How to Transition Your Skincare Routine from Summer to Fall

Reviewed by Jason H. Miller, MD.

As the temperatures drop and humidity fades, your skin often responds with increased dryness, sensitivity, or irritation. While it may seem like your skincare routine should work year-round, the truth is that your skin’s needs shift with the seasons. Making a few thoughtful adjustments now can help prevent cold-weather skin problems later and keep your complexion balanced, hydrated, and healthy well into fall.

Why Your Skincare Routine Should Change with the Seasons

Skin is highly responsive to changes in the environment. Temperature, humidity, UV exposure, and wind all play a role in how your skin behaves and what it needs to stay healthy. As summer gives way to fall, these environmental factors shift rapidly, often before your skincare catches up.

During summer, lighter products, extra SPF, and oil control are often the focus. But with fall’s cooler air and lower humidity, your skin may lose moisture more easily. If you don’t adjust, you could experience flaking, dullness, or worsening of chronic skin issues like eczema or rosacea. That’s where seasonal skincare changes become essential, not just for comfort, but for long-term skin health.

What Happens to Your Skin in Cooler Weather?

In cooler months, your skin barrier can become compromised more easily. Here’s why:

• Lower humidity draws moisture out of your skin, leading to dehydration.
• Cooler temperatures cause blood vessels to constrict, which may reduce natural oil production.
• Indoor heating systems pull additional moisture from the air and from your skin.
• Wind exposure can cause redness, dryness, or worsen sensitivity.

These changes affect everyone differently, but they often lead to a similar outcome: skin that feels tighter, drier, or more reactive than it did during summer. Recognizing these shifts is the first step to knowing how to switch skincare seasons effectively.

Key Skincare Swaps to Make for Fall

As temperatures drop and humidity fades, your skin’s needs shift, sometimes dramatically. A few thoughtful adjustments can help maintain balance, prevent dryness, and keep your complexion comfortable through the seasonal change. Below are the most effective skincare swaps to make this fall.

Switch to a Richer Moisturizer

One of the most important changes in any fall skincare routine is upgrading your moisturizer. Lightweight gels or oil-free lotions that worked well in summer may no longer provide enough hydration.

Look for a cream-based moisturizer with ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or glycerin to support your skin barrier and lock in moisture. If you have acne-prone skin, you don’t have to skip moisturizer, just opt for non-comedogenic formulas with soothing, hydrating properties.

Adjust Your Exfoliation Habits

Exfoliation is still important in the fall, but it needs to be handled with care. Over-exfoliating can strip your skin, especially when it’s already vulnerable due to environmental stress.

Rather than daily scrubs or high-strength acids, consider gentle exfoliation 1–2 times per week, depending on your skin type. Ingredients like lactic acid or polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) are milder options that can brighten skin without over-drying.

Rebalance with Hydrating Serums and Creams

Layering in hydration is key when transitioning skincare summer to fall. A hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid, panthenol, or niacinamide can provide extra moisture beneath your moisturizer.

If your skin feels dull or rough, a barrier-repairing cream or overnight mask can help restore balance. Look for products that support the skin’s lipid layer and contain ingredients like squalane or peptides.

Best Skincare Ingredients to Use in Fall

The best moisturizer for fall will depend on your skin type, but overall, fall is a good time to reintroduce or focus on ingredients that promote hydration and skin renewal.

• Hyaluronic Acid: Binds moisture to the skin to prevent dryness
• Ceramides: Restore the skin barrier and prevent moisture loss
• Niacinamide: Soothes irritation and helps even out skin tone
• Peptides: Support collagen and elasticity
• Squalane: A lightweight oil that nourishes without clogging pores
• Lactic Acid (in moderation): Gently exfoliates and hydrates

Retinoids can also be a helpful addition during fall, as sun sensitivity decreases. However, they should be introduced gradually, with plenty of hydration to prevent irritation.

Fall is also an ideal time to consider in-office treatments that complement your updated skincare regimen, such as chemical peels or laser procedures that require less sun exposure during recovery. You can explore more options through our cosmetic dermatology treatments and procedures.

Mistakes People Make When Changing Their Routine

Even with the best intentions, some common missteps can lead to skin problems in the fall:

• Not changing anything at all. Assuming your summer routine will still work can leave your skin dry, flaky, or inflamed.
• Overdoing active ingredients. Trying to treat dullness or dryness with too many exfoliants or retinoids at once can backfire.
• Skipping SPF. Just because the sun feels weaker doesn’t mean UV rays aren’t damaging your skin. Sunscreen is still essential year-round.
• Ignoring signs of irritation. Redness, tightness, or flaking may be your skin telling you it needs more hydration or a gentler approach.

Knowing how to change skincare for fall starts with tuning into how your skin feels and adjusting accordingly.

When to See a Dermatologist About Skin Changes

If your skin doesn’t seem to improve with seasonal skincare changes, or if symptoms worsen, it may be time to consult a board-certified dermatologist. This is especially important if you experience:

• Persistent dryness or cracking
• Worsening of eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea
• New breakouts despite using the right products
• Red patches, rashes, or flaky areas that don’t go away

A dermatologist can recommend personalized autumn skincare tips, prescribe stronger treatments if needed, or help you find the best moisturizer for fall based on your skin’s unique needs.

Support Your Skin This Fall with Schweiger Dermatology

Transitioning your skincare routine from summer to fall doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does need to be intentional. With the right product swaps and ingredient focus, your skin can stay healthy, hydrated, and resilient all season long.

If you’re noticing changes in your skin or are unsure how to adjust your regimen, the board-certified providers at Schweiger Dermatology are here to help. From expert diagnosis to product guidance and in-office treatments, we’ll support your skin’s health year-round, no matter the season. Book your appointment online or call 844-DERM-DOC to get started.