Transitioning your skincare from summer to autumn: A holistic seasonal reset

Written By Yin Life

There’s something special about autumn - the air gets fresher and everything begins to slow down.

Our skin feels that shift too. The cooler, drier air and central heating start to draw out moisture which can lead to tightness, texture change or extra sensitivity. Maybe you’ve experienced that too.

I like to think of autumn as your skin’s transition season - a time to restore balance, strengthen your barrier and prepare for the colder months ahead.

Let’s explore how to transition your skincare from summer to autumn with intention and care.

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1. Cleanse with Kindness

Your skin’s barrier is adjusting to the environmental change so what it really needs right now is gentleness.

Reach for a nourishing balm cleanser to remove make up and daily build up. My favourites include the Evolve Beauty Cleansing Melt with organic baobab oil and Wild Source Cleansing Melt with chia seed, safflower oil and ceramides.

For your everyday cleanse, something like Olixa’s Gummy Cleanser is hydrating and effective without stripping the skin. Avoid cleansers that leave that super tight and dry feeling afterwards as they can compromise your barrier (some foaming and exfoliating cleansers do this).

via Pinterest

2. Exfoliate Mindfully 

As cell turnover slows with the cooler weather, gentle exfoliation helps remove the build up of dead skin cells while improving the absorption of serums and moisturisers. 

There are a few different ways to do this based on your skin type. For most skin types, Evolve’s Glycolic Acid Toner is a great option to use 2-3 times a week - it exfoliates chemically without the need for scrubbing.

If you’re on the reactive or sensitive side, try milder acids like Mandelic, Lactic or PHA acids to avoid irritation.

A weekly clay mask treatment can also help renew the skin’s surface without stripping it. Mauli Rituals Rose & Saffron Radiance Mask is packed with high quality organic botanicals to detoxify and smooth texture. (Check out my video on how to apply it effectively).

Be careful not to over-exfoliate - tune into your skin’s needs rather than following a prescribed “routine” just for the sake of it.

3. Focus on Hydration and Layering

Autumn skincare is all about layering hydration - think lightweight toners, serums, oils and moisturisers that work together to maintain balance.

Look out for products with ceramides, peptides, centella asiatica, ectoin or hyaluronic acid to strengthen and replenish the skin barrier.

4. Don’t forget the SPF

Just because it’s not sunny, it doesn’t mean you can skip SPF. UVA rays (the ones responsible for premature ageing) are still present year round, even through clouds and windows. 

Take care of your skin with a nourishing, multitasking SPF like Evolve’s Climate Defence Facial Cream with Lingonberry stem cells and hyaluronic acid which hydrates as well as protects.

5. Nourish from Within

In Chinese Medicine, autumn is the season of letting go - just like trees shedding their leaves. It’s our cue to support our skin, body and energy with a softer, more nourishing approach as we transition from the expansive Yang energy of summer to the quieter, restorative Yin energy of autumn and winter.

To stay balanced, focus on warming foods that nourish the Lungs (Metal element) and support digestion (Earth element) - both important for healthy skin.

  • Sip ginger tea to boost circulation and support your immune system.

  • Enjoy moisture-rich meals like bone broth, miso soup or slow-cooked stews.

  • Add yang-nourishing ingredients such as oats, squash, sweet potato and warming spices like cinnamon and cardamom.

6. The Skin–Lung Connection

As mentioned above, in Chinese Medicine, the skin and lungs are closely linked - both act as protective barriers between your inner and outer world. Together with the large intestine, when the lungs are imbalanced, it can show up as dryness, dullness, redness or even breakouts. (More on Chinese face mapping and organ health in a future post!).

Try gentle gua sha movements across the chest and neck to open the lungs, improve circulation and release sluggish energy. Tap or massage acupressure points Lung 1 & 2 below the collarbone to help support this. Coordinate with deep breathing - inhale inspiration, exhale stagnation - and use an aromatherapy balm to boost relaxation.

This is a beautiful mini ritual to do before bed or after your skincare routine.

YINLIFE Autumn Skincare

A Holistic Autumn Ritual at Home

Sip your ginger tea and carve out 10 minutes just for you. Try this ritual to ground your evenings:

  1. Cleanse gently for at least a minute using slow, circular movements. (Repeat to double cleanse).

  2. Mist your face with a hydrating toner.

  3. Apply your serum (and oil if using) with mindful, upward pressure.

  4. Seal with a moisturiser.

  5. Finish with gua sha, acupressure and deep breathing - releasing tension and inviting relaxation.

Key Takeaways

  • Protect your barrier with gentle, nourishing formulas.

  • Hydrate from within with warming and moisture-rich foods and drinks.

  • Layer hydrating products to adapt to changing temperatures.

  • Keep up with SPF all year round.

  • Align with the season by slowing down and letting go of what no longer serves you.

It’s beautiful to remember that we are part of nature. When you move in rhythm with the season, your skin (and your whole being) has space to restore itself and find its balance.

If you’d like to book a holistic skincare consultation and receive a personalised protocol based on your skin type and concerns, please get in touch here.

Yin Life