Autumn; what’s the big deal?!

Summer’s over. The days are getting shorter, the evenings cooler; social media is already plastered with boots, pumpkin spice vibes, chunky knits, and leaf-peeping galore. And yes, there’s something cosy about that. But can we also just breathe for a minute and talk about why autumn isn’t just aesthetic fluff? Why sometimes it’s exactly what our skin (and our minds) need.

The exhaustion of “making the most of summer”

From May through August, there’s this pressure (internal, external, digital) to squeeze everything out of summer: Beach days, BBQs, holidays, sun-kissed skin, glow, tan, tan, tan, festival looks, minimal clothes, sweat, sun cream battles. Followed by the obligatory posts, stories, the “best summer ever” photos.

It’s lovely but ultimately, exhausting. And by the time autumn rolls in, many of us are running on fumes. Skin is tired. Mind is overloaded. There’s only so long you can project the sun-kissed glow before you start burning out.

Why your skin really needs a break

Here are a few reasons why autumn isn’t just the sequel to summer but restorative; essential even.

UV & sun damage repair

Even when the sun isn’t blazing, your skin’s been through a lot. UV exposure builds up damage: pigmentation, weak elasticity, inflammation. Autumn, with its gentler light gives some breathing room, means your skin can start repairing without the constant onslaught.

Over-exfoliation and moisture loss

Summer often means more exfoliation: scrubs, acids, peels, chlorine, salt water, sweat. Add to that central heating or sudden cold nights, and the moisture barrier will always be compromised. Autumn is the time to put a pause on the harsh stuff, restore the barrier and rehydrate.

Less stimulation = more clarity

It’s not just physical. The constant activity, sun, heat, late nights - for some skin conditions (rosacea, acne, sensitivity), all of that peaks in summer. The cooler, calmer autumn allows for resetting. Less inflammation, less “on edge”.

Resetting routines

We often push summer routines beyond what our skin can sustain. Autumn invites more mindfulness: adjusting to cooler temps, switching products (think richer instead of lighter when it comes to moisturisers for example), getting back to basics. It’s a chance to listen to what our skin is actually asking for instead of forcing what worked in July.

So how do we welcome autumn in a skin-loving way?

Here are a few gentle suggestions to let your skin (and yourself) enjoy this season and not just endure it with some pretty pumpkins on the mantle.

Switch moisturisers: Start favouring creamier or oil-rich formulas as nights cool. Think: barrier support.

Tone down strong actives: Retinoids, strong acids should maybe be an ‘every other night’ thing now. Let your skin catch up.

Hydration & lipid repair: Oils, serums with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, maybe a calming mask once a week.

SPF every day: Even if the sun is less obvious. UVA still sneaks through autumn clouds - don’t be caught out by the grey skies!

Gentle exfoliation: Perhaps shift from physical scrubs to mild chemical exfoliants; only when skin looks dull, not as a daily ritual.

Mind the internal stuff: Sleep, hydration, temperature swings, indoor heating all affect your skin’s stress levels just as much as creams do.

Consider a skin booster: Autumn is a perfect time to invest in treatments that support deep repair. Polynucleotides help rejuvenate the skin at a cellular level, improving texture, elasticity, and healing after months of UV exposure. Profhilo, often called a “hydration hero,” floods the skin with hyaluronic acid, restoring bounce and radiance while strengthening the skin barrier ahead of colder months. Both can give your skin a real head start for winter. Think of them as next-level nourishment.

Autumn isn’t the villain, it’s the healer

So yes, I get it, there are gorgeous parts of autumn. The colours, the textures, the slower pace. But for many of us, we don’t need another “decorate for autumn / autumn activities for 2025” campaign. We need permission to rest. To repair. To shift gears.

Your skin has earned that pause. Let autumn be more than just an “Insta aesthetic," let it be your reset season.

Here’s to cooler days, slower rhythms, and skin that glows from recovery, not just from the sun.

With love & deep hydration,

Sarah 🍂