Autumn beauty essentials: How to care for your skin and hair this season

The change in season can bring challenges for your skin and hair. Picture: Freepik

The change in season can bring challenges for your skin and hair. Picture: Freepik

Published Mar 16, 2025

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By now you might have noticed that the mornings are cooler and the days have become shorter. 

There’s no doubt that autumn is in the air and we can slowly start preparing ourselves for the winter months ahead. 

The change in season can bring challenges for your skin and hair. 

The cooler temperatures and lower humidity can leave your skin feeling dry, dull, and irritated, while your hair may become brittle and lifeless. 

But with a few simple adjustments to your beauty routine, you can embrace the season with glowing skin and healthy hair. 

Here are some essential beauty tips for autumn.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

As the humidity drops, your skin loses moisture more quickly. 

Swap out lightweight summer moisturisers for richer, cream-based formulas that provide deep hydration. 

Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides, which help lock in moisture and repair the skin barrier.

Don’t forget to hydrate from within!

Drink plenty of water and incorporate hydrating foods like cucumbers, oranges, and soups into your diet.

Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated. Picture: Ron Lach/ Pexels

Exfoliate gently

Exfoliation is key to removing dead skin cells and allowing your moisturisers to penetrate more effectively. 

However, avoid harsh scrubs that can strip your skin of its natural oils. 

Opt for gentle chemical exfoliants like lactic acid or fruit enzymes, which slough away dead skin without causing irritation.

Switch to a nourishing cleanser

The foaming cleanser you used in summer might be too drying for autumn. 

Switch to a creamy or oil-based cleanser that cleanses without stripping your skin of its natural oils. 

This will help maintain your skin’s moisture balance and prevent tightness or flakiness.

Switch to a creamy or oil-based cleanser. Picture: Ron Lach /Pexels

Protect your skin with SPF

Just because summer is over doesn’t mean you can skip sunscreen. 

UV rays can still damage your skin, even on cloudy days. 

Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily to protect your skin from premature aging and sun damage.

Pamper your lips

Chapped lips are a common autumn woe.

Keep them soft and smooth by using a hydrating lip balm with ingredients like shea butter, beeswax, or vitamin E.

For extra care, exfoliate your lips once a week with a gentle lip scrub.

Apply a thick layer of balm before bed to wake up with supple lips.

Exfoliate your lips once a week with a gentle lip scrub. Picture: Polina / Pexels

Boost your skincare with antioxidants

Autumn is the perfect time to introduce antioxidants like vitamin C into your routine.

These powerhouse ingredients protect your skin from environmental stressors, brighten your complexion, and boost collagen production.

Look for serums or moisturisers infused with vitamin C, green tea, or niacinamide.

Transition your makeup

As the seasons change, so should your makeup. 

Swap out bright, bold summer shades for warm, earthy tones like burnt orange, deep red, and golden brown. 

Cream-based blushes and highlighters work beautifully in autumn, giving your skin a natural, dewy glow.

Use a hydrating primer to create a smooth base and prevent your makeup from settling into dry patches.

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Give your hair some TLC

The cooler weather can leave your hair dry and prone to breakage. 

Deep condition your hair once a week to restore moisture and shine.

Look for masks with nourishing ingredients like argan oil, coconut oil, or shea butter.

Avoid washing your hair every day, as this can strip it of its natural oils. 

Use a sulfate-free shampoo to maintain hydration.

Washing your hair with sulphate-free shampoo. Picture: Freepik

Adjust your diet for glowing skin

What you eat reflects on your skin.

Incorporate seasonal fruits and vegetables like pumpkins, sweet potatoes, and apples into your meals. 

These are rich in vitamins A and C, which promote healthy skin and hair.

Don’t forget your hands and cuticles

Your hands are often exposed to the elements and can quickly become dry and cracked. 

Keep a nourishing hand cream in your bag and apply it throughout the day. 

Don’t forget to massage cuticle oil into your nails to keep them healthy and strong.

IOL Lifestyle