Why your skin changes in autumn
- Reduced humidity: The air carries less moisture, leaving skin parched.
- Temperature swings: Moving from warm outdoor air to heated indoor spaces stresses the skin barrier.
- Sun exposure shifts: Even as UV levels drop, skin may react to lingering summer sun or sudden cool winds.
Scientific insight
Seasonal changes have a measurable impact on the skin. In the study Effect of Seasonal Change on the Biomechanical and Physical Properties of the Human Skin published on ScienceDirect, researchers examined the skin of fourteen healthy volunteers and found that in colder months, skin experiences higher water loss, reduced elasticity, and increased roughness compared to summer. Epidermal hydration was 25% lower in winter, while firmness and elasticity also dropped—clear evidence of why skin often feels tighter, drier, and more irritated during autumn and winter.
This seasonal vulnerability highlights the importance of adjusting your skincare routine in autumn, as the skin needs to prepare for lower humidity, cold winds, and indoor heating. Now, let’s take a look at what your skin needs.
What your skin needs now
- Extra hydration: Focus on products that lock in moisture and strengthen the skin barrier.
- Gentle care: Avoid harsh cleansers or over-exfoliation; your skin’s barrier is already under stress.
- Barrier support: Bioactive ingredients, including enzymes and hyaluronic acid, help maintain elasticity, calm irritation, and improve moisture retention.
- Layering: Use serums under moisturizers to maximize hydration, and don’t forget delicate areas like lips and hands.
Hyaluronic acid – A key ingredient in autumn
Hyaluronic acid (HA) truly shines in autumn, when cooler air, lower humidity, and indoor heating start to dry out the skin. Its ability to attract and retain moisture helps counter seasonal dryness and strengthen the skin barrier. While HA is beneficial year-round, fall is the season when your skin will notice the most difference.
Many people assume all hyaluronic acids are the same, but they vary widely in molecular size, structure, and effectiveness. To help you navigate the differences, we’ve put together the table below, showing the key types, their INCI names, and main benefits. Knowing these differences helps you choose the most effective form for long-lasting hydration.
Types of hyaluronic acid
| Type of Hyaluronic Acid | INCI Name | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium Hyaluronate | Sodium Hyaluronate | Provides general hydration and helps maintain skin moisture |
| High Molecular Weight HA | Sodium Hyaluronate (High Molecular Weight) | Locks in surface moisture for instant hydration |
| Low Molecular Weight HA | Sodium Hyaluronate (Low Molecular Weight) | Penetrates deeper layers to improve elasticity and firmness |
| Hydrolyzed HA | Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid | Smaller fragments penetrate deeper, smoothing and softening skin |
| Cross-linked HA | Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer | Forms a network for slow-release, long-lasting hydration and plumping |
| Acylated HA | Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate |
Chemically optimized for enhanced stability and better efficacy including longer-lasting hydration compared to conventional hyaluronic acids |
| Full Spectrum HA | — (blend of multiple HA molecular weights) | Combines different molecular weights for surface and deep hydration, improving elasticity and firmness |
Table prepared by Bioli, 2025.
For a deeper dive into decoding ingredient labels and understanding what’s in your skincare products, check out our previous article: Unfolding the Ingredient Label: A Guide to Decoding the INCI.
Why Acylated hyaluronic acid stands out
Some conventional forms of HA provide only a brief moisture boost before evaporating, leaving skin thirsty again. Acylated hyaluronic acid delivers longer-lasting hydration - some up to 8 hours of sustained hydration. Its optimized structure enhances water retention and supports the skin barrier, keeping skin plump, smooth, and comfortable throughout the day—even in dry, autumn conditions. Choosing an advanced form ensures long-lasting hydration rather than a temporary fix.
Additional tips for seasonal changes
- Swap lightweight summer creams for richer, nourishing moisturizers.
- Continue using sunscreen, even as the sun softens, to protect against lingering UV damage.
- Drink plenty of water and consider a humidifier indoors to counter dry air.
Autumn is the perfect time for a skin reset, giving your skin the moisture and care it needs to stay healthy, plump, and comfortable through the cooler months. By adjusting your routine to meet seasonal needs—especially with hyaluronic acid—you’re helping your skin thrive through autumn.
Check out our Moisturizing and Protecting Day Cream—formulated with biotech acetylated hyaluronic acid, delivering up to 8 hours of continuous hydration and barrier support, especially needed in autumn’s dry air.
