Ever wondered why everyone's suddenly obsessed with skincare tips? It's like a skincare revolution is underway, and it's hitting your social circle hard!
Lately, even my closest pals have been bombarding me with questions about the best ways to care for their skin. As HELLO!'s Contributing Head of Beauty, Cassie Steer, shared recently, her friends are doing the same – and honestly, it's part of the job for us beauty insiders. But what exactly is fueling this explosion of curiosity? Is it the endless wave of beauty myths spreading like wildfire on social media platforms, where some bizarre ideas (like claiming sunscreen is harmful) gain traction despite lacking scientific backing? Or perhaps it's the growing awareness of all those intriguing skincare ingredients, thanks in large part to viral trends and educational posts online? And don't forget the seasonal shifts – autumn's cooler air and drier vibes often leave our skin feeling off-kilter, prompting us to seek guidance from pros like Cassie: 'What's the ideal routine for my skin now that fall is here?'
To tackle this head-on, we consulted our expert Beauty Collective on the seasonal adjustments they've implemented. If these specialists are making changes, it's a clear sign it's worth considering – especially when it comes to swapping out products for the changing weather.
'Go for creamy, milky formulas'
If there's one item I'd always urge you to incorporate into your daily regimen (beyond the essential SPF, of course), it's a milky toner. For those with parched or moisture-starved skin, this could be the hydration hero you've been searching for. Acting as a gentle, preparatory step before the rest of your products, it delivers a soothing layer of wetness that also serves as a smooth canvas for makeup application.
A personal favorite of mine has been The Ordinary's 'Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner', priced at £12.40 (https://go.skimresources.com/?id=130574X1592710&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cultbeauty.co.uk%2Fp%2Fthe-ordinary-saccharomyces-ferment-30-milky-toner-100ml%2F15311016%2F%3F&xcust=vanese-ordinary-milky-toner) in the UK or $14 (https://go.skimresources.com/?id=130574X1592710&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheordinary.com%2Fen-us%2Fsaccharomyces-ferment-30-milky-toner-100647.html&xcust=vanese-ordinary-milky-toner-usa) in the US. It's been a reliable companion through countless mornings and evenings, softening my complexion and locking in moisture. Yet, with autumn's arrival, I've noticed its flow feels a tad too thin against the crisp, changing conditions.
My skin, which is generally normal to dry and gets even thirstier in the chillier months, needed something adaptable to fluctuating temperatures – from brisk winds to unexpected sunny days.
That's where Bubble's 'Cosmic Silk Hydrating Milky Toner' comes in, at £16 (https://go.skimresources.com/?id=130574X1592710&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.asos.com%2Fbubble%2Fbubble-cosmic-silk-hydrating-milky-toner-100ml%2Fprd%2F209162701%3F&xcust=vanese-bubble-toner-uk) in the UK or $16 (https://go.skimresources.com/?id=130574X1592710&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fhellobubble.com%2Fproducts%2Fcosmic-silk%3F&xcust=vanese-bubble-toner-usa) in the US. I came across it while evaluating entries for a beauty awards event, and initially, I wasn't blown away since my go-to from The Ordinary had been unbeatable for over a year. But right from the start, its denser formula (without any greasiness) provided superior hydration, leaving my face plump, smooth, and glowing.
This richer texture makes it an autumn ally, and I just can't help but recommend it to everyone. – Vanese Maddix, HELLO! beauty contributor.
But here's where it gets controversial... Is sticking to the same skincare products year-round really a mistake, or should we embrace seasonal swaps like these experts? What do you think – does changing routines based on weather feel intuitive, or overcomplicated?
'Autumn calls for retinal magic'
For me, fall marks the perfect time to reintroduce retinal into my routine after taking a summer break. I pause it during the hotter seasons because this potent component heightens skin sensitivity to sunlight, potentially leading to burns or uneven tone – which is ironic since retinal is often used to address those very issues. Even with diligent SPF use, I prefer not to gamble.
In summer, I opt for bakuchiol as a gentler substitute; it mimics retinal's benefits without the risks. But as winter approaches, retinal is back in action. It's arguably one of the most powerful tools against aging, speeding up cell renewal, stimulating collagen, and softening fine lines for smoother, fuller skin.
Previously, my skin reacted harshly to retinal with intense peeling, forcing me to abandon it. Thankfully, modern formulations include calming additives that make it far more user-friendly.
My top pick is DoSe's 'Granactive Retinoid 5% Serum', at £22 (https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=80335&awinaffid=320133&campaign=&clickref=skincare-Products-melaniemacleod-beautycollective|xid:fr1760366264230ifc&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fvictoriahealth.com%2Fgranactive-retinoid-5-serum&platform=pl) in the UK or $30 (https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=80335&awinaffid=320133&campaign=&clickref=skincare-Products-melaniemacleod-beautycollective|xid:fr1760366264230jbc&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fvictoriahealth.com%2Fgranactive-retinoid-5-serum&platform=pl) in the US. It's gentle and irritation-free for me. – Glynis Barber, HELLO! wellness columnist.
