This post was reviewed and updated by Sarah Otto, Dermatology Nurse Practitioner and Founder of Otto Skin Goods on July 1, 2026.

Transitioning your skincare routine for fall is a great way to keep your skin healthy as the weather changes. Whether your complexion looks lackluster, dehydrated, pigmented or uneven, it happens to the best of us, and it’s completely normal. Keep scrolling for tips that help your skin adjust to the cooler, drier fall climate…

1. Switch to a hydrating cleanser.

As the weather gets cooler, your skin might need more moisture. Simply put, cold air holds less moisture. When your environment is drier, your skin gets drier. Plus, our heaters can dry out the indoor air, too. To combat this, opt for a hydrating or creamy cleanser with a gentle foam to avoid stripping your skin of its natural oils. Specifically, look for ingredients like ceramides and glycerin to keep your barrier in good shape and your skin well hydrated.

Product Recommendation: The Good Day Face Cleanser

2. Incorporate a richer moisturizer.

Sometimes a moisturizing cleanser isn’t enough. As mentioned above, fall and winter air tend to dry out your skin (read: cold weather has low relative humidity)—so you might need a more emollient moisturizer. If so, look for products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or squalane to help lock in moisture.

Product Recommendation: Ursa Major Golden Hour Recovery Cream

3. Exfoliate gently.

Your best skin is more than just keeping up appearances—it performs many of the body’s essential tasks, while protecting it from viruses and bacteria. Cold weather months may compromise your skin’s overall health. One way to fight this? Exfoliation. Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells, improving the absorption of moisturizers. On the other hand, be gentle and don’t over-exfoliate, as this can strip your skin and lead to irritation. Once or twice a week is usually sufficient, or you can always use a mild fruit acid complex daily.

Product Recommendation: The Multitasker Night Serum

4. Add a hydrating serum.

Sensing a pattern? A hydrating serum can provide an extra layer of moisture needed during cooler months. Look for serums with hyaluronic acid or glycerin to help plump and hydrate the skin. Hyaluronic acid is a powerful, moisture-blinding, gentle gel that hydrates and softens when used regularly. It’s pretty much a must-have ingredient if your skin is prone to dehydration—it holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water!

Product Recommendation: The Go-Getter Day Serum

5. Use sunscreen.

Sunscreen should never limit itself to summer or a beach vacation. Even though it’s fall, UV rays can still damage your skin. Besides preventing melanoma, sunscreen is a must if you want to reduce hyperpigmentation. While it’s not an ingredient that actually fades sun damage, it prevents further damage and allows your skin to tolerate many of the above ingredients, without causing more hyperpigmentation issues.

Product Recommendation: Prequel Solar Shade SPF 46

6. Get a fall facial.

The summer sun can cause damage and dehydration, leading to dull, dry skin, uneven tone. Not to mention, the excess sweat mixed with heavier products like sunscreen can clog pores and worsen breakouts. For these reasons, fall is a great time for repairing sun damage and replenishing the skin. You also want to focus on hyperpigmentation and treating acne more rigorously. Ask your esthetician to add on a brightening boost to even skin tone or consider light treatments.

7. Consider using a face oil.

Fall is a great time to consider adding a face oil to your skincare routine. Look for one that has quality, hydrating oils but also antioxidants like Vitamin C to help brighten the skin. Vitamin C is a super-potent antioxidant that’s packed full of skin benefits. Think: fading sun damage, boosting collagen production and maintaining a smooth, even, glowy complexion. Even better? It’s tolerated by most skin types.

Product Recommendation: The Fresh Start Face Oil

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my skin need a different routine in the fall?

Cooler air holds less moisture, and indoor heating dries out the air even more. That combination pulls moisture from your skin, so it needs extra hydration and a gentler touch to stay healthy as the seasons change.

What kind of cleanser should I use in the fall?

Switch to a hydrating or creamy cleanser with a gentle foam instead of one that strips your skin's natural oils. Look for ingredients like ceramides and glycerin, which support your skin barrier and help lock in moisture.

Do I need to change my moisturizer, too?

Often, yes. A hydrating cleanser alone may not be enough once the air turns cold and dry. A richer, more emollient moisturizer with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or squalane can help your skin hold onto moisture through the colder months.

How often should I exfoliate in the fall?

Gently, and not too often. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and helps moisturizers absorb better, but over-exfoliating can irritate and strip your skin. Once or twice a week is usually enough, or you can use a mild fruit acid complex daily if your skin tolerates it well.

Should I add a serum to my routine?

A hydrating serum can add an extra layer of moisture during cooler months. Look for hyaluronic acid or glycerin—hyaluronic acid in particular can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it especially helpful for dehydrated skin.

Is sunscreen still necessary once summer ends?

Yes. UV rays don't take a season off, and sunscreen still protects against skin damage and helps prevent hyperpigmentation. It won't fade existing sun damage, but it keeps things from getting worse and helps other skincare ingredients work more effectively.

Is fall a good time for a facial?

It can be. Summer sun and sweat, combined with heavier products like sunscreen, can leave skin dull, uneven, or congested. Fall is a good opportunity to repair sun damage, address hyperpigmentation, and treat breakouts more thoroughly. Ask your esthetician about a brightening boost or light treatments.

What does a face oil add to my routine?

A face oil with hydrating oils and antioxidants like Vitamin C can help brighten skin, fade sun damage, support collagen production, and even out your complexion. It's generally well tolerated across most skin types.