Autumn Has Officially Arrived… And Apparently, So Has the Great British Weather! 🍂🌧️
Well, the mornings are officially cold, the heating is going on, and I’m starting to question whether I actually own enough jumpers. Autumn has arrived, whether we’re ready or not! 🍂 Thankfully, I’m well stocked in the jumper department and have also bought some gorgeous new jackets that I’m rather excited to get wearing. I’ve just got to hope the British weather plays ball, rather than giving me four seasons in one day and leaving me sweating one minute and reaching for my coat the next! 😂
I’ve just returned from a trip to Italy, where apparently October is the best time to visit.
“Lovely weather,” they said. “Around 25 degrees,” they said. “You might need a light jumper in the evenings,” they said.
What they forgot to mention was the biblical rain, thunderstorms and weather that made me question whether I’d accidentally booked a trip on Noah’s Ark! 😂
I think I needed waterproof clothing, wellies and possibly a small boat rather than a light jumper.
Thankfully, we did get some lovely weather, and when the sun shone, it was absolutely magical. Italy really is beautiful, and despite the chaos, I loved every minute.
If you’ve been to Italy, you’ll understand what I mean when I say everything seems slightly chaotic and muddled. The driving, the traffic, the excursions, the timings… nothing quite seems to run as you’d expect, yet somehow, miraculously, it all works out in the end!
And can we talk about the hills and steps? My goodness!
I’m very glad I did this trip while I still consider myself relatively young 😂. My knees, however, may have a different opinion.
I now understand why Italians can eat pasta and pizza and still look fabulous. They must burn off half their lunch simply getting to the restaurant!
It was an amazing, chaotic adventure, and I’ve come home with some wonderful memories, a few extra steps on my fitness tracker and a renewed appreciation for flat pavements.
Back home… with a sad goodbye
Unfortunately, I returned from Italy to attend my uncle’s funeral. It was a lovely service, although obviously a very sad occasion.
Thank you to everyone who was so understanding when I had to rearrange appointments at only a week’s notice. I really appreciated your kindness and flexibility at a difficult time. ❤️
There was, however, one situation that caused me an unnecessary amount of stress while I was away and on the day of the funeral.
Despite numerous emails, texts, voicemails and messages through the booking system, I received absolutely no response from someone whose appointment needed to be rearranged.
I completely understand that life gets busy, and sometimes messages get missed. But when someone is trying repeatedly to contact you about an appointment, a simple acknowledgement really isn’t much to ask.
I was on holiday trying to sort it out, and then dealing with it again on the day of my uncle’s funeral. Not ideal, to say the least.
A little communication, consideration and common decency go a very long way. We’re all human, and a bit of empathy costs absolutely nothing.
Anyway, rant over. Deep breath. Back to normality!
The clinic is back to normal… and your skin might not be!
After what feels like a lifetime away, Devine Skin & Laser Clinic is back to its usual hours, and while I’m not quite ready to put the Italian sunshine behind me, there’s no denying that the seasons are changing fast.
Cold mornings, chilly winds, central heating and the occasional downpour that leaves you looking like you’ve been swimming fully clothed… welcome to the British autumn!
But while we’re busy digging out our coats, cosy jumpers and winter boots, there’s something else that might need a little attention.
Your skin.
You might notice it feeling tighter, drier, more sensitive or a little duller than usual. Perhaps your usual skincare routine suddenly doesn’t seem to be doing the job.
Before you start ordering every trending serum you’ve seen on Instagram, let’s talk about a few simple ways to keep your skin comfortable, healthy and happy over the coming months.
🍂 My autumn and winter skincare survival guide
1. If you're only using a serum, it might be time to add a moisturiser
I know you love your serums, and they are brilliant for targeting particular skin concerns. But if a serum is the only product you’re using, autumn might be the time to rethink your routine and add in an extra layer of protection with a moisturiser.
As the weather gets colder and indoor heating starts drying out the air, your skin can lose moisture more easily. Cold winds and changes in temperature can also affect your skin barrier.
A suitable moisturiser helps support that barrier and reduces moisture loss, keeping your skin feeling comfortable and hydrated.
Think of your serum as doing a specific job and your moisturiser as helping to keep your skin protected and comfortable.
And no, moisturiser won't automatically make your skin greasy or cause spots. The trick is choosing the right one for your skin type.
Dry, oily, combination, sensitive or acne-prone skin? They may all need something different.
2. SPF is STILL non-negotiable. Yes, even when it's freezing!
I know, I know. You’ve packed away your summer clothes, the sun has disappeared behind a cloud the size of Wales, and you're wondering why on earth I'm still banging on about SPF.
Because I wouldn't be doing my job properly if I didn't!
UVA rays contribute to premature skin ageing and pigmentation, and they can penetrate cloud cover and glass. They don't clock off just because the temperature has dropped.
