As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, our skin feels the shift, too. Seasonal transitions can impact your skin’s hydration, sensitivity, and overall balance. Just as we swap out our wardrobes for the cooler weather, it’s equally important to refresh our skincare routines. If you’ve ever noticed your skin feeling drier, tighter, or more sensitive once fall arrives, you’re not imagining things — the environment plays a huge role in how our skin behaves.

Let’s take a closer look at how to care for your skin as we head into the cooler months:

1. Boost Your Moisturizer
Cooler, drier air means less moisture in the environment and in your skin. As humidity levels drop, your skin loses hydration more quickly, which can lead to dryness, flaking, or irritation. If you’ve been using a lightweight gel or lotion during summer, consider switching to a richer cream to lock in hydration and strengthen your skin barrier. Look for ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or squalane, which help replenish and maintain moisture. Don’t forget your body, too — applying a nourishing cream after showering can help prevent itchy, dry skin as the weather cools.

2. Adjust Your Retinol Use
Retinol remains a gold-standard ingredient for improving texture, tone, and fine lines, but it can sometimes be a little drying. If your skin feels tight, flaky, or more sensitive than usual, you may need to reduce how often you use your retinol. Some people scale back from nightly use to every other night or just a few times per week. Another option is to layer your retinol over a moisturizer or follow it with a richer cream to reduce irritation without sacrificing benefits.

3. Don’t Pack Away Your Sunscreen
It’s tempting to think sunscreen is only for summer, but UV rays remain strong enough to damage your skin year-round. In fact, UVA rays (the ones responsible for premature aging and skin cancer) penetrate through clouds and windows, so daily SPF remains a non-negotiable step. A lightweight, broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is ideal for fall. If your skin tends to get drier this time of year, consider a moisturizing sunscreen that pulls double duty.

4. Add Gentle Support
This is a great time to introduce calming, barrier-repairing ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, or hyaluronic acid. These can help ease the seasonal transition and keep your skin comfortable. Antioxidants, like vitamin C, are also helpful in protecting your skin from environmental stressors. If you’re prone to redness or irritation, gentle formulas with soothing ingredients such as green tea extract, zinc or centella asiatica can make a difference.

5. Watch Your Cleansing Routine
In the summer, many people can tolerate foaming or gel cleansers that whisk away oil and sweat. But in the fall, these can sometimes strip the skin. Switching to a cream or hydrating cleanser can help preserve your skin’s natural barrier while still keeping it clean. Remember: over-cleansing can worsen dryness and sensitivity, especially when the air is less forgiving.

Final Thought
Your skin’s needs evolve with the seasons, and making small adjustments can help prevent irritation and dryness while keeping your skin healthy and glowing. Fall is the perfect time to check in with your skincare routine and make sure it’s still serving your skin well.

If you’re unsure how to tailor your regimen for autumn, we’re here to help you create a personalized plan that works for your skin type, concerns, and goals.