How I'm Keeping My Skin Smooth and Hydrated This Autumn

My skincare goal has always been to achieve smooth, supple, and healthy-looking skin. For me, that means keeping acne under control, slowly but effectively fading hyperpigmentation, and staying hydrated. But one thing I've learned along my skincare journey is that seasonal changes, especially the shift into autumn, can dramatically affect acne-prone, dehydrated or combination skin. So, adjusting your routine can make a huge difference.

I noticed that what works perfectly in say April doesn't always hold up in October, and what feels comforting in mid-August might feel heavy in September. But these aren't "bad skin days"; it just means your skin is responding to the change in weather.

So, why does this happen? The reason is simple. Autumn brings cooler winds, lower humidity, and drier indoor air, all of which can affect the skin. Cooler winds can irritate and inflame the skin as it adjusts to the sudden drop in temperature. Lower humidity means the air holds less moisture, which can make your skin feel drier, tighter, or rougher. And once indoor heating comes on, the air becomes even drier, often leaving the skin dehydrated and more prone to sensitivity. And here in the UK, the air becomes noticeably colder and drier by late September, which my skin reacts to. Because I experience this, here's what I am currently using and why it works:

Cleanse

Dr Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta AHA/BHA Daily Cleansing Gel

I rotate between a few cleansers, but the Dr Dennis Gross cleanser is my personal favourite, one that I always return to. I mean, I like it so much, I got the biggest size 😂, and it literally lasts for months! One of the reasons I like this cleanser is that it is a blend of AHAs and BHAs, which gently exfoliate my skin without leaving it tight or dry. It smoothens texture and also helps keep congestion under control. Despite containing actives, it maintains a balanced pH and keeps my skin feeling clean and comfortable.

I use it both in the morning and at night. It is worth mentioning that you will need to activate it with wet hands to create a proper lather before massaging it onto your face.

Treat

Daytime: Salicylic Acid or Vitamin C

Nip and Fab Salicylic Fix Day & Night Pad

Salicylic acid is a classic for blemish control. It helps unclog pores, prevent breakouts and reduce blackheads. The Salicylic Fix Day & Night Pad from Nip and Fab simplifies this process. It comes presoaked in a container. I use it instead of a toner as the second step in my daytime routine a few times a week, swiping the pad in circular motions from my forehead to my neck, then waiting about a minute or two before applying my serum.

Nip and Fab Vitamin C Concentrate and Serum

On days when I'm not using the Salicylic Pads, I use the Vitamin C Fix Concentrate Extreme 15% as my second step in my morning routine. It targets hyperpigmentation, supports collagen production, and evens out my skin tone while keeping my skin hydrated. Vitamin C also provides antioxidant protection before using SPF.

Nighttime: Mild Exfoliation + Barrier Repair

Nip and Fab Glycolic Fix Overnight Skin Reviver Extreme

A few nights a week, I use the Glycolic Fix Overnight Skin Reviver Extreme 8% as my second step before layering with the Nip & Fab Ceramide Fix Overnight Cream 12%. It's an exfoliating serum that helps tackle pigmentation, unclog my pores, smooth texture, brighten skin, gently fade dark marks from past breakouts and lock in moisture. I use two pumps over my face and neck, and it absorbs quickly, leaving my skin very moisturised. Because it's 8% glycolic, it’s strong enough to be effective but still balanced enough for autumn, when my skin can tolerate mild acids without irritation.

Nip and Fab Ceramide Fix Overnight Cream

At night, I use the Nip & Fab Ceramide Fix Overnight Cream 12% over serums to moisturise my skin. It plays a huge role in maintaining a strong, healthy skin barrier. It also helps prevent moisture loss, which is especially important as the weather cools. The texture is thick, comforting and perfect as the last step in my routine. You might feel a light tingling upon application.

Protect

Nip and Fab Vitamin C Moisturising SPF

I use the Vitamin C moisturising SPF from Nip and Fab as the last step in my daytime routine. It's a chemical-filtered formula that blends smoothly into the skin without a cast. Instead, it gives off a plump, radiant finish that layers well under makeup. It's fragrance-free and SPF 50, so I'm sure I have daily SPF protection.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, it's taken a lot of trial and error to get here, but I've learned that listening to what my skin needs and adjusting accordingly has made a difference in its texture, tone, and overall health. Of course, there are other factors to consider, and this is just one of them.