And this is the part most people miss... While retinal is hailed as a game-changer for mature skin, some debate whether its potential side effects outweigh the rewards. Do you prioritize anti-aging benefits over sun sensitivity concerns, or do you stick to milder alternatives? Share your experiences below!
'I'm wary of seasonal skincare changes'
Whenever I discover products that truly transform my skin (currently, that's Skinceuticals' 'CE Ferulic' at £165 (https://go.skimresources.com/?id=130574X1592710&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.skinceuticals.co.uk%2Fen_GB%2Fc-e-ferulic-for-visible-signs-of-ageing%2FS17.html%3F&xcust=cassie-c-e-ferulic-uk) in the UK or $185 (https://go.skimresources.com/?id=130574X1592710&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.skinceuticals.com%2Fskincare%2Fvitamin-c-serums%2Fc-e-ferulic-with-15-l-ascorbic-acid%2FS17.html&xcust=cassie-c-e-ferulic-usa) in the US, or Medik8's 'C-Tetra Advanced' at £69 (https://go.skimresources.com/?id=130574X1592710&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.medik8.com%2Fproducts%2Fc-tetra-advanced%3F&xcust=cassie-c-tetra-uk) in the UK or $72 (https://go.skimresources.com/?id=130574X1592710&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fus.medik8.com%2Fproducts%2Fc-tetra-advanced&xcust=cassie-c-tetra-usa) in the US in the mornings, followed by Dr Sam's 'Flawless Nightly Pro Serum' at £64 (https://go.skimresources.com/?id=130574X1592710&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.medik8.com%2Fproducts%2Fc-tetra-advanced%3F&xcust=cassie-dr-sam-flawless-nightly-uk) in the UK or $76 (https://go.skimresources.com/?id=130574X1592710&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsambunting.com%2Fen-us%2Fproducts%2Fflawless-nightly-serum%3F&xcust=cassie-dr-sam-flawless-nightly-usa) in the US, or Beauty Pie's 'Happy Face 10% Azelaic Acid Skin-Clearing Gel-Cream' at £39 (https://go.skimresources.com/?id=130574X1592710&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.beautypie.com%2Fproducts%2Fhappy-face-azelaic-acid-skin-clearing-gel-cream&xcust=cassie-happy-face-beauty-pie) in the UK or $49 (https://go.skimresources.com/?id=130574X1592710&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.beautypie.com%2Fus%2Fproducts%2Fhappy-face-azelaic-acid-skin-clearing-gel-cream&xcust=cassie-happy-face-beauty-pie-usa) in the US, layered with 'MyBlend Revitalizing Cream' at £120 (https://go.skimresources.com/?id=130574X1592710&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.beautypie.com%2Fproducts%2Fhappy-face-azelaic-acid-skin-clearing-gel-cream&xcust=cassie-my-blend-uk) in the UK or $165 (https://go.skimresources.com/?id=130574X1592710&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.harrods.com%2Fen-us%2Fp%2Fmyblend-revitalizing-cream-30ml-000000000007587836&xcust=cassie-my-blend-usa) in the US at night), I'm reluctant to tinker with proven routines, no matter the season.
However, as I pack away my summer outfits, my perimenopausal skin (a phase where hormonal changes can make skin drier) is signaling the need for extra moisture. That's why I've added Weleda's 'Hyaluronic Moisture Serum Booster Drops' at £12.95 (https://go.skimresources.com/?id=130574X1592710&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cultbeauty.co.uk%2Fp%2Fweleda-hyaluronic-moisture-serum-drops-with-snow-mushroom-30ml%2F16643045%2F&xcust=cassie-weleda-booster-drops-uk) in the UK or $23 (https://go.skimresources.com/?id=130574X1592710&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.asos.com%2Fus%2Fweleda%2Fweleda-hyaluronic-moisture-serum-booster-drops-30ml%2Fprd%2F209590248&xcust=cassie-weleda-booster-drops-usa) in the US – a simple boost using hyaluronic acid that mimics your skin's natural moisture. For targeted care, Hada Labo Tokyo's 'Wrinkle Corrector Eye and Mouth Cream' at £18.99 (https://go.skimresources.com/?id=130574X1592710&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.superdrug.com%2Fskin%2Fface-skin-care%2Fanti-ageing-face-cream%2Fhada-labo-tokyo-wrinkle-corrector-eye-and-mouth-cream-15ml%2Fp%2F798293&xcust=cassie-hada-labo-eye-mouth-uk) in the UK offers precise rejuvenation. – Cassie Steer, HELLO! Contributing Head of Beauty.
