Fall Skincare Tips to Prevent Dryness and Breakouts

As the leaves change and temperatures drop, your skin goes through a seasonal shift too. Fall can be tough on your complexion—drier air, indoor heating, and weather fluctuations often lead to dehydration, flakiness, and unexpected breakouts.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through essential fall skincare tips to help you transition your routine, prevent dryness, and keep your skin clear and healthy all season long.

Why Fall Skincare Matters

During fall, your skin experiences:

• Decreased humidity → loss of natural moisture
• Cooler temperatures & wind → increased sensitivity and dryness
• Indoor heating → dries out the air (and your skin)
• Lingering oiliness from summer → can still trigger breakouts if not addressed

The key is to boost hydration, repair the skin barrier, and adjust your products to suit the changing climate.

1. Switch to a More Hydrating Cleanser

Your skin’s natural oils are already under attack from colder weather, so ditch harsh or foaming cleansers that strip your skin.

What to do:

• Choose a creamy, hydrating cleanser that gently removes dirt without disrupting your moisture barrier.
• Look for ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid.

Avoid: Over-cleansing or using strong exfoliating cleansers.

2. Layer in Hydration (Toner & Serum)

Fall skin needs deep, layered hydration, not just a thick moisturizer.

What to do:

• Use a hydrating toner or essence after cleansing to prep your skin and lock in moisture.
• Follow with a hydrating serum (e.g., hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, panthenol).

Tip: Apply products to damp skin to enhance absorption.

3. Use a Richer Moisturizer

As the air gets drier, your lightweight summer moisturizer might not cut it anymore.

What to do:

• Switch to a richer cream or balm to strengthen your skin barrier.
• Choose moisturizers with ceramides, shea butter, or squalane for added nourishment.

Bonus: Use an occlusive (like a facial oil) at night to lock in all the moisture.

4. Continue (But Adjust) Exfoliation

Exfoliation is still important to remove dead skin buildup that can lead to breakouts and dullness—but be gentle.

What to do:

• Reduce exfoliation to 1–2 times per week, especially if using strong actives.
• Use mild chemical exfoliants (e.g., lactic acid, mandelic acid) instead of harsh scrubs.
• Avoid exfoliating when your skin feels sensitive or flaky.

5. Don’t Skip Sunscreen

Just because it’s cloudy doesn’t mean the sun isn’t damaging your skin. UV rays can still cause dark spots, premature aging, and irritation—even in fall.

What to do:

• Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every morning.
• Look for hydrating sunscreens or mineral SPF if your skin feels drier.

Apply as the last step in your morning routine—even indoors!

6. Add Barrier Repair Ingredients

Fall weather can disrupt your skin barrier, making it more reactive and prone to dryness or breakouts.

What to do:

• Incorporate products with ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids.
• Use niacinamide to soothe and strengthen your skin.
• Add a facial oil at night (rosehip, marula, or jojoba) to boost resilience.

7. Use a Humidifier Indoors

Indoor heating pulls moisture from the air, which also dehydrates your skin.

What to do:

• Use a humidifier in your bedroom or workspace to maintain skin hydration.
• Especially helpful at night when your skin undergoes repair.

8. Repair While You Sleep

Nighttime is when your skin regenerates, so make the most of it.

What to do:

• Use a hydrating night cream, overnight mask, or reparative sleeping pack.
• Look for ingredients like peptides, bakuchiol, or hyaluronic acid.

Apply a facial oil on top to seal in moisture for extra hydration overnight.

9. Spot-Treat Fall Breakouts Gently

Don’t be surprised if breakouts occur—even in dry weather. Transition periods can stress the skin, and dehydration can lead to overproduction of oil.

What to do:

• Use targeted treatments like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or sulfur.
• Spot treat rather than applying actives to your whole face to avoid drying out your skin.

Fall Skincare Routine Cheat Sheet

Final Thoughts

Fall is the perfect time to reset and repair your skin after a long summer. By adjusting your products, reinforcing hydration, and protecting your skin barrier, you can prevent dryness, reduce breakouts, and enjoy a calm, glowing complexion all season long.