Post-Summer Skin Reset

Transitioning Your Routine for Cooler Weather

Summer’s over, but your skin may still be showing signs of heat, sun, and sweat — like dullness, dryness, or sensitivity. Fall is the perfect time to reset your routine and rebuild your skin’s hydration barrier, preparing it for cooler, drier air.

Here’s a dermatologist-recommended order to transition your skincare routine for fall. Some steps are essential for everyone, while others are optional based on your skin’s specific needs.

1. Start with a Gentle Cleanser (AM and/or PM)

As humidity drops, your skin’s natural oils become more valuable — protect them. Swap harsh or foaming cleansers for cream or gel-based options that cleanse without stripping.

Look for cleansers labelled as “fragrance-free” with ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, or aloe vera, which support the skin barrier and help maintain hydration.

Tip: If you wear makeup or sunscreen, try double cleansing at night. Use a lightweight oil cleanser or micellar water, then follow with your gentle cleanser for a thorough yet non-drying clean.

2. Use a Balancing Toner (AM and/or PM)

Toners can benefit your skin in several ways, such as providing hydration, controlling oil, and enhancing brightness. They also help prepare your skin to absorb the rest of your skincare products more effectively.

Avoid alcohol-based formulas that can sting or dry you out. Instead, look for toners with hyaluronic acid, rose water, or green tea extract to refresh and restore moisture after cleansing.

Tip: If toners don’t agree with your skin, don’t force it. Your routine will still be effective without it. Go straight to your serum or exfoliant instead.

3. Add a Gentle Chemical Exfoliant (PM)

Exfoliation removes dead cells, sunscreen, and sweat residue, keeping your skin bright and smooth.

Stick to gentle chemical exfoliants like lactic acid, mandelic acid, or PHA instead of harsh physical scrubs, which can irritate skin that’s already dry or sensitive. Stick to 1-2 times a week in your night routine. In fall, less is more when it comes to exfoliation.

Tip: After exfoliating, move quickly to serum and moisturizer, ideally within 3–5 minutes, to lock in hydration and prevent tightness, especially during cooler months.

4. Apply a Hydrating Serum or Essence (AM and/or PM)

Serums and essences deliver a concentrated hydration boost, essential as the air dries out.

Look for ingredients like:

• Hyaluronic acid – draws moisture into the skin
  
• Panthenol (Vitamin B5) – soothes and strengthens the barrier
  
• Niacinamide – supports repair and reduces redness

Apply while your skin is still slightly damp to help lock in hydration in both your morning and night routine.

Tip: If you’re treating hyperpigmentation or fine lines from summer, this is where you can layer in  targeted serums, like vitamin C in the morning for brightening or peptides at night for repair.

5. Seal It In with a Richer Moisturizer (AM & PM)

Fall is the time to switch from lightweight summer gels to creamier formulas that nourish and protect.

Your cold weather moisturizer should contain all three components of healthy hydration:

• Humectants (like hyaluronic acid or glycerin) - bind water
  
• Emollients (like ceramides or squalane) - smooth and support the barrier
  
• Occlusives (like shea butter or dimethicone) - prevent water loss

Make sure to extend the same care to your body, especially right after showering when your skin is still damp.

Tip: When trying a new moisturizer, spot test first on your jawline or behind your ear to check for sensitivity before applying all over.

6. Always Finish with SPF (AM)

Even in cooler weather, UVA rays, which can cause aging and long-term damage, are still active year-round. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning as your final step.

Choose a hydrating sunscreen with ingredients like niacinamide or hyaluronic acid to double as a moisture barrier.

Tip: A tinted moisturizer or foundation with SPF can simplify your morning routine while evening your tone.

7. Optional Extras

• Barrier-repair creams/masks (PM, 1–2x/week): Strengthen your skin with ceramides, lipids, or niacinamide.
  
• Hydrating mists (AM/PM): Refresh and maintain surface hydration, especially in dry indoor air.
  
• Targeted treatments: Vitamin C (AM), peptides or retinoids (PM, skip on exfoliant nights).
  
• Eye creams (AM/PM): Hydrate delicate under-eye skin.
  
• Overnight masks (PM, 1–2x/week): Extra hydration for very dry or sensitive skin; can layer over moisturizer.
  

Tip: Only add what your skin truly needs. Track reactions to avoid irritation and keep morning routines light for SPF layering.

Your Fall Reset Takeaway

Transitioning from summer to fall doesn’t mean a complete overhaul, just thoughtful swaps and a consistent routine that prioritizes hydration and repair.

Start with gentle cleansing, layer in moisture strategically, and keep SPF in your daily lineup. If dryness, irritation, or flare-ups persist, track your symptoms with the SkinCheck app. You can also connect with a board-certified dermatologist through SkinCheck Connect for expert feedback in under 48 hours.

Your skin naturally changes with the seasons —  noticing and responding to those shifts is the key to keeping it balanced, healthy, and glowing all year long.