Summer may be winding down, but that doesn’t mean your summer glow has to fade along with it. While the days grow shorter and cooler, there are plenty of ways to keep your skin looking healthy and hydrated well into autumn.
1. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
The secret to keeping that post-summer radiance is simple: hydration. Sun exposure, salt water and chlorine may have left your skin a bit dehydrated, so it’s essential to replenish moisture as you transition into cooler weather. Start with a lightweight, hydrating serum packed with hyaluronic acid or glycerin to draw moisture into the skin. Follow with a rich moisturiser to lock it in.
2. Exercise for resilient skin
Incorporating regular physical activity into your routine is a simple way to keep your skin healthy and radiant. According to research from Oizumi et al. (2024), regular exercise has been shown to improve skin structure and rejuvenate its appearance. Similarly, Tertipi et al. (2023) also found that exercise enhances skin quality, promoting a more youthful and resilient complexion regardless of age.
3. Fake it with bronzing drops
Add a few drops of bronzer into your daily moisturiser or foundation for a subtle, sun-kissed look. These drops can give you that “I just spent a week at the beach” vibe without the harmful UV exposure.
4. Brighten with vitamin C
Vitamin C is the ultimate glow-giver. As a powerful antioxidant, it helps brighten skin, fade dark spots and promote collagen production – everything you need to keep that radiant summer glow.
5. Sleep your way to radiant skin
Never underestimate the power of beauty sleep. Your skin regenerates overnight, so a solid night’s rest is essential for maintaining a fresh, dewy complexion. A silk pillowcase can also do wonders in preventing irritation, helping you wake up with soft, glowing skin every morning. Try one from the award-winning range at Slip or this Good Housekeeping-approved one from Bouclème.
6. Don’t forget your body
As summer fades, maintain your glow with products designed to nourish and enhance your skin. From hydrating body lotions, rich creams and oils to gradual self-tanners and shimmering body mists, there are plenty of options to suit your preferences. You can explore a wide selection both online and in-store at luxury retailers such as Liberty, Selfridges, Space NK and John Lewis.
7. Glowing from the inside
The foods you eat can also help keep your skin radiant. Foods rich in antioxidants, like berries, leafy greens and nuts, and omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon and chia seeds, are great for maintaining that healthy glow. Hydrating drinks are key here too – drink plenty of water, herbal teas like these from Hampstead Tea, or Innocent Drinks coconut water to keep your skin looking plump and refreshed.
8. Add a highlighter for an extra boost
For those days when your skin needs a little extra help, a cream highlighter can work wonders. Apply a subtle highlighter to the high points of your face – like the tops of your cheekbones, brow bones and down the bridge of your nose – for an instant glow-up.
9. Keep up the SPF habit
Just because summer is over doesn’t mean you can ditch your sunscreen. In fact, it’s crucial to keep up your SPF routine to maintain your glow and protect your skin from damage. UV rays are present year-round and are the number one culprit behind dull, ageing skin.
Just keep glowing
With a few tweaks to your skincare routine, staying hydrated, exfoliating gently, protecting with SPF and adding a little extra glow where needed, you can keep your skin looking radiant no matter the season.
