Fall is here, and your skin is already paying the price. Cooler air holds less moisture, and that dryness goes straight into your face, hands, and lips. According to ELLE, dermatologists and skincare pros say October is the moment to switch your routine from lightweight summer products to serious hydration and barrier support.
Dr. Aya Ahram, a board-certified dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery, told ELLE that the biggest change is simple: drop the foaming cleanser, pick up a hydrating one, and stop stripping your skin of its natural moisture. No fancy routine required. Just discipline, the American way.
What actually happens to your skin in fall
Lower humidity and colder temperatures pull water out of your skin. The result is tightness, flaking, redness, and stinging. Ahram said people with eczema or rosacea should expect more frequent flares and prioritize gentle cleansing and barrier repair. Even oily skin types still need moisturizer, though a water-based gel cream may be enough instead of a heavier formula.
Lips, hands, and body get hit hardest because people ignore them until they crack. Ahram recommends a richer hand cream and a lip ointment like Aquaphor or Vaseline before the damage starts, not after.
The must-have products for a fall skincare routine
Ahram recommends looking for ingredients that attract and seal in moisture: ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and petrolatum, depending on your skin type. Rachel Liverman, aestheticician and Glowbar founder and CEO, suggests adding a hydrating serum and swapping to a richer moisturizer to support the skin barrier.
Real Simple makes the same case at the drugstore level, recommending a gentle, non-foaming cleanser packed with ceramides to start the day without aggravating skin.
And sunscreen? Still non-negotiable, both experts said.
Continue wearing sunscreen daily, since UVA rays contribute to photoaging and pigmentation year-round, and incidental sun exposure still adds up.
That quote comes from Ahram. The sun does not take a season off, and neither should your SPF.
Why fall is the best time for professional treatments
Liverman said fall is the ideal season to pair professional exfoliation, like a facial, with a steady at-home routine. In-office treatments such as dermaplaning and chemical peels resurface the skin, while at-home chemical exfoliants maintain the results between visits.
Don't overdo it either; the key to healthy skin is balance.
The lower sun exposure makes deeper exfoliation easier to tolerate and gives skin room to recover. Ahram added that fall is also the right time for lasers and microneedling, which help with resurfacing, pigmentation, collagen-building, texture, and glow. She recommends coordinating retinoids, acids, and procedures carefully to minimize irritation.
The one ingredient to add right now: retinol
If your core lineup is set and you want one addition to carry you to spring, Liverman said make it retinol. Fall sun is weaker, so skin has more time to adjust and build tolerance. It can be drying and irritating at first, so start slowly, one or two times a week, and pair it with plenty of hydration.
Ahram agreed, noting that retinoids are among the best-studied topical ingredients for acne, uneven skin tone, and photoaging.
They help increase skin cell turnover and can improve the appearance of fine lines and skin texture over time.
But if your skin is already dry, sensitive, or inflamed, Ahram said fix the barrier first. Ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid should come before any strong active. Naluda Magazine backs the same playbook, advising readers to trade foaming cleansers for creamy ones and upgrade to a ceramide moisturizer applied on damp skin.
Mistakes to avoid this season
Liverman warned against making too many changes at once. Overdoing new actives overwhelms skin and leads to dryness and irritation as the weather turns colder.
Ahram put it plainly:
A complicated routine isn't necessarily a better routine. A gentle cleanser, an appropriate moisturizer, sunscreen, and one well-chosen active ingredient can be more effective than a shelf full of products.
Other rules: introduce one new product at a time so you can identify the cause of any reaction. Never stack multiple exfoliating products, and skip scrubs on skin that is already dry or peeling. Peeling means you need hydration, not exfoliation.
One more thing, and you have heard this before: turn down the shower. Long, hot showers worsen dryness. Ahram recommends shorter showers with warm water, followed immediately by moisturizer.
FAQ
Do you need sunscreen in fall?
Yes. Ahram said UVA rays drive photoaging and pigmentation year-round, and incidental exposure adds up even on cold, cloudy days.
What is the single best ingredient to add in fall?
Both experts said retinol, started slowly at one or two applications a week, paired with hydrating products to protect the skin barrier.
Should you exfoliate more when skin gets flaky?
No. Ahram said flaking is usually a sign you need more hydration. Combining multiple exfoliants on dry skin makes the problem worse.