Fall in Love with Your Skin

Crisp air, cozy knits, and pumpkin everything—fall is here! Here’s how to adapt your routine for the season based on your skin type.

Weathering the season

The beauty of autumn brings more than just colorful leaves, it also signals a shift in what your complexion craves. “Fall brings drier air, increased sensitivity, and changes in oil production, all of which can impact your skin’s barrier,” says Nathan Newman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and expert in regenerative medicine. Adjusting your routine with the change in temperature can help keep your skin balanced and radiant all season long.

For dry skin: Deep hydration is key

Dry skin often feels the seasonal shift first. “Cooler air and indoor heating strip skin of its natural moisture. Those with dry skin may notice increased tightness, flaking, and sensitivity if hydration isn’t prioritized,” explains Newman. 

Use a gentle cream or milk cleanser so that your skin stays clean without drying it out further. Follow with a serum containing hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant that’s proven to boost hydration and improve texture. Then, apply a rich cream with ceramides to help repair the barrier and lock in moisture.

For oily or acne-prone skin: Soothe, don’t strip

It may be tempting to skip moisturizer if your skin is oily, but that can backfire. “Oily skin doesn’t mean hydrated skin. In fact, dehydration from cold air can trigger even more oil production, exacerbating acne. Fall is the time to rebalance, not strip, the skin,” warns Newman. 

He recommends using a gentle, foaming cleanser that preserves the skin’s natural oils. Salicylic acid can help prevent clogged pores when used as a spot treatment, but Newman cautions against using it in every product. Hydration remains essential but opt for a lightweight, non-comedogenic lotion. A moisturizer with niacinamide (vitamin B3) is especially effective as it helps regulate oil production, reduce inflammation, and support the skin’s moisture barrier.

For combination skin: Layer strategically

Combination skin can be tricky in the fall. Your cheeks may feel tight while your T-zone stays oily. Newman recommends a targeted approach: use a richer moisturizer on drier areas and a lighter non-comedogenic lotion where oil builds up. 

Start with a gentle cleanser, followed by a balancing toner, like rosewater or witch hazel. Rosewater hydrates and soothes, while helping to regulate excess oil. Witch hazel, a stronger natural astringent helps reduce shine and control oil in the T-zone without over-drying. Witch hazel’s anti-inflammatory benefits can also calm redness and irritation in breakout-prone zones. 

Apply a lightweight serum with ingredients like green tea extract or panthenol to hydrate and support skin repair without clogging pores. For dry patches, use an emollient cream with skin-repairing ingredients like ceramides or calendula to deeply nourish and strengthen the skin barrier. 

For sensitive skin: Calm and protect

Cool, dry air can trigger flare-ups in sensitive skin. “A minimal, soothing routine is crucial in the fall to avoid inflaming reactive skin. A gentle cleanser, calming serum, and protective moisturizer are usually all you need,” says Newman.  

Choose fragrance-free formulas and limit strong actives like retinoids or high concentrations of vitamin C, which can compromise the skin barrier and worsen sensitivity in cold weather. Instead, choose products with gentle botanicals like chamomile extract, which calms redness and irritation; calendula, which reduces inflammation and aids in wound healing; and licorice root extract, which soothes and brightens uneven skin tone.

Your autumn ritual: Anchor your day with intention

As the nights get longer and the air turns crisp, skin care can become a cozy ritual to reconnect and reset. Take a few quiet moments each morning and night to check in with yourself as you gently nourish your skin. Treating your routine as a mindful ritual supports not just skin health, but your overall sense of balance and well-being.

This article was originally published in the September 2025 issue of delicious living magazine.