The Most Important Autumn Skincare Ingredients For Your Skin Type

You may have even noticed a few changes in your skin already. The drop in temperature and humidity can cause your skin to lose moisture more quickly, leading to the uncomfortable feeling of dryness and tightness. For some of you, this might also result in a dull complexion as the skin struggles to retain its natural radiance.

The cooler weather can also slow down your skin’s natural oil production, which, while beneficial in the summer, can leave your skin feeling a bit worse for wear in autumn. Additionally, the increased use of your heating can further strip moisture from the skin, enhancing this feeling of dryness even more. This can lead to a compromised skin barrier, where your skin may become more sensitive to environmental stressors.

With autumn comes reduced exposure to sunlight and a subsequent drop in vitamin D — which can also contribute to a change in your skin’s overall texture and tone. Your skin may start to appear less vibrant, and you may notice an uneven texture due to the decreased cell turnover rate that naturally occurs in cooler weather.

This is exactly why an autumn skincare routine focusing on hydration, protection, and restoration is key if you’re looking to have a healthy complexion this season.

Autumn is the best time to embrace richer, more hydrating skincare ingredients that will help your skin retain moisture and shield it from environmental stressors.

Here are some of the key ingredients that your skin will benefit from this autumn:

Known for its powerful hydrating properties, hyaluronic acid is a must-have for autumn skincare. It can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, attracting and retaining moisture to help plump and smooth the skin. This ingredient is particularly helpful if you want to combat the dryness that comes with colder weather, keeping your skin looking supple and youthful.

Peptides are essential for promoting collagen production and maintaining the skin’s firmness and elasticity, making them ideal for autumn when skin can start to feel a little lacklustre. They help to reinforce the skin’s barrier function by protecting it from environmental damage and helping it retain moisture.

Even in autumn, protecting your skin from UV damage is still a necessary precaution. Did you know that you should wear SPF, even if you’re not going outside? A lightweight SPF will shield your skin from harmful rays while keeping it hydrated. Many people mistakenly believe that sun protection is only necessary in summer, but UV rays can penetrate clouds and cause damage even on the most overcast autumn days.

Ingredients like vitamins C and E help protect the skin from free radicals (unstable atoms in the atmosphere that can damage the skin cells), which can be more prevalent as the air becomes crisper and drier. Antioxidants can neutralise these free radicals, preventing dullness and an uneven skin tone. 

Niacinamide (one of the primary forms of vitamin B3) is an effective ingredient to use in the face of colder weather as it strengthens your skin’s barrier, locking in protective moisture and strengthening it against the autumn’s environmental stressors. It also has soothing properties, improving your skin tone and texture for a more balanced and radiant complexion.

Glycerin is quite a nifty skincare ingredient to have on your skincare roster. It is a highly effective humectant that works by attracting moisture from the air and drawing it into the skin’s outer layer. In autumn, when the air is drier, glycerin keeps the skin hydrated by maintaining an ideal moisture balance.

Different skin types react differently to skincare formulations. For instance, you may find that your oily skin benefits from lightweight, non-comedogenic (formulated not to clog the pores) ingredients, while dry skin thrives on richer formulas. Using inappropriate ingredients can disrupt your skin’s natural balance, which could lead to heightened oil production, dryness, and sensitivity.

Not sure what your skin type is? Use our ELEMIS Virtual Skin Analysis Tool.

Mature skin can typically become drier and lose elasticity in colder weather. This means you’ll need extra hydrating and nourishing ingredients in your skincare routines.

Drawing moisture from the external environment and binding it to the skin, hyaluronic acid provides deep hydration and plumping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Pro-Collagen Marine Moisture Essence

Our Pro-Collagen Marine Moisture Essence harnesses the magic of this ingredient alongside Padina Pavonica (an ultra-hydrating Mediterranean algae) to deeply nourish and revitalise mature skin. It’s an extremely lightweight skin essence with a purpose to boost the skin’s resilience against seasonal changes.

For best results, apply it after cleansing by gently patting a small amount into the skin.

Pro-Collagen Future Restore Serum

One of our newest products, the Pro-Collagen Future Restore Serum, is designed to maintain your skin’s resilience and glow in the face of colder, harsher weather. Powered by advanced bio-engineered marine and plant actives, this face serum targets the visible signs of ageing while promoting hydration and skin elasticity.

Formulated with the powers of Opal Skin Algae Complex and Marine Cellular Lipids, this anti-ageing serum will help to protect and preserve your skin’s collagen and elastin against the autumn’s environmental stressors. These ingredients are also combined with the benefits of Padina Pavonica and Marine Bacillus ferment, leaving your skin youthful and firm.

Apply it in the morning after toning to protect your skin throughout the day. It’s a perfect way to maintain that youthful glow even as the days grow shorter.