'Opt for a nourishing cleanser instead'
© Phill Taylor
Throughout the summer, I relied on Belif's 'Aqua Bomb Jelly Cleanser' at £22 (https://go.skimresources.com/?id=130574X1592710&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.boots.com%2Fbelif-aqua-bomb-jelly-cleanser-160ml-10369365%3F&xcust=mel-belif-cleanser-UK) in the UK or $30 (https://go.skimresources.com/?id=130574X1592710&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ulta.com%2Fp%2Faqua-bomb-hydrating-jelly-cleanser-pimprod2013171%3F&xcust=mel-belif-cleanser-Usa) in the US, with its bouncy gel that swiftly removed makeup. In the heat, avoiding lengthy sink sessions made sense.
Now that cooler days are here, I'm embracing steamy bathroom rituals, swapping to Nataliya Robinson's Quantum Botanika 'Cleansing Balm' at £65 (https://www.quantumbotanika.com/product/cleansing-balm/) . Unlike denser balms, its jelly-like consistency is lipid-enriched to bolster the skin barrier and enhance moisture – ideal for cold snaps. – Melanie Macleod, HELLO! Deputy Beauty and Lifestyle Editor
'Boost hydration levels'
I typically avoid major routine overhauls with each season, but after a summer of frequent travel and flights, my skin emerged both dehydrated and clogged. My immediate fix? Switching to a more moisturizing cream, especially for the eyes where dryness is most apparent.
Bioderma's 'Atoderm Eye Cream' at £17 (https://go.skimresources.com/?id=130574X1592710&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.boots.com%2Fbioderma-atoderm-intensive-eye-cream-for-very-dry-itchy-skin-prone-to-eczema-100ml-10341349%3F&xcust=sidra-bioderma-eye-cream) in the UK or $19.58 (https://go.skimresources.com/?id=130574X1592710&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fus.cosmetic2go.com%2Fen%2Fbuy%2Fbioderma-atoderm-intensive-eye-gel-cream-100ml&xcust=sidra-bioderma-eye-cream-usa) in the US is my go-to for tightness or dryness, even on the full face or body. I've temporarily paused my retinol-based Japanese eye cream to let it recover.
Once home, I'm planning a Deep Glow facial at Sarah Chapman to clear congestion and restore vitality – their treatments always leave skin stronger and blemish-free. – Sidra Imtiaz, HELLO! beauty contributor
'Welcome ceramides into the mix'
I adore autumn's cozy sweater season, swapping summer outfits for soft knits – and I apply the same enthusiasm to my skincare. This time of year, I upgrade to a creamier, more indulgent moisturizer. Neal's Yard Remedies' 'Oat and Ceramide Barrier Repair Cream' at £38 (https://go.skimresources.com/?id=130574X1592710&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.johnlewis.com%2Fneals-yard-remedies-oat-ceramide-barrier-repair-cream-50ml%2Fp114373096%3F&xcust=ateh-neals-yard-ceramide) in the UK or $55 (https://go.skimresources.com/?id=130574X1592710&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fus.nealsyardremedies.com%2Fproducts%2Foat-ceramide-barrier-repair-cream-1-69-fl-oz&xcust=ateh-neals-yard-ceramide-usa) in the US is my current delight – vegan and scent-free, it wraps skin in comfort with ceramides, organic oat extract, magnesium, and prebiotics to fortify defenses. – Ateh Jewel, HELLO! beauty contributor
'Try a moisturizing SPF'
Sunscreen is crucial year-round, particularly in sunny Florida where I reside. During summer, Beauty Pie's 'Traceless UVA/UVB SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen + Primer' at £29 (https://go.skimresources.com/?id=130574X1592710&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.beautypie.com%2Fproducts%2Ftraceless-mineral-spf30-sunscreen%3F&xcust=beauty-pie-traceless-spf-uk-donna) in the UK or $39 (https://go.skimresources.com/?id=130574X1592710&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.beautypie.com%2Fus%2Fproducts%2Ftraceless-spf30-mineral-sunscreen-us&xcust=beauty-pie-traceless-spf-usa-donna) in the US kept me protected without slippage in the humidity, and it works as a makeup base. With drier fall air, I needed more nourishment, so I've switched to Elemis' 'Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30' at £98 (https://go.skimresources.com/?id=130574X1592710&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.boots.com%2Felemis-pro-collagen-marine-cream-spf-30-50ml-10321076%3F&xcust=elemis-pro-collagen-spf-30-donna) in the UK or $145 (https://go.skimresources.com/?id=130574X1592710&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fus.elemis.com%2Fpro-collagen-marine-cream-spf30.html&xcust=elemis-pro-collagen-spf-30-donna-USA) in the US, which feels luxuriously hydrating yet light, delivering a dewy glow while safeguarding against UV rays.
What about you? Do you think adapting skincare to seasons is essential for optimal skin health, or is it just a marketing ploy? Have you switched products recently and seen improvements, or do you swear by consistency? Drop your thoughts in the comments – do you agree that some changes spark debate, like the retinal pause, or is there a counterpoint you swear by?
