Does Your Skincare Routine Need to Change in Autumn?

As summer comes to an end and temperatures begin to fall, you may notice that your skin starts to behave differently. It can feel drier or tighter, become more sensitive, or simply lose some of the hydration and glow it seemed to have during warmer weather.

So, should you change your skincare routine in autumn?

For many people, yes, but that doesn't mean replacing every product on your bathroom shelf.

The transition into autumn is a useful time to reassess what your skin needs. Cooler temperatures, lower humidity and increased exposure to indoor heating can all affect the way skin retains moisture. At the same time, autumn is often when we start thinking about concerns that became more noticeable over summer, including pigmentation, uneven skin tone and sun damage.

The aim isn't to create an entirely new routine. It is to make considered changes that support your skin as the season changes.

Why can skin become drier in autumn?

Skin naturally acts as a barrier between the body and the outside environment. Changes in temperature and humidity can affect this barrier and increase moisture loss, which is why some people notice dryness, tightness, flaking or sensitivity as the weather becomes colder.

Central heating can add to the problem by creating a drier indoor environment.

If your lightweight summer skincare suddenly doesn't feel quite enough, your skin may simply need more support with hydration and barrier function.

Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and ceramides can be particularly useful because they support different aspects of skin hydration and barrier function.

For example, Tebiskin Hyal is formulated with high molecular weight hyaluronic acid to support surface hydration, while Tebiskin Cera-Boost is designed to replenish ceramides and reinforce the skin barrier. 

Should you change your moisturiser in autumn?

Not necessarily.

If your existing moisturiser still leaves your skin feeling comfortable throughout the day, there is no reason to change it simply because the calendar says September.

However, if your skin begins to feel tight shortly after cleansing, becomes dry during the day or needs more frequent moisturising, it may be time to introduce a more supportive formula.

You also don't necessarily need to jump straight from a lightweight moisturiser to a very rich cream. Tebiskin Idra, for example, combines hydrating and barrier-supportive ingredients while retaining a lightweight texture.

The best autumn moisturiser is therefore not automatically the richest one. It is the one appropriate for your skin type, barrier condition and current concerns.

Do you still need SPF in autumn and winter?

Yes. Daily sun protection remains important throughout autumn and winter.

Although UVB levels vary considerably with the seasons, UVA radiation is present throughout the year and contributes to photoageing and pigmentation.

That means putting away your SPF as soon as summer ends is not a particularly useful seasonal skincare change.

If pigmentation or sun damage is one of the concerns you're trying to address during autumn, consistent sun protection becomes even more relevant. Our online range includes dedicated SPF products as well as options such as Tebiskin UV-Sooth SPF 50+, formulated for sensitive and reactive skin.

What should you do about pigmentation after summer?

Autumn is often when pigmentation accumulated or intensified during summer becomes more noticeable.

Rather than immediately reaching for several strong products at once, start by identifying what you're actually trying to treat. Uneven tone, post-inflammatory pigmentation and other forms of hyperpigmentation do not necessarily respond to exactly the same skincare approach.

A good autumn routine should combine daily UV protection with carefully selected corrective skincare, while maintaining the health of the skin barrier.

This is particularly important if your skin already feels dry or sensitised after summer. More active does not always mean more effective.

Is autumn a good time to introduce active skincare?

It can be, but introduce active ingredients gradually.

After summer, it can be tempting to start using exfoliating acids, retinoids, brightening products and stronger serums all at once.

That's rarely necessary.

If your skin barrier is already compromised, introducing multiple active ingredients simultaneously can make it difficult to know which product is helping and which may be causing irritation.

Instead, build from the basics:

1. Cleanse without over-stripping the skin.
2. Maintain adequate hydration and barrier support.
3. Continue daily SPF.
4. Introduce targeted products according to your main skin concern.

That final point matters. A product designed for pigmentation is not automatically the right choice for someone whose priority is redness, congestion, dryness or skin ageing.

Should you change your cleanser when the weather gets colder?

Again, let your skin tell you.

If the cleanser you used throughout summer leaves your skin feeling clean but comfortable, you may not need to change anything.

If cleansing starts to leave your face feeling tight, dry or irritated, consider whether your cleanser is removing more than your skin currently tolerates.

For dry or sensitive skin, a gentler cleansing formulation may be more appropriate. The Dr Preema online shop includes options specifically selected for different skin types, including Tebiskin Sooth-Clean for sensitive or irritated skin and Tebiskin Rosagate Cleansing Milk for dry, sensitive and redness-prone skin.

For oilier or congestion-prone skin, the answer isn't necessarily to abandon clarifying skincare simply because it's autumn. Products such as Tebiskin OSK-Clean are formulated specifically for oily and blemish-prone skin. 

