Sally Foran: How to switch up your skincare routine for autumn

Here are some of our favourite products to help you make the seasonal switch.
Just like our wardrobe needs updating as we leave summer behind and enter autumn, so too does our skincare.
Our skin has different needs in autumn compared to summer; the colder weather and the drop in humidity can make skin drier, while spending more time indoors with central heating can also strip moisture, leaving skin prone to dullness, redness, and irritation.
That’s why it’s a good idea to make some subtle changes to your skincare routine to ensure you keep your skin nourished, hydrated, and healthy.
Here are some of our favourite products to help you make the seasonal switch.

During summer, gel-based cleansers are popular as they help control excess oil and shine.
Come autumn, these can leave your skin feeling tight, irritated, or flaky. Switching to oil, balm, or cream-based cleansers helps maintain moisture while still removing impurities.
Doctrine Divinity Cleansing Balm is a luxurious balm that transforms from a solid balm to an oil and then into a milky texture on contact with water.
Infused with calming spirulina and yarrow, it soothes irritated skin while gently lifting away makeup and debris.
Its naturally derived blue hue and subtle scent of lavender, orange, and neroli make cleansing feel like a spa ritual at home.
I’ve lost count of how many jars of this I’ve gotten through — it’s divine. Perfect for keeping skin soft and hydrated as the weather cools.
- €42, skinshop.ie

Hydrating mists are an essential step to counter seasonal dehydration.
The Inkey List Hydro Surge Dewy Face Mist contains hyaluronic acid and marine extracts, delivering instant hydration while helping to maintain the skin’s natural barrier.
It’s perfect for a midday refresh, before or after makeup, and during indoor heating, which can often leave skin feeling tight and uncomfortable.
My skin has been loving it since its launch earlier this year.
- €13.39, millies.ie

Hydration is the cornerstone of healthy skin, especially in autumn.
Now is the perfect time to incorporate a multi molecular hyaluronic acid serum to support both surface and deeper layers of skin.
Aveeno Calm & Restore Serum is rich in colloidal oatmeal and gentle humectants, which soothe sensitive skin while deeply hydrating.
It helps reduce redness and strengthens the skin’s natural moisture barrier, making it an excellent choice for seasonal transition.
- €12.15, McCabes Pharmacy

In summer, lightweight gel moisturisers suffice, but in autumn, thicker formulas are needed to lock in moisture and prevent dryness.
Sculpted By Aimee Cloud Cream is a creamy, luxurious moisturiser packed with ceramides, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid to reinforce the skin barrier and lock in hydration.
Its cloud-like texture melts into skin, leaving it plump, soft, and glowing, even as the air becomes colder and drier.
You know a product is good when your daughter constantly steals it from your stash.
- €35, Dunnes Stores

Adding a facial oil provides an extra layer of nourishment, particularly overnight, when the skin’s natural repair processes are most active.
Holos Anti Ageing Oil is a multiple award-winning oil that combines argan, rose, and palmarosa oils to hydrate, soothe, and promote a youthful glow.
It’s lightweight yet deeply nourishing, and suitable for all skin types, even oily. Ideal for combating seasonal dryness while enhancing the skin’s radiance.
It has been a staple in my skincare routine for over six years, I swear by it.
- €30, Meaghers Pharmacy

Autumn is the ideal season to use active ingredients like retinol and vitamin C, as there’s less risk of sun sensitivity than with summer months.
Jennifer Rocks’ Skingredients Skin Protein is a carefully formulated serum blending retinol and vitamin C for maximum anti ageing and brightening effects, while minimising irritation.
It helps refine texture, reduce fine lines, and support a radiant complexion. I love that it’s a ‘one and done’ serum too.
- €44, theskinnerd.ie

Exfoliating masks help remove dead skin cells and smooth rough patches, which are common during seasonal transitions.
Caudalie Instant Detox Mask is a cult favourite, combining clay, grape extracts, and polyphenols to purify and detoxify skin.
Regular use leaves the complexion looking refined, refreshed, and radiant, preventing dullness.
This mask has deservedly earned a permanent place on my skincare shelf.
- €31, Boots

Even in cooler months, UV rays are present and can penetrate clouds, making daily SPF a non-negotiable all year round.
Cerave AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF50 is a lightweight SPF lotion that hydrates with ceramides, while providing broad spectrum sun protection.
It safeguards skin against UVA/UVB rays and environmental stressors and it’s one that my whole family loves.
- €14, Hickeys Pharmacy
- Prices correct at time of print but subject to change