Skin Reset Season: Why September Is the Real January for Your Skin
Forget New Year, new you. September is the real January for your skin. Post-summer glow has peaked, the SPF-only routine is no longer cutting it, and suddenly, your face is crying out for more TLC. As temperatures dip, central heating will soon kick in, and dryness becomes the norm for us all. So how do you swerve the seasonal slump? By treating September as the ultimate skin reset button. We asked skin experts to decode what your skin actually needs right now, and the clever swaps that’ll see you through the winter months ahead.
Skin’s fresh start
Summer gives you the illusion of healthy skin thanks to sun exposure, but UV actually accelerates ageing and dehydrates the skin.September is when we see pigmentation, congestion, and barrier issues surface. This is the point to stop chasing glow with aggressive exfoliation and instead focus on repair, nourishment, and building long-term resilience.
Dr Sophie Shotter
In other words, September isn’t just about swapping your iced coffees for a steamy latte. It’s about pressing reset on your skincare and tailoring it for the change before the colder months arrive.
10 skincare swaps to make now (and why)
Think of these as your seasonal wardrobe switch, out with the linen shirts, in with the chunky knits. Only this time, it’s serums and creams getting the upgrade.
Swap foaming cleansers ➝ cream cleansers
Foaming washes strip the skin barrier. A cream or balm cleanser cocoons skin and keeps hydration locked in.
Swap gritty scrubs ➝ enzyme exfoliants
Harsh scrubs cause micro-tears. Enzyme formulas (papaya, pumpkin) gently melt away dead skin without irritation.
Swap mattifying SPF ➝ hydrating SPF
Yes, SPF still matters. Opt for one laced with hyaluronic acid or glycerin.
Swap gel moisturiser ➝ barrier-building cream
As the weather gets colder, you’ll need ceramide-rich creams to shield against the chill of the air.
SPF is still non-negotiable even in cloudy Britain, UVA rays penetrate glass. Don’t ditch your sunscreen just because your umbrella is out.
Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme, medical director of Adonia Medical Clinic
Swap vitamin C serum ➝ antioxidant cocktail
Pure vitamin C can feel irritating on drier skin. Look for serums with vitamin E, ferulic acid, or resveratrol.
Swap oil-free foundations ➝ skin-tint hybrids
Powdery matte finishes emphasise flakiness. Skin tints keep their glow intact.
Swap sheet masks ➝ overnight masks
Sheet masks are a quick fix; overnight masks repair barrier function while you snooze.
Swap toners with alcohol ➝ essence or mist
Hydrating mists or essences layer moisture without stripping.
Swap glycolic acid ➝ lactic acid
Glycolic can be too harsh in cold weather. Lactic acid resurfaces and hydrates.
Swap retinol overload ➝ retinaldehyde or peptides
If retinol irritation spikes, dial it back. Retinaldehyde is gentler, and peptides support firmness.
The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.