What is a good autumn skincare routine?

There isn't one universal autumn skincare routine, because your skin type and concerns should determine the products you use.

For most people, however, the foundations remain surprisingly simple:

Morning: gentle cleanse → targeted serum if required → moisturiser → broad-spectrum SPF.

Evening: cleanse → appropriate corrective or treatment product → moisturiser or barrier support.

From there, products can be selected according to concerns such as dehydration, pigmentation, sensitivity, redness, congestion, fine lines or loss of firmness.

The important point is that seasonal skincare should be an adjustment rather than an overhaul.

What ingredients should you look for in autumn skincare?

Rather than shopping according to the season alone, look for ingredients that correspond to what has actually changed in your skin.

Hyaluronic acid can help support hydration. Ceramides support the skin barrier. Antioxidants can form part of a routine designed to protect against environmental stressors. Exfoliating ingredients can help with texture and congestion when appropriately selected and tolerated. Targeted brightening ingredients may be useful when pigmentation is the priority.

And increasingly sophisticated skincare can go beyond these familiar ingredients. For example, our collection includes EXO|E daily serums, designed around hydration, skin recovery and barrier support, alongside established clinically focused ranges from Tebiskin, Revision Skincare, iS Clinical and SkinBetter Science.

The important thing is not to collect as many active ingredients as possible. A well-designed skincare routine gives each product a reason for being there.

The Dr Preema approach to autumn skincare

At Dr Preema London Clinic, skincare is selected according to the individual rather than simply following seasonal trends.

Autumn can be an excellent time to reassess your routine, particularly if your skin feels different after summer or you want to address concerns such as dehydration, sensitivity, pigmentation or changes in skin texture.

But sometimes the most effective change is a small one: a more appropriate cleanser, additional barrier support, a targeted serum or simply continuing to use your SPF when summer is over.

Shop our curated skincare collection online, with professional skincare selected by the team at Dr Preema London Clinic. Or chat with Dr Preema AI for personalised advice 24/7.

Autumn Skincare FAQs

Why does my skin get drier in autumn?

Cooler temperatures, lower humidity and increased exposure to indoor heating can contribute to moisture loss from the skin. As a result, skin may begin to feel drier, tighter, rougher or more sensitive during autumn. Supporting hydration and the skin barrier can help the skin adjust to seasonal changes.

Should I change my moisturiser in autumn?

Not necessarily. If your existing moisturiser keeps your skin comfortable and hydrated, there is no need to change it simply because the season has changed. If your skin becomes noticeably drier or tighter, however, you may benefit from additional hydration or a moisturiser with greater barrier support.

Do I still need to wear SPF in autumn and winter?

Yes. UVA radiation is present throughout the year and contributes to premature skin ageing and pigmentation. Daily broad-spectrum sun protection therefore remains an important part of a skincare routine during autumn and winter, not just during the summer months.

Is autumn a good time to treat pigmentation?

Autumn can be a useful time to address pigmentation that has become more noticeable following summer sun exposure. A pigmentation-focused skincare routine should still include daily sun protection, alongside appropriately selected corrective skincare. Different types of pigmentation may require different approaches, so persistent or changing pigmentation should be professionally assessed.

Should I use stronger active skincare in autumn?

Autumn can be a good time to reassess active skincare, but stronger does not necessarily mean better. Retinoids, exfoliating acids and targeted brightening ingredients should be introduced gradually and according to your skin's needs and tolerance, particularly if the skin is already dry or sensitised.

Should I change my cleanser when the weather gets colder?

Only if your skin needs it. If your cleanser begins to leave your skin feeling tight, dry or uncomfortable as the weather becomes colder, a gentler cleansing formula may be more appropriate. Oily or blemish-prone skin may still benefit from targeted cleansing throughout autumn and winter.

What ingredients are good for autumn skincare?

Useful autumn skincare ingredients depend on your individual skin concerns. Hyaluronic acid can support hydration, while ceramides help support the skin barrier. Antioxidants, targeted brightening ingredients and carefully selected exfoliating or corrective ingredients may also be appropriate for concerns such as pigmentation, uneven texture and signs of skin ageing.

What is the best autumn skincare routine?

There is no single autumn skincare routine that is right for everyone. A simple routine generally includes appropriate cleansing, hydration and daily broad-spectrum SPF, with targeted serums or treatment products added according to concerns such as dryness, sensitivity, pigmentation, congestion or skin ageing. Seasonal skincare should usually involve adjusting what your skin already needs rather than replacing your entire routine.

Written by the team at Dr Preema London Clinic

Medically Reviewed by Dr Preema Vig, Medical Director