Hello, everyone!
Happy first day of autumn! As of today, 22nd September 2025, we’ve officially transitioned into the cosy, crisp season of falling leaves and pumpkin-spiced everything. While autumn brings a magical shift in nature, it also signals a time to tweak our skincare and haircare routines to keep our skin radiant and our locks healthy. The cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and blustery winds can take a toll on our skin and hair, so I’m thrilled to share my top tips for maintaining that autumn glow. Whether you’re sipping a hot chai latte or strolling through a carpet of golden leaves, these tips will help you look and feel your best this season. Let’s dive in!
Skincare Tips for Autumn
As summer fades, the drop in humidity and cooler air can leave your skin feeling dry, tight, or even flaky. Autumn is all about transitioning your skincare routine to focus on hydration, protection, and repair. Here’s how to keep your skin glowing through the season.
1. Switch to a Creamier Cleanser
In summer, lightweight, gel-based cleansers are perfect for cutting through sweat and oil. But autumn calls for something gentler to avoid stripping your skin of its natural oils. Opt for a creamy or oil-based cleanser that cleans without leaving your skin feeling parched. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or aloe vera to soothe and hydrate while cleansing.
Tip: If you’re prone to sensitivity, avoid cleansers with harsh sulphates. A gentle cleanser used morning and night sets the stage for a hydrated complexion.
2. Layer on the Hydration
Autumn’s lower humidity can sap moisture from your skin, so it’s time to bring out the big guns: rich moisturisers and hydrating serums. Hyaluronic acid is a must-have for locking in moisture, while ingredients like glycerin and squalane help reinforce your skin’s barrier. If your skin feels particularly dry, consider adding a facial oil as the final step in your routine to seal in hydration.
For an extra boost, try incorporating a weekly hydrating mask. Sheet masks infused with aloe, chamomile, or rose water are perfect for soothing skin irritated by chilly winds.
Pro Tip: Apply your moisturiser or facial oil to slightly damp skin after cleansing to trap moisture effectively.
3. Don’t Skip the SPF
Just because the sun isn’t blazing doesn’t mean you can ditch the sunscreen. UV rays are still present, even on cloudy autumn days, and they can cause premature ageing and damage. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, and if you’re spending time outdoors, reapply every two hours. For a lightweight option, try a moisturiser with built-in SPF to streamline your routine.
4. Exfoliate Wisely
With dead skin cells accumulating more in cooler weather, gentle exfoliation is key to maintaining a smooth complexion. However, over-exfoliating can weaken your skin barrier, especially in autumn. Stick to exfoliating 1–2 times a week with a chemical exfoliant containing lactic acid or a mild enzyme-based scrub. These are gentler than physical scrubs and help slough off dead skin without irritation.
Note: If your skin feels sensitive, scale back to once a week and follow with a nourishing mask or moisturiser.
5. Combat Dry Lips and Hands
Autumn’s chilly air can leave lips chapped and hands cracked. Keep a lip balm withinyour bag for on-the-go hydration. For an overnight treat, slather on a thick layer of lip mask before bed.
For your hands, invest in a rich hand cream with ingredients like shea butter or almond oil. Apply after washing your hands to lock in moisture, and don’t forget your cuticles—massage in a drop of cuticle oil to keep them soft.
6. Humidify Your Space
Indoor heating can be just as drying as outdoor air. A humidifier in your bedroom or living space adds moisture to the air, helping your skin stay hydrated while you sleep. For an extra touch of luxury, add a few drops of lavender or eucalyptus essential oil to your humidifier for a calming autumn vibe.
Haircare Tips for Autumn
Your hair also needs some TLC as the seasons change. Autumn’s cooler, drier air can lead to frizz, static, and brittle strands. Here’s how to keep your locks looking lush and healthy.
1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Just like your skin, your hair craves moisture in autumn. Swap out lightweight shampoos and conditioners for more nourishing formulas. Look for products with ingredients like argan oil, shea butter, or coconut oil to restore moisture and shine. If your scalp feels dry or flaky, try a shampoo with tea tree oil or aloe vera to soothe irritation.
Tip: Use a leave-in conditioner or hair oil on your ends to combat dryness and prevent split ends.
2. Dial Back on Heat Styling
Autumn is the perfect time to give your hair a break from heat styling, which can exacerbate dryness. Embrace air-drying or low-heat styling techniques, like braiding damp hair for soft waves. If you must use a hairdryer or straightener, always apply a heat protectant spray to shield your strands.
3. Deep Condition Weekly
A weekly deep conditioning treatment can work wonders for autumn hair. Look for a mask with keratin, avocado oil, or honey to repair and hydrate. Apply it after shampooing, leave it on for 10–20 minutes (or longer if you have time), and rinse thoroughly. For extra dry or damaged hair, consider an overnight treatment by applying a mask and wrapping your hair in a silk scarf before bed.
Pro Tip: Warm your hair mask slightly before applying for better penetration.
4. Protect Your Hair from the Elements
Windy autumn days can tangle and roughen your hair’s cuticle, leading to frizz and breakage. Protect your locks by wearing a loose hat or scarf when outdoors. Satin-lined hats are ideal, as they reduce friction and static. If you’re not a hat person, try pulling your hair into a loose bun or braid to minimise exposure.
5. Trim Regularly
Split ends can worsen in autumn due to dryness, so book a trim every 6–8 weeks to keep your hair looking healthy. Even a light dusting (trimming just the very ends) can make a big difference in preventing breakage and maintaining shine.
6. Switch to Satin
Cotton pillowcases can absorb moisture from your hair and cause friction, leading to frizz and breakage. Switch to a satin pillowcase to keep your hair smooth and hydrated while you sleep. Bonus: satin is also gentler on your skin, reducing the chance of sleep creases.
Lifestyle Tips for an Autumn Glow
Skincare and haircare go beyond products—your lifestyle plays a huge role in how your skin and hair look and feel. Here are a few extra tips to enhance your autumn beauty routine:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and herbal teas to keep your skin and hair hydrated from within. Warm drinks like chamomile or peppermint tea are perfect for autumn.
- Eat Seasonally: Incorporate autumn foods like pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and apples, which are rich in vitamins A and C for healthy skin and hair.
- Get Moving: Exercise boosts circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to your skin and scalp. A brisk autumn walk is both refreshing and beautifying.
- Sleep Well: Aim for 7–8 hours of sleep to give your skin time to repair and regenerate.
Final Thoughts
Autumn is a season of transformation, and your beauty routine should reflect that. By focusing on hydration, protection, and gentle care, you can keep your skin glowing and your hair shining all season long. Whether it’s swapping to a richer moisturiser, indulging in a weekly hair mask, or simply sipping a warm cuppa by a humidifier, these small changes can make a big difference.
Here at Cosette’s Beauty Pantry, I’m all about embracing each season with confidence and care. I hope these tips inspire you to pamper yourself this autumn and step into the season with a radiant glow.
What’s your favourite autumn skincare or haircare tip? Share your go-to products or routines in the comments below—I’d love to hear how you’re prepping for the season!
Talk to you soon,
