This month, skin health expert Louise Thomas-Minns, CEO of Louise Thomas Skin Care goes through her founder’s notes and comes up with some golden rules for autumn skin care
As we step into autumn, I notice a shift not just in the air but in the skin of almost every client who comes into my clinic. The seasons really do leave their mark — and autumn, with its cooler temperatures and drop in humidity, can be especially testing. After 30 years in skin health, I know that autumn is when your skin begins to feel tight, looks a little dull, and can start to misbehave if you don’t adjust your routine. It’s also the season when many people keep doing exactly what they did in summer — and wonder why their skin isn’t happy. Currently in our skin lounges, I am guiding clients through a seasonal skin health review not just of what they are using daily but also weekly, during our facials and how their lifestyle may need to change for a positive impact.
Here are my golden rules for autumn skin:
1. Don’t confuse dry with dehydrated
Skin often feels “drier” at this time of year, but what it really needs is hydration. Dehydration is a lack of water in the skin — think tightness, fine lines, dullness — whereas dryness is a lack of oil. The fix? Up your hydration with humectants (like hyaluronic acid and glycerin) and always seal it in with a supportive moisturiser.
2. Gentle exfoliation is your friend
Cooler weather and central heating mean skin cells don’t shed as effectively. A gentle exfoliant (not a harsh scrub) can help bring back glow and prep your skin for serums to work harder.
3. Bring back barrier support
Your skin barrier is your first line of defence against the elements. I always recommend looking at ingredients that strengthen it — think ceramides, niacinamide, and barrier-repairing lipids. At Louise Thomas Skin Care, we’ve built our formulas around barrier-first principles for this very reason.
4. Don’t ditch SPF
The biggest myth I still see is people putting their sunscreen away when summer ends. UV rays are present all year, and protecting your skin in autumn is just as important if you care about ageing, pigmentation, and long-term health.
5. Listen to your skin daily
Autumn is a transitional season — some days are warm, others chilly, some damp, some dry. Your skin’s needs will change day to day. That’s why I created our Trio of Hero Serums — so you can tailor what your skin needs that morning, whether it’s soothing, balancing, or healthy-ageing support.
Founder’s reflection:
Autumn skin care isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing what’s right for this season. With a few thoughtful tweaks, you can carry your summer glow straight through to winter — without the tightness, flakiness or frustration that so often comes with this time of year.
With love,
Louise x
(Founder, Louise Thomas Skin Care)
Visit louisethomasskincare.co.uk.
Featured images – supplied
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