How to reinvent your skincare for autumn

As any therapist will tell you, our skin needs different things at different times of the year. In the summer it might be about gentle exfoliation, lighter moisturisers and plenty of sunscreen; in the autumn we may need slightly richer, more nourishing ingredients to counter the changing temperatures, the wind and rain as well as reduced vitamin D levels. Here are some of the top spa suggestions for reinventing skincare for the autumn.

Cleansing is key to healthy skin

Removing debris from the skin’s natural cell turnover to help serums and moisturisers penetrate the skin, as well as increasing blood flow to the skin which helps eliminate toxins, cleansing is the foundation of healthy skin. That's not the same as stripping the skin dry however by using astringent products. Cleanse well, efficiently and gently before you move onto toning and moisturising. We love cleansing milks, creams, oils and balms the best.

Stick to a regular skincare routine

You can't go wrong with a good cleanser, tone and moisturise routine. There's a reason this three step process has stood the test of time. However, you can also choose to add extra layers into the process. For example, some recommend adding hyaluronic acid to help hold moisture.

Protect from the elements

With the increasing wind and rain as well as temperature changes as you go from the outside in, it's important to protect your skin as the seasons change. Moisturisers and balms don't just moisturise the skin but also help to lock in hydration and protect the skin from moisture loss. The message here - invest in a good moisturiser - it doesn't have to be expensive, but definitely aim for quality ingredients.

Exfoliate gently

Exfoliating is something that can be part of our regular skincare routines, but it's important to keep it gentle. There's some debate as to how often we should exfoliate, but generally the advice seems to be no more than once a week - you may feel differently depending on your skin type. Just remember to nourish properly afterwards.

Treat your skin

It's also important to enjoy your skincare, whether that means experimenting to find the right products to suit you, or enjoying extra treatments to supercharge your skin and wellbeing. Head to a thermal suite to stimulate blood flow and really let nourishing products penetrate the skin. You can also book a massage, body wrap or facial to give skin an extra boost.

Incorporate aromatherapy to boost your mood

How we look on the outside is impacted by how we feel - and much of that is about our emotional wellbeing. Skincare is a great way to incorporate aromatherapy into everyday, whether it's adding a few drops of oil to our body moisturiser or keeping a diffuser close by while we go about our skincare routine. Stimulating the olfactory system is one of the best and fastest ways to influence our mood, and the darker days can have an effect on how we feel.

Keep using sunscreen

Even though the sun isn't shining quite so visibly, it's important to keep using sunscreen as part of your everyday skincare routine. Our skin can be damaged by UV rays all year round, so opting for a light, mineral-based SPF that breathes and will sit well under make-up or on bare skin is essential for healthy looking skin.

Support your skin from the inside out

Of course, we all know that skin health isn't just about what we put on it, but how we nourish it from the inside. Eating plenty of seasonal foods that nourish the mind and body is a good way to keep us feeling generally good as well as giving our skin what it needs to feel its best throughout the winter. Drink plenty of water, and eat lots of delicious seasonal ingredients such as stews and soups with squashes, like butternut and pumpkin that are great for cell renewal and collagen production.