Introducing: The Ultimate Beauty Transition from Summer to Autumn, Directly from the Professionals
Does anyone else find themselves feeling a bit...frayed by the end of summer? My skin appears dull and dry, my blonde balayage has taken on an overly brassy tone from weeks of swimming and sun exposure, and after months of continuous gel manicures, my natural nails are barely hanging on. Fortunately, as a beauty editor, I have the privilege of consulting some of the finest experts in the field, and I've been gathering advice on how to refresh my beauty routine and look my best for the upcoming season. Below is my comprehensive guide on caring for your hair, skin, and nails, complete with plenty of expert tips, tricks, and product suggestions. If, like me, you're not feeling entirely yourself and wish to enhance your self-care this September, I highly recommend you keep reading.
**The Expert-Approved, Summer-to-Autumn Beauty Routine**
**Summer-to-Autumn Skincare**
First, let's discuss skincare routines. While my complexion was relatively content during the warmer months, it seems to have taken a downturn recently. This is actually quite common. "The changing seasons can have a noticeable effect on our skin barrier," explains Dr. Jason Thomson, consultant dermatologist and head of medical at Skin + Me. "As we transition from summer to autumn, the cooler outdoor temperatures combined with indoor heating can lead to the skin losing more moisture. This can make the skin feel tight, dry, or flaky. Individuals with sensitive or eczema-prone skin might also experience more irritation or flare-ups."
However, Dr. Thomson assures me that we don't need to overhaul our entire routine. "The foundational steps I suggest are straightforward: cleanse, treat, hydrate, and protect." While your treatment products (and SPF) might remain unchanged—like a retinol or vitamin C serum—it could be your cleanser and moisturizer that require adjustments during this season.
"I would recommend swapping a lighter moisturizer for a more nourishing one, and perhaps selecting a gentler cleanser instead of an exfoliating one, which might be better suited for summer months," adds Dr. Beibei, dermatologist and spokesperson for skincare brand Simple.
In terms of ingredients, Dr. Thomson suggests looking for ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, niacinamide, and centella asiatica. "These ingredients all function in slightly different ways, but they can effectively help in hydrating, soothing or supporting the skin barrier," he notes. "Skin + Me’s Soothe + Smooth Rich Moisturiser is one product I favor since it includes ceramides, hyaluronic acid, allantoin, and shea butter. CeraVe Moisturising Cream is another excellent, widely accessible option for dry skin. If someone has particularly dry or irritated patches, La Roche-Posay’s Cicaplast Baume B5+ can serve as a helpful targeted remedy."
**Shop Post-Summer Skincare:**
- La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm
- The Inkey List Starter Retinol Serum
- Simple Purify+ 8% AHA+PHA Serum
- Beauty of Joseon Colour Correcting SPF50
**Summer-to-Autumn Haircare**
As mentioned, my hair is looking dry and unkempt, and the color has certainly faded. "By the end of summer, our hair typically endures months of UV exposure, heat, humidity, chlorine, and salt water. These factors can strip moisture, roughen the cuticle, and cause color to diminish, leaving hair feeling dry, lackluster, and more vulnerable to breakage," explains Luke Pluckrose, lead stylist at TRESemmé Professional. "Autumn is an ideal time to reset your hair care routine and replenish the moisture lost during summer."
So, how do we go about this?
"I suggest starting with a light trim to eliminate dry or split ends, and then integrating more intensive hydration into your weekly routine," Pluckrose advises. "Once a week, swap your regular conditioner for the TRESemmé Professional Hydra Molecular Moisture Treatment Mask. Focus the application mainly on the mid-lengths and ends, and leave it on for three minutes to provide intensive moisture to the dry areas."
In addition to a hydrating hair mask, I'll also be using a purple shampoo weekly to eliminate brassiness, along with a hair gloss to enhance shine.
**Shop Post-Summer Haircare:**
- TRESemmé Hydra Molecular Moisture Mask
- Olaplex Weightless Nourishing Mask
- K18 HAIR Triplebright Purple Shampoo
- TRESemmé Hydra Molecular Moisture Serum
**Summer-to-Autumn Nail Care**
Recently, I visited my nail salon to have my gel polish removed and let my nails rest, and I was astonished at how weak they had become. After months of colorful nail art and gel manicures, my nails are in desperate need of a reset. "After traveling, swimming, and
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Introducing: The Ultimate Beauty Transition from Summer to Autumn, Directly from the Professionals
The moment has finally arrived.