Fall Skincare Swaps: What to Stop & Start Using in Cold Weather
Alright, friend—let’s talk skincare. Fall has arrived with her crunchy leaves, cinnamon lattes, and yes… dry, confused skin. One minute your summer glow is poppin’, the next your cheeks feel like sandpaper and your lips? Basically toast. So, what gives?
Well, just like you wouldn’t wear a bikini in a snowstorm (I hope), your skincare routine needs a cold-weather wardrobe change too. The products that worked in July? Time to shelf ‘em—at least until spring break. Let’s break down the ultimate fall skincare swaps you should stop and start using to keep your skin glowy, hydrated, and very much not cracking.
Why Your Summer Routine Needs a Fall Makeover
You might be thinking: “Can’t I just slap on more moisturizer and call it a day?” Oh honey, if only.
Here’s why your skin freaks out in fall:
Lower humidity = your skin gets thirstier than your group chat drama
Cold air + wind = irritation and redness
Indoor heaters = moisture thieves in disguise
So yeah, it’s not about doing more, it’s about doing smarter.
STOP: Foaming or Gel-Based Cleansers START: Creamy or Oil-Based Cleansers
Foaming cleansers are great in summer when you’re sweating like crazy. But come fall? They’re basically stripping your skin’s natural barrier.
Instead, switch to:
Cream cleansers that cleanse without leaving your face squeaky
Oil-based balms that melt off makeup and leave you soft
Try:
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser (affordable + derm-approved)
Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm (luxury vibes, worth every cent)
STOP: Lightweight Gel Moisturizers START: Rich, Barrier-Repair Creams
Your beloved summer gel? Cute, but she’s out of her league now. Your skin needs something that can seal in moisturelike a pro.
Look for moisturizers packed with:
Ceramides
Peptides
Fatty acids
Squalane
Try:
The Inkey List Peptide Moisturizer
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
FYI: If your skin starts flaking around your nose or mouth, it’s screaming for a richer cream.
STOP: Alcohol-Based Toners START: Hydrating Essences or Toners
Raise your hand if you’ve ever used a toner that felt like pure witch hazel and regret. 🙋♀️ Time to retire it.
Instead, reach for:
Hyaluronic acid
Aloe vera
Green tea extract
Try:
Hada Labo Gokujyun Hydrating Lotion
I’m From Rice Toner
STOP: Physical Scrubs START: Gentle Chemical Exfoliants
Look, I love a good scrub as much as the next skincare nerd, but harsh grains in cold weather? Recipe for redness.
Better option:
Lactic acid
PHA
Enzyme exfoliants (think pumpkin, papaya)
Try:
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5%
Glow Recipe Pumpkin Enzyme Mask
Exfoliate 1-2x/week max or risk looking like a lobster. 🦞
STOP: Skipping Serums START: Layering Hydrating Serums
Serums are not just an extra step. They’re your hydration heroes in fall.
Top fall picks:
Hyaluronic acid
Niacinamide
Vitamin B5
Layer them like this: mist → serum 1 → serum 2 → moisturizer
STOP: Ignoring Your Lips & Hands START: Lip & Hand Masks
Fall weather attacks lips and hands like it has a personal vendetta. Don’t wait until they’re cracked to act.
Try:
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream
Bonus: Wear cotton gloves overnight. It’s not cute, but it works wonders.
STOP: Skipping SPF START: Moisturizing Sunscreen with Extras
Nope, cloudy days don’t excuse you from SPF. UV rays don’t take a vacation.
Look for:
Moisturizing formulas
Mineral-based if you’re sensitive
Try:
EltaMD UV Daily Tinted SPF 40
Supergoop Play Everyday Lotion
STOP: Minimal Routines START: Intentional Layering
Fall is not the season for a lazy two-step routine.
Try this simple layering order:
Cleanser
Hydrating toner
Serum (hydrating)
Serum (barrier or glow)
Moisturizer
Facial oil (optional)
SPF (AM only)
At night? Swap SPF for an overnight mask.
Bonus Swap: Add Facial Oils to Lock Everything In
Even oily skin types can benefit from a few drops of facial oil.
Top choices:
Rosehip oil – brightens + hydrates
Marula oil – nourishes like a dream
Jojoba oil – mimics natural skin oils
Use it as the last step to lock in all the goodness.
Final Thoughts: Cozy Season, Cozy Skin
Fall skincare isn’t just a trend. It’s a survival tactic. Your skin is your largest organ—it deserves to be dressed for the season too.
Switch up your routine. Listen to your skin. Layer with love.
If someone asks how your skin is glowing in freezing temps? Just smile and say, “Oh, it’s just my fall skincare swaps.”😉
Now go make your skincare shelf fall-ready. Your face will thank you.