As the long days of summer begin to fade and September arrives, we naturally start making a few seasonal changes. The wardrobe gets a refresh, routines settle back into place and suddenly that first cosy evening feels very welcome.
But there’s one thing we often forget to transition into autumn... our skincare.
After months of sunshine, warmer temperatures, holidays, air conditioning and perhaps a little more time outdoors than usual, your skin can enter September feeling quite different from how it started the summer.
Think dehydration, dullness, uneven texture and a complexion that has lost a little of its usual glow.
First, What Did Summer Do to Your Skin?
We love summer. Our skin? Sometimes a little less so.
Extended exposure to the sun, heat, chlorine, salt water and air conditioning can all take their toll. Even when we've been diligent with SPF, the skin may still feel dehydrated, sensitised or simply a little lacklustre by September.
You might notice:
- Skin feeling tighter or thirstier than usual
- Fine dehydration lines becoming more noticeable
- A dull or uneven complexion
- Changes in pigmentation
- Rougher texture
- Increased sensitivity
September is therefore a wonderful time to reassess what your skin needs rather than simply continuing with the same routine all year round.
Step One: Bring Back the Hydration đź’§
If summer has left your complexion feeling thirsty, hydration should be one of the first things on your autumn skincare agenda.
And remember: dehydrated skin isn't necessarily dry skin. All skin types can experience dehydration including combination and oily complexions.
This is where layering lightweight hydration can make a real difference.
MATIS Hydra-Boost Serum is the perfect first step for skin craving an injection of hydration, while Hydra-Fresh Gel offers fresh, lightweight comfort to help maintain beautifully hydrated skin without feeling heavy.
Think of it as giving your skin a much-needed glass of water after summer.
Step Two: It's Time to Get Your Glow Back ✨
That beautiful summer glow can quickly turn into a dull September complexion.
Gentle exfoliation can help remove the build-up of dead skin cells sitting on the surface of the skin, encouraging a smoother, brighter-looking complexion and helping your carefully chosen skincare work more effectively.
Autumn also marks the return of some of our favourite professional treatments.
A MATIS Corrective Peel treatment can be the perfect way to begin your post-summer skin journey, helping to refine the appearance of the skin and restore that fresh, luminous look.
Always speak to your MATIS skincare professional, who can recommend the most appropriate treatment programme for your individual skin.
Step Three: Don't Forget Your Skin Barrier
As we move towards cooler weather, central heating and lower humidity, the skin's protective barrier becomes increasingly important.
This is the time to start thinking beyond simply making the skin look good and focus on keeping it comfortable, nourished and supported too.
If your complexion is feeling particularly sensitive after summer, introduce comforting formulas and avoid the temptation to completely overhaul your routine overnight.
Your autumn skincare reset doesn't need to mean ten new products.
Sometimes it simply means listening to your skin.
Step Four: Autumn Doesn't Mean Goodbye SPF
The sunshine might be disappearing behind the clouds, but your SPF shouldn't disappear into the bathroom cupboard.
UV exposure occurs throughout the year, making daily sun protection an important part of any skincare routine particularly if you're introducing exfoliation or professional peel treatments.
So yes, even when you're reaching for the knitwear… keep reaching for the SPF too.
Discover MATIS Paris professional skincare and treatments through your nearest MATIS skincare professional.