September Reset: Why Your Skin & Hair Deserve Extra Care
It’s the start of autumn: cue the cliches about pumpkin spiced lattes and crunching through crisp golden leaves on your walk to work. However you feel about the cosy jumper season, it is a time that demands a little extra TLC for your skin and hair.
The combination of chillier weather and lingering sun damage can lead to issues such as dryness, pigmentation and frizz. Here’s a look at how a natural hair and skin care routine can help to protect, nourish and restore.
Why September is tough on skin and hair
Sun damage lingers
This year, it has not even been necessary to go abroad to risk extra stress on your skin and hair, thanks to the long hot summer we have enjoyed. Even if you were diligent with SPF in summer, your skin and hair have been exposed to long hours of sunlight. UV rays can leave behind signs of damage: pigmentation, fine lines, dryness, and weakened hair strands.
Weather is in transition
September weather can be unpredictable: warm days followed by chilly evenings. This constant fluctuation in temperature and humidity makes it harder for skin to stay balanced, often leading to sensitivity or dryness.
Indoor heating returns
As soon as the heating clicks on, moisture is pulled from the air. That means skin can lose hydration faster, and hair can start to feel brittle and more prone to the dreaded frizz.
Stress and routine shifts
September often feels like a “mini New Year.” Back-to-school routines, busy work schedules, and the end of summer holidays can bring added stress, which shows up in your skin.
Plant-based skincare: the autumn essential
Many mainstream beauty brands promise quick fixes, but often rely on synthetic ingredients that can strip the skin or mask problems. Plant-based, vegan skincare works differently. Ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, rosehip oil, and oat extract are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids.
They don’t just make your skin look good: they help it genuinely heal, repair, and strengthen. When you choose Vegan Society registered and cruelty-free products, you’re not only being kind to your skin; you’re making an ethical choice that supports a more sustainable world.
How to transition your routine for September
Switch to a gentle cleanser
Summer sweat and SPF may have had you reaching for foaming cleansers. As autumn arrives, swap them for a cream or oil-based cleanser that removes impurities without stripping natural oils.
Layer on hydration
Look for serums with hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, or plant-based glycerin. They attract and lock in moisture, helping your skin stay plump and comfortable.
Embrace nourishing moisturisers
Light lotions may no longer be enough to keep your skin soft and nourished. Choose a richer moisturiser with plant oils like jojoba, almond, or rosehip, which strengthen the skin barrier and defend against cooler air.
Don’t forget sun protection
It may feel counterintuitive, but UV rays are still strong in September. A lightweight mineral sunscreen will protect against lingering sun damage.
Hair repair rituals
Saltwater, chlorine, and sun exposure leave hair dry and fragile. This is the month to introduce nourishing masks or leave-in conditioners with coconut oil, shea butter, or oat protein. A weekly deep treatment can bring back shine and manageability.
Creating your September self-care routine
Your skincare and haircare routine can be more than maintenance; it can be a relaxing and soul-restoring ritual. Taking a few mindful minutes in the morning and evening helps reduce stress and supports overall wellbeing.
Evening reset: Cleanse away the day, massage in a rich serum or oil, and focus on your breath while applying your moisturiser.
Weekend treat: Use a gentle exfoliator followed by a hydrating mask. Pair it with herbal tea or a calming playlist for a spa-at-home moment.
Hair TLC: Apply a plant-based mask, wrap your hair in a warm towel, and let it nourish while you relax with a book.
These small moments of care are especially important as routines get busier and daylight shortens.
September is a season of transition, and your skin and hair need extra love to thrive. By adjusting your routine, embracing nourishing plant-based ingredients, and making conscious cruelty-free choices, you can carry the radiance of summer straight into autumn.
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