You might not feel the sun on your face, but that doesn't mean your skin isn't exposed to UV.
My advice? Keep your daily broad-spectrum SPF 30–50 in your morning routine, choosing one that suits your skin and following the product instructions.
And if you're spending extended time outdoors, remember to reapply as directed.
Your best anti-ageing product isn't a £150 serum promising to turn back the clock. It's consistent sun protection.
Sorry, skincare marketing department. I don't make the rules! 😉
3. Stop attacking your skin because it looks a bit dull
When skin starts looking lacklustre, it's tempting to reach for stronger acids, exfoliators, retinol and anything else promising to reveal a glowing complexion.
But if your skin is already dry, tight, red or sensitive, throwing more active ingredients at it may make things worse.
Autumn is not an invitation to sandpaper your face!
Instead:
Keep exfoliation gentle and appropriate for your skin.
Avoid layering lots of active ingredients without knowing whether they work well together.
Introduce retinol or acids gradually rather than using everything at once.
If your skin starts stinging, peeling excessively or becoming persistently red, review your routine rather than pushing through.
Sometimes the best thing you can do for your skin is give it a little breathing space.
4. Don't wash your face in water hot enough to cook pasta
After a cold, miserable journey home, nothing feels better than a lovely hot shower.
But your skin might not agree with turning the temperature up to Italian pasta-cooking levels!
Very hot water can strip away some of your skin's natural oils and worsen dryness and irritation, particularly if you're prone to eczema or sensitivity.
Use lukewarm water, a gentle cleanser and a soft cloth. Pat your face dry rather than rubbing it as though you're trying to remove a stubborn stain.
And please, don't go to bed with your makeup on because it's cold, you're tired and your bed looks inviting.
Your skin still needs its evening cleanse. Even in October. Even when it's raining sideways.
5. Your lips, hands and body need some love too
It's easy to concentrate on our faces and forget about everything else until our hands resemble sandpaper and our lips start cracking.
Central heating, cold winds and frequent handwashing can leave skin feeling uncomfortable.
My winter handbag essentials include:
A nourishing lip balm.
A good hand cream.
A suitable body moisturiser, particularly if your legs and arms become dry or itchy.
SPF for exposed skin during daylight hours.
If you're prone to eczema, be particularly mindful of fragranced products and anything that irritates your skin. Stick to products you know your skin tolerates, and seek medical advice if a flare is persistent or worsening.
Your face isn't the only bit of you that deserves a decent skincare routine!
6. Don't turn your bathroom into a skincare laboratory
This is a big one!
I love good skincare. Obviously. It's what I do for a living.
But I don't love seeing people buy six new products because someone on TikTok said they transformed their skin in three days.
Your skin isn't a science experiment, and more products don't necessarily mean better results.
If you're changing your routine for autumn, introduce new products gradually so you can see how your skin responds. Don't change everything at once and then wonder which product has caused the irritation.
And remember, redness, burning and persistent tingling aren't badges of honour. Your skin shouldn't have to suffer to get results.
If you're unsure what your skin needs, a proper consultation can help you work out what to use, what to avoid and where your money is best spent.
7. Remember that your skin can change with the seasons
The routine that worked beautifully in July might not be quite right in November.
You might need a richer moisturiser, a gentler cleanser or a little less exfoliation. If your skin becomes more sensitive in colder weather, it's worth reviewing your products rather than assuming your skin has suddenly decided to misbehave for no reason.
And if you're experiencing persistent redness, itching, breakouts or a change in pigmentation, don't automatically blame the weather. There may be another cause that needs looking into.
This is why I always say skincare isn't one-size-fits-all. Your skin has its own needs, and those needs can change.
🍁 Autumn is a lovely time to reset your skin
I know the darker mornings and colder evenings aren't everyone's favourite. Personally, I love a bit of sunshine and am already missing Italy!
But autumn is a good opportunity to slow down, review your skincare routine and give your skin a little extra care before winter really sets in.
You don't necessarily need a whole new bathroom cabinet full of products. Sometimes a few sensible changes make all the difference.
And if you're not sure where to start, that's exactly what I'm here for.
At Devine Skin & Laser Clinic, I believe in understanding your skin first, choosing treatments and skincare that are appropriate for you, and focusing on long-term skin health rather than chasing every new trend.
Real Skin. Real Results. Real Care.
No filters, no miracle promises and definitely no telling you that you need 17 different products to have good skin!
If your skin is feeling a little different now the weather has changed, book a consultation or skin care review and we can look at what it actually needs.
In the meantime, moisturise, wear your SPF, drink your water and try not to freeze on the school run.
And if anyone knows how to bring Italian sunshine back to Hampshire, please do let me know. I'll happily volunteer for further research! 😂☀️
Alison x
Devine Skin & Laser Clinic | Farnborough
Real Skin. Real Results. Real Care.
love your blogs