Sensitive skin tends to become more reactive in colder weather as the drop in temperature and humidity can throw your skin’s protective barrier out of sync, leading to increased vulnerability to dryness and irritation.

As temperatures drop, sensitive skin can become more reactive. Thankfully, niacinamide works by strengthening this barrier and regulating its oil production, helping to retain moisture and protect against environmental stressors. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which help to calm and soothe irritated skin.

Papaya Enzyme Peel

Our Enzyme Peel offers a gentle yet effective way to exfoliate in autumn without irritation. Infused with niacinamide, it strengthens the skin’s barrier and soothes sensitivity, making it perfect for the cooler months when skin can become more reactive.

This peel combines the natural exfoliating power of papaya and pineapple enzymes to remove dead skin cells, revealing a smoother, more radiant complexion. It even includes milk protein and marine algae to nourish and hydrate, ensuring the skin remains calm and balanced.

To use, apply a thin layer to cleansed skin while avoiding the eye area. Leave on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water.

In cold weather, dry skin often begins to struggle due to lower humidity levels in the surrounding atmosphere, which can potentially lead to a more rough or flaky texture.

Glycerin offers deep hydration when it’s needed most. Scientifically, glycerin is a humectant, meaning it attracts moisture from the air into the skin’s outer layer, helping to replenish and retain hydration.

Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm

This award-winning cleansing balm is rich in luxurious elderberry and starflower oils, which work synergistically to deeply cleanse, nourish, and soften your skin. As the weather cools, your skin will be craving a cleanser that won’t strip away its natural oils. This balm transforms into a soothing milk on contact with warm water, making it an indulgent experience that leaves your skin feeling hydrated and supple for the whole day. The balm is infused with our hero ingredient — Padina Pavonica. We champion this Mediterranean algae for its stellar hydrating properties, and it pairs beautifully with our Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm’s mimosa and rose waxes for soothing the skin.

Use your balm morning and night to gently remove makeup, pollutants, and daily grime, all while maintaining your skin’s natural moisture barrier.

Dull skin often suffers in the throes of colder weather due to slower cell turnover which can diminish your skin’s natural radiance.

Antioxidants like vitamins C and E make a powerful defence against the environmental stressors that can zap your skin’s radiance. Scientifically, antioxidants work by neutralising free radicals — the unstable molecules that damage skin cells and accelerate signs of ageing. These can lead to a dull and even complexion in cool and dry weather.

Superfood Glow Priming Moisturiser

For your morning routine, after cleansing and toning, we recommend adding our lightweight Superfood Glow Priming Moisturiser. This nutrient-rich moisturiser is packed with a superfood complex, including ginger, matcha tea, and kombucha to nourish and illuminate your skin throughout the day. Think of it as a jam-packed list of skin-loving ingredients.

Matcha tea is rich in catechins which are great for skin-soothing — an ideal ingredient for calming and rejuvenating the skin. Rich in vitamins and organic acids, Kombucha has been shown to reveal a more glowing complexion.

The Superfood Glow Priming Moisturiser also contains illuminating micro-minerals that give your skin a subtle, healthy glow. It's a lightweight yet nourishing formula, perfect for those who wish to maintain a natural, dewy complexion without heavy or greasy products. Apply in circular motions, and let the ingredients work their magic.

No matter which skin type you have, you’ll see a natural decrease in your skin’s moisture levels and a slower cell turnover. By incorporating a few of these essential ingredients, you’ll see a more consistent balance and radiant complexion throughout the autumn.

Whilst UV rays may be less intense in cooler months, they are still accessible to your skin, contributing to premature ageing and skin damage. SPF works by creating a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, reflecting or absorbing harmful UV rays before they can penetrate into deeper layers and cause damage.

Pro-Collagen Skin Protection Fluid SPF 50

When we say UV protection is a must no matter the season or skin type, we really mean it. The Pro-Collagen Skin Protection Fluid SPF 50 offers broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB ray.

This multi-tasking formula is enriched with Lithops Stem Cell — a 100% natural active known to support the skin’s production of vitamin D. This is paired with our favourite macroalgae, Padina Pavonica, for optimum moisture retention and hydration.

We understand that sunscreen is usually associated with a greasy, oily feel and a lingering scent. To combat this, our SPF 50 skin protection fluid is easily absorbed, making it an excellent final step in your morning routine.

The lightweight formula is perfect for everyday use, providing an invisible shield that doesn't interfere with makeup application or leave a greasy residue. Remember, protecting your skin from UV damage is essential year-round. With ELEMIS, you can always do so with ease and comfort.

As autumn sets in, let your skincare routine evolve with the season. Our selection of autumn skincare products are designed to help you maintain a healthy and radiant complexion — no matter what the weather brings.

Explore our full skincare collection, and discover the ideal products to build your ultimate autumn skincare routine. Face the new season with confidence, knowing your skin is in expert hands.