Your Ultimate Fall Skincare Routine for Glowing, Hydrated Skin
Alright, let’s be honest for a sec: fall is gorgeous, but it’s a sneaky little season when it comes to your skin. One minute you’re basking in sweater weather, the next your face feels like you slept in a pile of crunchy leaves. Sound familiar? Don’t worry, I’ve been there too—chapped lips, flaky cheeks, and all the dry skin drama. So let’s break down your ultimate fall skincare routine that keeps your glow intact while everyone else turns into a dried apricot.
Why Fall Skincare Is a Whole Different Game
You might be thinking, “Do I really need to change my routine just because it’s chilly?” Short answer: yes. Long answer: hell yes.
Here’s what your skin is up against:
Cooler temps = drier air
Indoor heating = zaps moisture like it’s personal
Less humidity = more flakiness
Wind = hello redness and irritation
So yeah, your beach skincare routine won’t cut it anymore. Let’s fix that.
Step 1: Switch to a Hydrating Cleanser
That foamy, squeaky-clean cleanser you loved in summer? It’s got to go.
Instead, go for a gentle, hydrating cleanser that removes grime without stripping your natural oils. Think of it like your favorite cozy blanket, but for your face.
Look for:
Cream or gel-to-milk formulas
Ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid
Personal fave: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser. Not sponsored, just obsessed.
Step 2: Add a Hydrating Toner or Essence
No, toner isn’t just a throwback to your high school Clean & Clear days. A good hydrating toner or essence helps prep your skin to absorb all the good stuff coming next.
Pro tip: Pour it into your palms and press it in gently. No cotton pads needed.
Look for:
Panthenol, aloe vera, green tea extract
Alcohol-free formulas (because we’re hydrating, not dehydrating)
Step 3: Layer on a Hydrating Serum (Or Two)
Here’s where things get juicy. Literally.
Fall is the season to double down on hydration. You can layer serums like:
Hyaluronic acid: Holds 1,000x its weight in water
Niacinamide: Calms redness and supports the skin barrier
Squalane: Locks in moisture without clogging pores
Rhetorical question time: Ever tried sandwiching your skincare like a hydrating Oreo? Serum, mist, serum. You’re welcome.
Step 4: Upgrade Your Moisturizer
Listen, your summer gel moisturizer tried its best. But now it’s time for the big guns.
Go for:
Thicker, cream-based moisturizers
Ceramides, shea butter, peptides
You want your moisturizer to feel like a comfy knit sweater for your skin—soft, warm, and protective.
IMO, the Belif Moisturizing Bomb is like hot cocoa for your face. 🙂
Step 5: Eye Creams That Actually Do Something
Look, we all want to believe we wake up looking refreshed. Reality? We need help.
Fall weather makes the under-eyes super sensitive, so use an eye cream with hydrating + anti-aging ingredients.
Look for:
Peptides, caffeine, vitamin C
Cooling applicators (yes, they actually help!)
Step 6: Never Skip SPF (Seriously)
Just because the sun isn’t burning your eyeballs doesn’t mean UV rays took a vacation.
Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every single day. Yup, even when it’s gloomy.
Hot tip: Look for moisturizing SPFs that double as a final skincare step.
Faves to try: Supergoop Glowscreen or La Roche-Posay Melt-In Milk. Both give glow without grease.
Step 7: Weekly Exfoliation (Gently!)
Over-exfoliating in fall? Recipe for redness and regret.
Stick to once or twice a week and use gentle exfoliants like:
Lactic acid or PHA (less irritating than glycolic acid)
Enzyme exfoliants (think pumpkin, papaya—fall vibes!)
Bonus: exfoliation helps your skin absorb all the yummy serums and moisturizers better.
Ever put expensive skincare on a flaky face? Yeah… don’t do that.
Step 8: Lip Love
Dry lips in fall are a whole thing. One minute you’re fine, next you’re tearing skin off your lip with your teeth like a barbarian.
What works:
Lip scrubs once a week
Thick balms with lanolin or shea butter
Skip anything with menthol or alcohol unless you like pain (no judgment).
Step 9: Facial Oils Are Your Fall BFF
Oily skin types, don’t scroll past this. A few drops of facial oil at the end of your routine can seal in hydration like a dream.
Best picks for fall:
Rosehip oil (brightens + hydrates)
Marula oil (super nourishing)
Jojoba oil (closest to skin’s natural sebum)
Just warm 2-3 drops in your hands and press it on gently. Chef’s kiss.
Optional: Overnight Masks for Lazy Glow-Ups
Some nights you want to Netflix, not multi-step. I get it.
That’s where overnight masks come in. They’re basically moisturizers on steroids.
Slap one on and wake up like you drank 8 glasses of water (even if you didn’t).
Final Thoughts: Fall is for Glow-Ups, Not Flake-Outs
So there you have it, your no-BS guide to surviving fall without turning into the human equivalent of a corn husk.
Switch to richer textures. Focus on hydration. Exfoliate with care. And please, please wear your SPF.
Remember, skincare isn’t about perfection—it’s about feeling like your best self, even if you’re just doing it for your bathroom mirror and your cat.
So go glow, hydrate, and slay this fall season. And if someone asks how your skin is still dewy in November, just smile and say, “Fall? I don’t know her.”