The American Academy of Dermatology advises switching to heavier creams when it is cold, applying moisturizer right after washing, using ointments or creams rather than lotions, and cutting back on alpha or beta hydroxy acid products that can irritate skin in winter. Those four instructions are the core of a fall skincare routine: as the air gets colder and drier, skin needs more barrier support and fewer irritants.
This guide turns the dermatologist advice into a simple fall skincare routine with morning and evening steps, a list of what to change from summer, shower and humidifier habits, and signs that dry skin needs a doctor. It is general information, so see a dermatologist for persistent problems.
Why Skin Changes in Fall
Skin changes with the season because humidity falls, indoor heating dries the air and hot showers become more tempting. The AAD notes that dressing warmly and using blankets, rather than turning up the heat or using a fireplace, avoids drying the air further. The practical result is that products that felt right in summer, such as light lotions and exfoliating acids, may leave skin tight or flaky in October.
The best time to adjust is before the dryness starts. Our guides to a beginner skincare routine and the glass skin routine explain the basics that this seasonal routine builds on.
The Fall Skincare Routine: Morning and Evening
| Step | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Cleanse | Rinse with lukewarm water or use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser if needed | Gentle, fragrance-free cleanser to remove sunscreen, makeup and dirt |
| 2. Treat | Antioxidant serum if your skin tolerates it | Treatment such as a retinoid or exfoliating acid only if skin is not irritated, used less often |
| 3. Moisturize | Cream or ointment-style moisturizer on slightly damp skin | Richer cream or ointment to seal in moisture overnight |
| 4. Protect | Sunscreen on exposed skin, plus lip balm | Lip balm or ointment before bed |
Apply moisturizer right after washing, as the AAD advises, so it locks in the water on your skin. Use ointments or creams rather than lotions, which the AAD says are less effective and more irritating. If your skin is oily or acne-prone, a lighter gel-cream can still work, but add richness on dry patches. Our guide to best sunscreens for face helps you pick a daily SPF that works under moisturizer, and our piece on anti-aging skincare ingredients explains which actives to introduce slowly.
What to Change From Summer
| Summer habit | Fall change | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Light lotion | Cream or ointment | The AAD says ointments and creams are more effective than lotions |
| Daily acid exfoliant | Less often, or pause | The AAD says alpha and beta hydroxy acids can irritate skin in winter |
| Hot showers | Warm water | The AAD recommends warm, not hot, water |
| Scented or antibacterial soap | Gentle, fragrance-free cleanser | The AAD advises avoiding antibacterial, deodorant and scented soaps |
| Dry bedroom air | Filtered cool-mist humidifier | The AAD says it helps treat and prevent dryness |
| Bare hands, face and feet outdoors | Cover up as it gets colder | The AAD says to keep hands, feet and face covered outdoors |
Body, Hands, Lips and Hair
Dry weather affects more than your face. Moisturize your body after showering, keep a hand cream by every sink, and protect lips with balm, as the AAD recommends. Wear soft fabrics such as cotton or silk, and use fragrance-free laundry detergent if skin is very dry or raw. For hair that dries out as the weather changes, our guides to hair care for damaged hair and curly hair care give routines you can adapt.
When Dry Skin Needs a Doctor
Mild dryness usually improves with the routine above. The AAD advises seeing a board-certified dermatologist if home care does not work, and not waiting until skin is itching, cracked or bleeding. Persistent redness, rashes, or itching that disturbs sleep may signal eczema or another condition that needs treatment. Mention any new products you have started and any family history.
