Changing temperatures, pumpkin spice everything — when autumn arrives, you’ll know it. And for better or worse, so will your skin. Seasonal change, however lovely to watch, can wreak havoc on your skin. That’s why a fall skincare routine for face and body is a must to fend off the cooler temps and drier air.
Whether it’s dryness, itchiness, or breakouts that are harshing your cozy fall vibes, we’ll break down the fall skincare essentials you need to keep you looking (and feeling!) your best — and give your skin what it needs in autumn.
How fall affects your skin
From insomnia and immune system struggles to hair, skin, and nail changes, your body can have a hard time acclimating to autumn, inside and out. Breakouts and dry, flaky, or itchy skin are extremely common this time of year. Since your skin gets drier in the fall, some of your go-to products (looking at you, moisturizer), may not seem as effective, either.
If the skin on your face and body feels like it’s rebelling as soon as sweater weather hits, it’s probably due to a combination of factors:
- Environmental factors: As the weather starts playing its fall games — bouncing between chilly mornings and warm afternoon — your skin struggles to keep up with moisture production and retention. This can make it more difficult to take care of your skin in autumn.
- Lifestyle factors: Coupled with those environmental changes, the return to work and school routines can impact your diet, sleep, hydration, and stress management habits, all of which can affect skin.
Dry skin in autumn — we all deal with it
Dry skin in the fall is extremely common, as anyone who’s had to slather on extra lotion as soon as the calendar flips to September can attest. As the temps outside drop, we also crank up the heat, which dries out the air indoors as well. Add in fall germs, which result in more frequent handwashing (always a good idea), and you have a recipe for dry skin, even if you moisturize religiously.
If left untreated, dry skin will only get worse — and may even result in flaking, itching, and fluctuating oil levels that can lead to breakouts.
How to take care of your skin in autumn
Your skincare routine should be as adaptable as your wardrobe. Just like you swap flip-flops for boots in the transition from winter to spring, you’ll want to switch up your skincare products for the cooler season.
Here are a few ways you can repair your skin’s barrier and give it the TLC it needs to stay healthy well into winter.
Become an exfoliation expert
Give your skin a refresh with gentle exfoliation once or twice a week. Not only does it slough off dead skin, but it also leaves you looking brighter and smoother — perfect for keeping your complexion radiant as the days grow shorter.
- Oily or acne-prone skin? Reach for a beta hydroxy acid (BHA).
- Drier skin? Try an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA).
- Extra sensitive skin? An enzyme-based exfoliant with papaya or other fruit enzymes can do the trick.
Reminder: Sunscreen is still a must after exfoliation, even on cloudy autumn days!
Moisturizer = must-have fall skincare
Have you ever noticed that the second the humidity drops, your skin seems to scream for moisture? Thicker moisturizers that contain oil will satisfy your skin’s thirst while locking in moisture and boosting its barrier. But if a thicker formula leaves your pores clogged or your skin greasy or tacky, try something lighter or non-comedogenic.
Hello, hydration
No list of fall skincare tips would be complete without the No. 1 rule of beauty: Drink plenty of water. Then drink some more. Even if you already have glowing, clear skin (yay, you!), water needs to be part of your autumn body care and skincare routine.
As the weather cools and you don’t spend as much time in the sun, you might think you can let hydration slide a bit, but it’s just as essential for your skin and body’s health in fall as it is any other season. If you tend to forget to get your daily sips in, set a reminder or invest in a water bottle that will keep you coming back for more.
Finding a fall skincare routine for itchy skin
Is there anything more irritating (literally) than itchy skin? Especially if you’re already prone to eczema or other skin conditions, you should include plenty of moisture to help keep itching at bay. Look for products that:
- Are gentle and designed to be eczema- or sensitive skin-friendly.
- Have no added scents or colors.
- Include skin-calming, non-irritating ingredients like coconut oil, oatmeal, or aloe vera.
Pro tip: Keep creams and lotions in the refrigerator so they soothe and cool your skin when you apply them.
Creating a breakout-busting fall skincare routine
If your face goes into full freakout mode in the fall, you’re not alone. As drier indoor and outdoor air zaps moisture, your skin may overcompensate, producing too much oil in an attempt to keep itself hydrated.
So, the same environmental conditions that cause your skin to become dry and itchy can also cause it to break out in autumn — which can leave you dealing with blemishes and oiliness in addition to flaky or dry skin.
Say buh-bye to fall breakouts
Follow these fall skincare tips to prevent, manage, and heal breakouts:
- Use a gentle exfoliant to slough off dead skin cells.
- Stick to lighter, oil-free moisturizer and sunscreen formulas.
- Be sure to wash hair often, and keep it away from your face if it’s oily.
- Don’t overwash your face or use harsh cleansers, as stripping too much oil from the skin can cause it to overproduce again.
- Try going makeup-free as much as possible to let your pores breathe.
Fall skincare tips for every skin type
No matter your skin type, a solid fall skincare routine will help you weather the season beautifully.
Here’s a cheat sheet of must-have fall skincare tips for keeping your skin happy:
- Gentle cleanser: Heavy-duty face washes work well on summer sweat and sunscreen, but a fall skincare routine should include a gentler cleansing milk, cream, balm, or butter to wash away dirt and oil without stripping your skin of moisture. If your skin is oily or you’re experiencing fall breakouts, try one with salicylic acid to keep your pores nice and clean.
- Toned-down toner: Regular toners can be too harsh on skin that’s already struggling to stay moisturized. Switch to a soothing, hydrating formula — think aloe vera, or rose water bases — that will gently exfoliate skin and prep it to absorb other products.
- Moisture, moisture, and more moisture: Hydrated skin is healthy skin. Since humidity and temperature can fluctuate in autumn, you may need to experiment with different formulations depending on how oily or dry you are. But don’t ever skip moisturizer!
- Sunscreen all day, every day: While your beach days for the year are behind you (sad!), your beautiful face — and hands, and any other exposed skin — still needs daily SPF love.
- Anti-aging add-ons: Adding a retinoid, peptide, or your anti-aging product of choice to your routine will help fix damaged skin in the fall.
- Fall facial oils: Strengthen your skin barrier in time for winter. Look for ingredients like essential fatty acids or vitamin E that will decrease inflammation and help your skin repair itself.
And of course, always make sure to apply your autumn skincare routine products in the correct order for optimal absorption and effectiveness!
Our Cerologists can give product recommendations and work with you to determine what’s best for your skin, no matter the season. Find the Waxing the City location nearest you.
