Dry, itchy, flaky, or dull skin? As we transition from summer into fall and winter, cooler weather, lower humidity, and indoor heating can quickly strip your skin of hydration.

The result: redness, irritation, chapped lips, and even flare-ups of conditions like eczema or rosacea.

That’s why fall is the perfect time for a skin reset. Adjusting your skincare routine now helps strengthen your barrier, lock in moisture, and keep your complexion glowing all season long.

To make the transition easy, here’s a quick fall skincare checklist you can follow before we dive deeper into each tip.

1. Protect Lips from Dryness and Cracking

Fall  and winter air is colder and drier, which leaves lips cracked, flaky, and irritated. Unlike the rest of your skin, lips don’t have oil glands — so they dry out much faster.

Solution: Keep your lip balm handy or try a hydrating lipstick or Lip Whip Color Balm for days you crave a little color. Try a ceramide rich lip serum or peptide lip treatment at night to replenish dry lips while you sleep. 

 

2. Adjust your cleansing routine

Summer cleansers can be too drying in cooler weather. Your gel and foam based cleansers often contain harsh ingredients that strip moisture as they cleanse your skin.

Solution: Switch to a gentle cream or oil based cleanser with essential fatty acids to remove impurities without stripping your skin. Avoid overwashing your skin.

 

3. Switch to a Richer Moisturizer

Summer’s lightweight lotions often aren’t enough in autumn. Lower humidity and indoor heating strip hydration, leaving skin tight and uncomfortable.

Solution:  A richer cream or oil-based formula helps lock in hydration.

• Dry skin? Look for rich formulas with shea butter or squalane to lock in moisture.
• Dehydrated skin? Go for humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerin.
• Combination skin? Try a non-comedogenic light oil (like plum or black cumin) or light cream to balance sebum.

 

4. Exfoliate, But Gently

Dry, flaky skin builds up more quickly in cooler months. But harsh scrubs or frequent chemical peels can damage your barrier, making dryness worse.

Solution: Use a gentle physical scrub or mild AHA just once a week. Follow with a nourishing moisturizer to restore balance.

Skin Cycling — rotate exfoliation nights with actives (like vitamin C, bakuchiol or retinol) and barrier-repair nights for best results.

 

5. Add a Nourishing Serum or Face Oil

If skin still feels tight, dull, or red after moisturizing, it’s time for extra support.

Solution: Layer in a serum or oil tailored to your needs:

• Vitamin C → brightens dull, uneven skin.
• Niacinamide → reduces redness + strengthens barrier.
• Lightweight oils (plum, jojoba) → seal in hydration without heaviness.

 

6. Don’t Skip SPF in Fall or Winter

Many people stop wearing sunscreen once summer ends — but UVA rays are just as strong in autumn and can penetrate through clouds and windows.

Solution: Wear SPF daily on your face, neck, and hands. Opt for a lightweight, non-greasy formula so it layers well under makeup or moisturizer.

Driving tip: Car side windows don’t block UVA rays — protect yourself year-round.

 

7. Hydrate From the Inside Out

Coffee, alcohol, and salty comfort foods all increase dehydration. Combine that with cooler weather and you’ve got dry, tight skin.

Solution: Drink plenty of water and eat more foods high in water and healthy fats (cucumber, oranges, apples,  avocado, nuts and seeds, fatty fish).  Limit dehydrating drinks like coffee or wine.

8. Skip Long, Hot Showers

Hot water feels amazing but strips natural oils, leaving skin itchy and dry.

Solution: Take shorter, lukewarm showers and apply lotion or body oil while skin is still damp to lock in hydration. Our Hydrating Body Lotions & Oils are perfect post-shower.

9. Don’t Forget Hands & Body

The skin on your body is also more sensitive to dryness and irritation when the weather turns cooler. Hands, legs and scalp often get neglected until they’re already dry, cracked, or itchy.

Solution: Be proactive.

• Apply hand cream throughout the day.
• Use a hydrating body wash and lotion or oil after every shower.
• Try dry brushing before showers to boost circulation and remove dead skin cells. 
• For scalp care: use a gentle exfoliating tonic or scalp oil once a week to reduce dryness and flakes. 

10. Be Gentle with Irritated or Sensitive Skin

Flaky, red, or irritated skin often signals a weakened barrier. Over-exfoliating or using harsh products can make it worse.

Solution: Keep your routine simple — gentle cleanser, fragrance-free moisturizer, SPF. If you struggle with eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea, consult your dermatologist for tailored advice.

Bonus Tip: Run a Humidifier at Night Indoor heating dries the air — and your skin.

Running a humidifier in your bedroom replenishes air moisture and prevents overnight dehydration.

Ready for Your Fall Skin Reset?

Your skin deserves a little extra love as the seasons change. By adjusting your routine with richer hydration, gentle exfoliation, and barrier-supporting products, you’ll keep your skin soft, comfortable, and glowing all autumn long. 

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This article is for informational purposes only. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.