Dr Bernard Ho

Skin does not simply ‘reset’ after summer, because the effects of UV exposure build up over time, so the most important step in autumn is to keep using a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, both to protect your skin and to reduce visible signs of ageing, as UVA is present year-round. Alongside that, a gentle routine that supports the skin barrier, with a retinol or retinoid introduced slowly if your skin tolerates it, has the best evidence for helping sun-exposed skin. Autumn is also a good time to check your skin for any new or changing moles or patches and to see a healthcare professional about anything that concerns you.

The skin barrier is a real, measurable structure, made up largely of ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids in the skin’s outer layer, and well-formulated products can genuinely help it function better. The issue is that words such as ‘repair’ and ‘strengthen’ are sometimes used as marketing language without supporting evidence. A credible barrier claim should be backed by measurements such as reduced water loss from the skin, ideally over several weeks of use, so it is worth choosing brands that are open about how they tested their claims.

For dry or eczema-prone skin, richer products in autumn are often helpful, but for oily, acne-prone or rosacea-prone skin, heavier creams can sometimes contribute to flare-ups, and rich, layered routines have been linked with perioral dermatitis. The aim is to match the product to your skin type rather than simply reaching for something ‘thicker’ as the weather turns. In any season, introducing several new products at once also increases the risk of irritation or an allergic reaction, so it is best to make one change at a time.