Fall Skincare Tips: How to Reset Your Routine for Cooler, Drier Days

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Fall is here, and she’s giving cozy luxury. It’s my second favorite season (summer is still my favorite), but when it comes to fashion? Fall wins. The boots, the leather, the layers. It’s giving elevated comfort. But while we’re swapping linen for knits and iced lattes for hot chai, our skin is quietly asking for the same kind of seasonal switch-up.

As the air gets cooler, drier, and a little moodier (hello, DC weather), our skin needs to adapt. And so does our skincare routine.

Before you splurge on new products or convince yourself that your summer lineup can last through November, let’s talk about why your skin changes in the fall and how to tweak your skincare routine with some fall skincare tips to stay radiant, resilient, and eczema-safe.

Why Does Skin Change in the Fall?

Think of summer as nature’s built-in hydration system because of the humidity in the air. Humidity is essentially a free moisturizer that helps keep our skin plump, dewy, and soft with minimal effort. We’re outside more, moving our bodies, eating fresh seasonal foods, and soaking up all the things that naturally boost circulation and skin health.

Then fall enters the chat with cooler temps and drier air. That drop in humidity is not just a weather update; it’s a skin situation. Less moisture in the air means your skin starts losing water to the environment (aka transepidermal water loss). And if your skin barrier is already sensitive or dry (hello, eczema), the weather change can throw things off fast.

Common Fall Skin Struggles 🍁:

• Tightness (your skin feels like it shrank overnight)
• Dullness (where did the summer glow go?)
• Flakiness (hello, texture)
• Irritation (redness, itchiness, or flare-ups)

💡 Pro Tip: If your skin starts acting “off”, as the leaves change, it’s not being dramatic. It’s adapting and asking for a little TLC.

So, Do You Really Need to Change Your Skincare Routine in the Fall?

Short answer: yes.
Long answer: yes. But let’s be practical.

You don’t need to overhaul your entire skincare routine every season. Fall is just asking for more support. Think of it like swapping sandals for boots: same walk, just better suited for the weather.

Ask Yourself:

• Do I need more hydration?
• Do I need a richer moisturizer?

If your skin’s feeling tight, flaky, or just “meh,” the answer is probably yes to both. Cooler, drier air means your skin needs a little more hydration and moisture. And if you’re dealing with eczema or sensitivity, this seasonal change is your cue to reinforce your barrier and keep inflammation at bay.

💡 Pro Tip: You don’t need 5 new products! You need the right ones that match your skin’s current condition.

Fall Skincare Tips To Transition from Summer To Fall

Let’s walk through five easy ways to “fall-proof” your skincare routine:

Tip #1: Consider Changing Your Cleanser

If you didn’t know, cleansing is my favorite step in my skincare routine. It’s also the foundation of it all because it’s the first step in keeping skin clear and healthy. 

In the summer, I use gel cleansers. But in the fall? That same cleanser can leave my skin feeling tight and stripped. That’s when I reach for creamier cleansers and nourishing oils. A good rule of thumb: if your face feels tight after washing, it’s time to upgrade your cleanser.

💡Skincare Tip: Try cleansing balms or milky cleansers that respect your barrier. You don’t have to use them daily, especially if you have oily skin, but they’re perfect for removing makeup and maintaining hydration.

Here are a few cleansers I’m loving for fall:

Tip #2: Layer Hydration Like You Layer Fall Fashion

Fall is all about layering, and your skincare should be too. As it gets colder, your skincare routine should focus more on hydration and barrier support. This is where your ingredient lineup matters.

“Skincare is a wardrobe for your face. As we adjust and alter our clothing to prepare for fall, we must also do the same for our skin pantry." – NYC esthetician Shatelle Wins #fallskincaretips https://t.co/hDj9tgpqqV

— Beauty In Color (@beautyincolor_) October 8, 2023

Key Ingredients to Layer:

• Antioxidants: They fight free radicals responsible for collagen breakdown, premature aging, and hyperpigmentation (EXAMPLES: sunscreen, niacinamide, vitamin C, and vitamin E).
• Humectants: They act as “water-binders”, pulling water into your skin like a sponge (EXAMPLES: glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and peptides).
• Emollients: These lipids play a crucial role in maintaining your skin barrier’s strength, filling in cracks caused by rough, dry, and flaky skin, and reinforcing your skin barrier. (EXAMPLES: ceramides and fatty acids).

💡 Barrier Tip: I always keep calming products on hand to address skin irritation or eczema flare-ups, because eczema doesn’t care what season it is.

Here are a few serums and treatments I’m loving for fall:

And here are a few moisturizers I’m loving for fall:

Tip #3: Invest in a Humidifier

Dry air outside + heaters inside = your skin working overtime. When it’s cold and moisture levels drop, the atmosphere can pull hydration from your skin. Using a humidifier helps counteract this by adding moisture back into your space.

Why I Love Carepod Humidifiers

My current go-to humidifier is still the Carepod One. What sets Carepod apart is its resilience against mold and bacteria, thanks to its stainless steel components (because who wants a side of germs with my hydration). They recently launched the Carepod One Plus, an upgraded version with a mood light.

BONUS: You can get 10% off your Carepod with my code BEAUTYINCOLOR.

Tip #4: Show Your Hands and Lips Some Love

FUN FACT: Your hands and lips don’t have oil glands. That’s why they get extra dry in colder months. And both my hands and lips get EXTREMELY dry!

Here are a few Hand and Lip TLC tips:

• Use a thicker hand cream (bonus points if it has ceramides).
• Apply lip balm before bed or, better yet, a lip sleeping mask.
• Exfoliate lips with a gentle chemical exfoliant to fight flakiness (a game-changing hack I learned from @withsaj).

Here are a few lip products I’m loving for fall:

And here are a few hand products I’m loving for fall:

Tip #5: Take Care of Your Whole Self

Fall is a reset, not just for your skincare routine, but for your body and mind as well. Shorter days can impact your mood and energy, making self-care a non-negotiable priority.

Here are some Wellness Tips for Radiant Skin:

• Prioritize Sleep + Stress Relief: Your skin mirrors your habits. Prioritize self-care.
• Add Supplements: Omega oils for skin health and skin barrier support, collagen for hydration, vitamin C for immunity, and vitamin D to fight seasonal fatigue
• Move Your Body: Even a walk counts. It boosts circulation and helps with stress. Spending time outdoors can also help alleviate vitamin D  deficiency.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink more water. Your skin will thank you!

Here are a few supplements and wellness products I’m loving this fall:

The Bottomline

Transitioning your skincare from summer to fall doesn’t have to be extensive, complicated…or expensive. It’s not about tossing everything out but tuning in. Think of it like swapping iced lattes for hot chai: same ritual, you’re just adapting for the season.

Now I want to hear from you: How do you transition your skincare when the seasons change?
Drop your fall skincare tips in the comments or DM me on Instagram. I’m always learning from this beautiful community.

xoxo,
Dana