After a hotter-than-usual summer, autumn feels like a bit of a shock to the system… not just for our mindsets but our skin too. Cool air, lower humidity and indoor heating sap moisture quickly from skin, meaning it can soon get drier, duller and sensitive.
While the season’s had a big overhaul though, your skincare doesn’t need to. These are the six easy skincare habits we swear by to keep skin hydrated, happy and glowing.
1. Keep cleansing gentle
When skin feels dry and tight, the last thing it needs is a foamy wash that strips natural oils. Our rich, creamy Nourishing Cream Cleanser is ideal. While Moringa Seed clears impurities, Peat Extract nourishes and soothes, leaving skin soft, supple and calm. Massage it into your face for just a minute or two, then rinse with warm water or remove with a face cloth.
Gemma’s tip: Use lukewarm water, not hot (when you shower too). Hot water feels lovely on a chilly morning or evening, but can strip skin oils, leaving it drier and more sensitive.
2. Bid dullness goodbye
Cold weather can slow the skin’s natural renewal process, allowing dead cells to build and steal your glow. One evening a week, leave our Nourishing Cream Cleanser on skin for 3 minutes. The Quartz, Papaya and Liquorice inside exfoliate away dulling dead cells to reveal fresher, brighter, smoother skin - all with no scrubbing or sensitivity.
3. Smarter, not heavier, hydration
Colder, drier air means skin needs deeper replenishment. Thanks to its antioxidant and mineral rich actives, our ultra-lightweight, fragrance-free Hydrating Face Cream does all the heavy lifting without feeling heavy on skin…
Squalane and Hyaluronic Acid hydrate and protect, Quartz and Hematite brighten and smooth, then Azelaic Acid, Niacinamide and Calendula soothe and reduce redness.
Our Night Cream’s light, silky and active-packed too. Hematite smooths, Dawnergy™ energises and Ashwagandha Extract strengthens. Apply after your evening cleanse and wake to skin that looks and feels recharged and rested… even if your alarm says otherwise.
4. Keep your body boosted too
It’s easy to forget body lotion when covering up more, yet drier seasonal skin doesn’t end at your neckline. Our Energising Body Lotion makes staying on top of this simple.
First, it sinks into skin really fast, so there’s no waiting around to get dressed. Then, Squalane and Arnica help soothe, magnesium-rich Olivine hydrates and re-energises, while Malachite helps protect from daily stressors. Easy, effective and absolutely worth the extra minute or so.
Gemma’s tip: As it’s so light, non-greasy and fast-absorbing, it’s also a great hand cream to keep them soothed and moisturised through the day.
5. Nourish your glow from the inside
Staying well-hydrated isn’t just for summer. Hydrated skin looks fresh, plump and glowing, so drink at least a litre a day. Can’t face a cold glass? Try warm water. You’ll really like it, promise!
Autumn is a bounty of glow-boosting superfoods too. Top overnight oats or porridge with apples, cranberries and pumpkin seeds, or try a warm salad of sweet potato, beetroot and kale. Comforting, filling and so good for you.
6. Great sleep = great skin
They don’t call it beauty sleep for nothing. When we sleep, our body repairs, restores and recharges. Get a good sleep and you’ll look and feel so much more energised by morning.
Gemma’s tip: I aim for a good 8 hours a night. I avoid caffeine from the afternoon and wear blue-light-blocking glasses if I’m watching evening TV. Come 9pm, I dim the lights, stretch for around 15 mins using my GOWOD app, then I’m asleep by 10pm.
“It’s not rock and roll but I genuinely love an early night. Sleep helps me feel energised for my workouts, keep up with the kids and function at work and my radio show. When they’ve sapped my energy stores too, thank goodness my Gem & Tonic skincare saves the day!”
Gemma Atkinson
