Skincare in autumn: what to consider?

Signs of Autumn are already clearly visible, which also means it's time to change up your skincare routine. Why is that?

As temperatures drop, so does humidity. During winter, indoor humidity can drop to as low as 25%, compared to the summer's 50-60%. Especially if the heating is on high, the humidity levels can stay very low. Skin thrives best in higher humidity, and the moisture level in the air directly affects the condition of your skin. When the humidity decreases, the skin can't draw moisture from the air, and if this isn't compensated with hydrating products, the skin dries out. Dry skin can lead to discomfort, increased sensitivity and itching, and fine lines become more pronounced.

When should you change your skincare routine?

How do you know when it's time to adjust your skincare routine? It's not about a specific date or temperature, but rather the right time depends on your skin type and its condition. Watch out for the following signs:

• Your skin feels tight after cleansing.
• Your skin feels tight throughout the day.
• The area around your nose and other sensitive spots starts to flake.
• Fine lines become more visible.
• The surface of your skin feels rougher.

In other words, if you notice that your skin is drier than before, it’s crucial to act quickly. The longer your skin suffers from dryness, the more the skin barrier is damaged, and repairing it takes significantly more time. Therefore, it’s wise to make small changes throughout the year, ensuring your skin always gets what it needs, and the skin barrier stays intact 💜

What changes are needed in the routine?

Where should you start? Does everything need to be redone from scratch? Rarely, but some adjustments in techniques and products may be necessary. Here are a few tips for adjusting your skincare routine as the seasons change:

1. It all starts with cleansing

A too strong cleanser can make your skin feel tight after washing. Then, you'll need to add more hydrating products to compensate for the drying effect of the cleanser. The same cleanser may have been perfect during summer, but now that your skin needs more moisture, it might behave differently 😣. Try switching to a more hydrating and gentle cleanser!

Great options for oil-based cleansers include Hwarang' Bellflower Cleansing Balm and Belif Aqua Bomb Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm, which are also excellent for simple cleansing. Among water-based cleansers, we recommend About Me Rice Makgeolli Cleansing Foam and Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Cleanser.

Tip: If your skin isn't very oily, you can skip the morning cleanse and just rinse your face with water.

2. Hydrating toner or essence

Choose a nourishing toner or essence that hydrates, protects, and repairs your skin's barrier. Look for products with a richer texture or milky consistency. Ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, rice, honey, peptides, and ceramides are excellent for fall and winter.

Our super hydrating toner recommendations include Medicube Triple Collagen Toner 4.0, Ma:nyo Panthetoin Essence Toner and Isntree Yam Root Vegan Milk Toner 💦

Pro tip: When your skin is really dry, layer your toner. Use just a little product at a time and build up thin layers as needed.

3. Rich Moisturizer

A really hydrating moisturizer is key when your skin is dry! A thicker consistency doesn't always guarantee the best hydration, but it can indicate a higher amount of oils and emollients, which are especially important for rough skin.

Here are our tips for moisturizers for different challenges:

• If your skin is dehydrated on the surface, try Purito Mighty Bamboo Panthenol Cream.
• If the surface of your skin is rough, try About Me Rice Makgeolli Ceramide Cream.
• If your skin tends to feel tight throughout the day, try Cosnori Panthenol Barrier Cream.
• If your fine lines are more visible, try Medicube Triple Collagen Cream 4.0.

Pro tip: Always apply moisturizer to damp skin, either right after cleansing or after your serum and toner.

4. Sheet Masks to the rescue

When your skin is in a serious SOS state, it's time to reach for sheet masks ☝🏼. Here, we especially recommend sheet masks that work best at the end of your routine, like hydrogel masks that can be left on overnight. They provide intense hydration while creating a barrier on the skin's surface to lock in moisture. A perfect example is MediAnswer Collagen Mask-series hydrogel sheet masks. You'll get the best results if you keep them on for at least one to three hours, until the material turns translucent.