Fall is finally here! With the crisp air and beautiful golden leaves comes one inevitable challenge—dry skin. As much as I love cozy sweaters and pumpkin spice everything, the drop in temperature can take a toll on my skin. That’s why I’ve adjusted my skincare routine to keep my skin hydrated, glowing, and protected throughout the season. Today, I’m sharing my fall skincare essentials that are helping me combat dryness and maintain a healthy complexion.
Gentle Cleanser for a Fresh Start
In the cooler months, I switch to a gentle, hydrating cleanser. My favorite right now is the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, which is perfect for sensitive skin like mine. It’s formulated with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which help to restore the skin’s protective barrier and retain moisture. Unlike harsher cleansers that strip your skin, this one leaves my face feeling soft and clean without that tight, dry sensation.
Why It’s Fantastic: This cleanser is a must for fall because it’s gentle enough to use daily while delivering much-needed hydration. Plus, it’s fragrance-free, making it perfect for sensitive skin.
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
Gentle, fragrance-free, and perfect for hydrating sensitive skin.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Soothing and lightweight, ideal for dry
Eucerin Advanced Cleansing Body & Face Cleanser
Formulated to balance and moisturize dry skin.
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
Non-irritating and safe for sensitive skin, leaves skin fresh and soft.
2. Hydrating Toner to Lock in Moisture
After cleansing, I use a hydrating toner to balance my skin and prepare it for the rest of my routine. I’ve been loving the Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Toner. It’s alcohol-free, which is a lifesaver for dry skin, and the rosewater infusion is both soothing and hydrating.
Why It’s Fantastic: The addition of real rose petals gives it a luxurious feel, and the formula helps to calm any redness while providing an extra layer of hydration. My skin always feels refreshed and prepped for my serum and moisturizer.
Infused with rose petals, alcohol-free, and perfect for calming the skin.
Gentle and refreshing, helps tone and hydrate.
A cult-favorite, designed to balance and hydrate without irritation.
Refreshes and hydrates skin anytime during the day.
3. Serum Packed with Hydration
The key to keeping my skin plump and hydrated through fall is a good hyaluronic acid serum. Right now, I’m using the The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5. It’s lightweight but packs a powerful punch when it comes to moisture retention.
Why It’s Fantastic: Hyaluronic acid draws moisture into the skin, keeping it plump and smooth. Combined with Vitamin B5, this serum helps soothe and hydrate without feeling greasy.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Lightweight and highly effective at boosting hydration.
Cosmedica Skincare Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
100% pure formula to deeply hydrate and nourish the skin.
Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum
Fortifies the skin’s moisture barrier with natural minerals.
L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Plumps the skin and reduces fine lines.
4. Moisturizer for Intense Hydration
When fall hits, I switch to a richer moisturizer to combat the dry, chilly air. My go-to this season is First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream. This thick, emollient cream is packed with colloidal oatmeal and shea butter to deeply hydrate and soothe dry, flaky skin.
Why It’s Fantastic: It’s perfect for sensitive skin and has a non-greasy formula that absorbs quickly. Even on the windiest days, this moisturizer locks in moisture and protects my skin from the harsh elements.
Deeply hydrates and soothes with colloidal oatmeal and shea butter.
Rich in ceramides and hyaluronic acid, locks in moisture all day.
Hydrates and restores the skin’s natural barrier with its thick, creamy texture.
Provides 48-hour hydration while restoring the skin barrier.
5. Nourishing Oil for Extra Glow
To add an extra layer of protection and nourishment, I’ve incorporated a facial oil into my routine—specifically the Sunday Riley Juno Antioxidant + Superfood Face Oil. I like to use this at night or mix a few drops into my daytime moisturizer for that dewy, glowing look.
Why It’s Fantastic: This oil is packed with antioxidants and superfoods, helping to smooth and hydrate without clogging pores. It gives my skin a healthy glow even in the drying fall air.
Sunday Riley Juno Antioxidant + Superfood Face Oil
Antioxidant-rich, helps maintain moisture and glow.
Bio-Oil Skincare Oil
Great for reducing the appearance of scars and adding hydration to dry skin.
The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
Rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids for anti-aging and hydration.
Kiehl’s Daily Reviving Concentrate
Keeps skin radiant and protected from environmental stressors.
6. Lip Balm for Chapped Lips
I can’t forget about my lips! The change in temperature always dries them out, so I’ve been reaching for the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask every night. During the day, I use the Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm for a touch of color and moisture.
Why It’s Fantastic: Both of these products are lifesavers for keeping my lips soft and hydrated all day. The Laneige mask is ultra-hydrating and perfect for overnight use, while Burt’s Bees gives me a natural tint while keeping my lips from cracking.
Provides hydration while protecting your lips from the sun.
7. SPF to Protect Year-Round
Even though the sun isn’t as strong in the fall, I never skip sunscreen. I’m using the Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40, which is lightweight and goes on invisibly under makeup.
Why It’s Fantastic: It’s oil-free and doesn’t leave a white cast, making it perfect for daily wear. Sun protection is a must year-round, and this formula works well with my skincare and makeup without causing breakouts.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
Lightweight, invisible formula that’s perfect under makeup.
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Great for acne-prone skin, doesn’t clog pores, and provides broad-spectrum protection.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk Sunscreen SPF 60
High SPF for extra protection without greasy residue.
Tizo 2 Non-Tinted Facial Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40
Mineral-based, lightweight, and non-irritating.
8. Organic Fall Skincare Favorites
For those who prefer all-natural, organic skincare, fall is the perfect time to switch to products packed with natural ingredients that nourish the skin. Here are some organic products that have become staples in my routine:
A lightweight yet powerful moisturizer enriched with organic fruit acids and antioxidants, great for evening out skin tone and boosting radiance.
This 100% pure organic oil is excellent for reducing scars and fine lines while deeply hydrating the skin.
A lightweight, organic moisturizer that protects the skin from environmental stressors like pollution while keeping it hydrated.
This organic, all-natural moisturizer is infused with rosewater and tremella mushroom to help calm and hydrate dry, sensitive skin.
Final Thoughts
Fall is such a beautiful season, but it’s also when our skin needs extra love and care. These products are my go-to essentials for keeping my skin hydrated, soft, and radiant throughout the cooler months. If you’re dealing with dry skin this season, I highly recommend adding some of these into your routine!
What’s in your fall skincare lineup? Let me know in the comments—I’m always excited to try something new!
