Autumn is almost here, and cooler temperatures mean skin needs extra support to fend off tightness and dryness before it sets in. Searches for “dry skin” started climbing from the last week of September last year, and this year is set to follow the same pattern.
New analysis from LOOKFANTASTIC shows searches for skin barrier repair have surged 419% on TikTok. Reddit’s r/skincareaddictionUK page has attracted over 3 million views on posts about CeraVe and over 1 million views on posts about La Roche-Posay in the last six months, two of the brands most associated with barrier repair skincare. Additional data from LOOKFANTASTIC confirms the shift is accelerating rapidly, with skin barrier concerns now ranking as the retailer’s fifth-highest skin concern overall.
As temperatures drop, skin is exposed to a harsher combination of cold air outside and central heating indoors. Both strip moisture and weaken the skin’s natural protective layer. LOOKFANTASTIC’s data suggests shoppers are getting ahead of this earlier than ever, searching out formulas that go beyond basic hydration towards genuine barrier repair and defence.
Rather than the “less is more” stripped-back skincare routines that have dominated in recent years, the new approach favours richer, more targeted formulas designed to actively reinforce the skin’s barrier, helping it cope with harsh weather, indoor heating, and the general wear and tear of an autumn and winter routine.
How to winterproof your skin this season
Beauty expert Jess Clarke at LOOKFANTASTIC highlights a few simple swaps to help winterproof any skin type
Swap stripping cleansers for gentle, barrier-friendly ones
Harsh, foaming cleansers, particularly ones containing sulfates, can strip the skin’s natural oils just when it needs them most, leaving it tight, dry, and more prone to sensitivity. A gentle, low-lather formula, or a cream, balm, or oil cleanser, helps keep the barrier intact through the colder months. It is also worth dialling back how often you cleanse. Once in the evening is often enough in winter, with a simple water rinse in the morning for drier skin types.
Layer in barrier-repairing ingredients
Look for formulas built around ceramides, which mimic the lipids naturally found in skin and help seal in moisture, alongside panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) to soothe and calm, and microbiome-friendly technology such as pre- and postbiotics to support the skin’s own defences. These work best applied as a serum or essence first, then locked in with a moisturiser, rather than relying on one product to do everything.
Don’t skip SPF
Barrier repair and sun protection go hand in hand. UV exposure does not stop in winter. UVA rays penetrate cloud cover and even glass, so a compromised barrier is more vulnerable to damage even on grey days. SPF remains a non-negotiable step every morning, whatever the weather. Choosing an SPF 30 or above with added hydrating ingredients means you are protecting and supporting the barrier at the same time.
Reach for richer textures after dark
Skin does much of its repair work overnight, so swapping a lightweight summer moisturiser for a richer balm or cream before bed gives the barrier more support to recover while you sleep. Look for occlusive ingredients like shea butter or squalane, which help lock in moisture and prevent water loss overnight, or introduce a weekly overnight mask for an extra boost when skin feels particularly depleted.
Clarke says: “We’re seeing a real shift in mindset when it comes to skincare, with people focusing on how to strengthen their skin barrier, so it’s better equipped to cope with whatever the season throws at it. That’s exactly what’s driving the rise in barrier repair searches we’re seeing right now. As we head into autumn and winter, the skin barrier takes a real hit from cold air, wind, and indoor heating, so it’s no surprise people are searching for richer, more protective formulas earlier than usual. Our advice is to keep it simple: a gentle cleanser, an ingredient like ceramides or panthenol to help repair and reinforce, and don’t drop SPF just because the weather’s turned. A stronger barrier now will set skin up much better for the months ahead.”
To shop skin barrier skincare, visit LOOKFANTASTIC.