you're after an option that is 100% mineral based, leaves no white cast and is skin irritation tested, then the Skin Essentials Aqua Soothing UV Protector SPF 50+ PA++++ 50ml from Rovectin is the perfect product for you to try. 

Another great sunscreen for Autumn is the Medi-peel Active Silky Sun Cream 50ml, its main features include a lightweight formulation that feels silky to the touch as well as a powerful water shielding effect that helps it stay resistant to sweat. 

3. Ready up the retinol

Also known as Vitamin A, retinol is a popular skincare ingredient that plays a key role in reducing signs of ageing and sun-damage by promoting skin cell turnover. This is the perfect skincare ingredient to start incorporating into your routines in order to combat any hyperpigmentation or sun-damage that you may have sustained throughout the Summer. The Retinol 0.5 Oil 20ml is packed with pure retinol and is a great way to experience the benefits of retinol for yourself. 

If you're after the a product that offers the benefits of retinol but with a formula that is specifically designed for the sensitive eye area, the Revive Eye Serum : Ginseng + Retinal 30ml is the perfect product for you. It even contains a Ginseng root extract that helps to moisturise and nourish the skin. 

Whilst there are common concerns about the use of retinol and sun sensitivity, this is the perfect opportunity to combine our tips and incorporate both a sunscreen and retinol based product into your routine.

If retinol still isn't for you, the Neogen Real Bakuchiol Firming Serum 30ml is a great Bakuchiol-based alternative that offers the same great anti-ageing properties whilst minimising irritation. 

To learn more about the benefits and common concerns about the use of retinol, and how to choose specific retinol products for your skin type, take a look at our blog post on the topic here. 

4. Soothe with Niacinamide 

If you're carrying some skin damage and irritation with you into Autumn this year and looking for the perfect way to soothe and calm your irritated skin, look no further than Niacinamide and its collagen boosting properties. This ingredient even helps to regulate sebum production, so you'll see improvements in skin complexion and texture. It is also the perfect ingredient to use alongside the aforementioned retinol to offset some of the dryness and sensitivity that are a common concern amongst users. 

The Glow Serum : Propolis + Niacinamide 30ml by the Beauty of Joseon is a great option to hydrate any inflamed skin, and its cruelty and fragrance free! This product features a unique, honey-like consistency that helps to lock in moisture whilst not being sticky, which is perfect for the Autumn months. 

If you're after a higher concentration of niacinamide that retains a light and fresh texture, look no further than the RNW - Der Concentrate Niacinamide Plus 30ml. This formulation helps to further brighten up your complexion whilst also ensuring it can be easily absorbed and is safe for all skin types. 

For those struggling with a damaged or compromised skin barrier after Summer, the AXIS-Y - Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum 50ml is a popular spot treatment that is perfect for you. It combines the brightening effects of niacinamide with the healing properties of Calendula to promote the recovery of your skin. 

To discover why Niacinamide is such a popular product and the perfect ingredient for all skin types, check our our blog about 'Why you should include Niacinamide in your skincare routine'. 

5. Change up your cleansers 

The Summer months can lead to a build up of dead cells and impurities like dirt and oils that should be regulated through the use of cleansers in order to improve your complexion and skin health. However, due to the drier conditions of Autumn and Winter, common cleansers that contain ingredients like Salicylic acid may actually dry the natural oils of the skin and increase irritation. 

Gentle and creamy-based cleansers are a good alternative and the Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser 150ml by COSRX is a great option. It features tea-tree oils that control oily skin and shrink pore size, as well as citric acid to deeply cleanse your skin of impurities. 

The Egg-Zyme Whipped Foam 150g is a fun egg-enzyme based, rich and creamy cleanser that is exactly what we're looking for when transitioning to cleansers that hydrate your skin during the drier conditions of Autumn and Winter. 

If you're after an option from one of the most trusted brands in K-beauty, look no further than the Algo-Tox Deep Clear 150ml with it's patented sebum controlling ingredients that also moisturise your skin at the same time! This product is suitable for normal, oily and combination skin types and is for those who are after a deep cleanse this season. 

By incorporating these five tips into your pre-existing skincare routines, you can most effectively prepare to transitions your skin into the Autumn and Winter months, ensuring that your skin not only looks great but feels amazing too. With all these products and recommendations available at our La Cosmetique stores and website, you'll be sure to find something that's right for you!