You rinse, pat your face dry, and within a minute it feels tight. Maybe a little shiny-dry across the cheeks, maybe pink around the nose. Many people read that "squeaky clean" feeling as a sign the cleanser worked. In autumn it is usually a sign it worked too hard.
When the air turns cold outside and the heating goes on inside, skin loses water faster. The barrier, the thin outer layer that keeps moisture in and irritants out, has less margin. A strong foaming wash can strip away more of the skin's own oils than it needs to, and that leaves your face feeling tight before you have even reached for a toner or cream. Swapping in a richer moisturiser helps, but it is easier to stop taking away so much in the first place.
Gentle does not mean less clean
A mild cleanser still lifts sunscreen, sweat, excess oil and the day's dust. The difference is in how it feels afterwards: soft and comfortable rather than taut. If you wear heavy makeup or water-resistant SPF, an oil or balm first step is still useful in the evening. This note is about the second step, or the only step on lighter days and in the morning.
The Round Lab Mugwort Calming Cleanser is made for exactly that. It has a mild, creamy-gel lather that removes impurities, excess sebum and light makeup without leaving skin stripped. Mugwort extract is a long-loved soothing ingredient in Korean skincare, which makes this a good fit for sensitive or easily irritated skin when the season changes. A small amount is enough, and it rinses off cleanly.
How to use it
Wet your face with lukewarm water. Hot water feels cosy in October but dries skin out faster.
Work a small amount of cleanser between damp hands until it turns into a soft lather.
Massage gently over face and neck for about 30 seconds. Use your fingertips, not a scrub or brush.
Rinse well with lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean towel.
Follow straight away with toner and moisturiser while skin is still slightly damp.
Use morning and evening. In the morning, finish with SPF.
Small habits that help
If your skin feels fine in the morning, a splash of water and a quick, gentle cleanse is plenty.
Use a soft towel just for your face and pat rather than rub.
Free shipping from €40 if you add a toner or cream to your autumn routine.
If tightness, redness or flaking keeps getting worse even with a gentle routine, talk to your GP or a dermatologist.
Autumn skin often does not need more products. It needs a kinder start. Begin with a calm cleanse, then let the rest of your routine do its job. You will find this cleanser and other seasonal picks in our October collection.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.
