How To Transition From A Summer to Fall Skincare Routine

Transitioning Skincare Regimens from Summer to Fall

As the glow of summer fades into the golden hues of fall, beach days and piña coladas are traded for cozy cardigans and pumpkin-spiced everything. It’s also your cue to transition skincare from summer to fall.

Navigating the switch from a summer to fall skincare routine, however, is another story.

At MD GLAM, we understand the ever-changing needs of your skin. And we get it—the thought of pivoting your routine, especially when you've finally nailed it down, sounds a bit daunting. The good news? You’re not alone on this journey.

Today, we’re here to help you learn how to adapt skincare for fall so your complexion remains nourished and glowier than ever—even when the weather gets dark and moody.

The Importance of Transitioning Skincare from Summer to Fall

As summer's hot, humid days give way to cooler, drier weather, our skin demands different care and nourishment—what gives?

The shift to autumn brings with it a drop in humidity that often triggers decreased moisture in the skin. The cool, crisp air can also cause our skin to lose some of its natural protective barrier, making it more susceptible to environmental stressors.

…but there’s much more to it than that.

Here are some of the most common ways our skin changes in fall:

• Increased dryness and dehydration 
  

As humidity levels go down, the skin may lose moisture, reducing sebum (oil) production and increasing dryness or dehydration. This can leave you with flaky, tight, dry skin in fall.

• Sensitivity and irritation
  

The cool, dry air of fall can be harsh on your skin, making it more sensitive to irritation. Wind and temperature fluctuations exacerbate these issues, causing redness and discomfort.

• Dull complexion
  

With less sun exposure and fewer outdoor activities, our skin loses its sun-kissed glow. This can make your complexion look duller and more lackluster.

• Uneven skin tone
  

As fall creeps in, those with pigmentation issues may notice an increase in uneven skin tone. This is due to the accumulated effects of summer sun exposure.

• Breakouts
  

Heavier moisturizers, more time indoors with central heating, and dead skin cell buildup can all team up to create the perfect storm for clogged pores and acne flare-ups.

• Fine lines and wrinkles
  

The transition to cooler weather can sometimes highlight fine lines and wrinkles, especially if your skin needs more hydration.

In other words, this season has the potential to shake up your complexion quite a bit. That’s why it’s crucial to learn how to adapt skincare for fall and get ahead of any seasonal skin woes. 

So, how do you embrace the beauty of autumn with a skincare regimen that nourishes and protects? 

Easy Fall Skincare Routine

The best skincare products for fall focus on the changing needs of your complexion. That means reaching for formulations that help hydrate and retain moisture, exfoliate, and protect from environmental stressors. 

To help your skincare transition from summer to fall as smoothly as possible, here’s our 3-step blueprint for a quintessential fall skincare routine:

1. Cleanse and purify

Laying the perfect foundation for your skincare begins with a powerful yet gentle double-cleansing.

Start by washing away the day with a fresh, foaming lather courtesy of our Deep Pore Foaming Cleanser. Enriched with nourishing vitamins and minerals from the Dead Sea, this soothing yet effective cleanse leaves you hydrated, balanced, and grime-free. 

Every other day or so, follow up with a gentle exfoliator, like the Exfoliating Enzyme Scrub. Dr. Cat's specially formulated scrub contains extra-fine particles to buff away dead skin cells, leaving your complexion polished, purified, and prepped for hydration.

Another one of the most important fall skin hydration tips? Don’t skimp on hydration. 

2. Pump up the moisture

Now that your skin is cleansed and exfoliated, it’s ready to soak up your favorite moisturizers. 

For the daytime, you want a lightweight, protective formula that melts into thirsty skin and sits beautifully under your makeup. Enter our DMAE Antioxidant Day Moisturizer, a powerhouse of antioxidants, nourishing botanicals, and skin-loving ingredients.

Before cozying up for a witchy movie marathon in bed, swap out your daytime moisturizer for an even stronger hydration boost.

Our Hyaluronic Acid Night C-Complex contains rare, low molecular hyaluronic acid specially sourced by Dr. Cat for its deep hydration magic. While it penetrates and hydrates from below, vitamins and glycolic acid work together to refine and renew. 

P.S. It’s also the absolute favorite of MD Glam's creator herself.

This final step may surprise you…

3. Shield your skin

Think you only need SPF in the summer? Tsk, tsk.

Contrary to popular belief, sunscreen is essential year-round—your fall skincare routine is no exception.

Even on gloomy days, the sun's harmful UV rays are still at play, potentially wreaking havoc on your skin. While the intensity of UVB rays (responsible for sunburns) may not be as bad as in summer, UVA rays (responsible for aging and long-term damage) are constant all year. 

Our go-to? We’re obsessed with the nourishing, anti-aging ingredients of Sunshout Sunscreen SPF 50. Packed with natural sunblock, vitamins, and antioxidants, it effortlessly melts into the skin to protect and nourish—no white cast and no worries.

With the right lineup, you'll effortlessly transition your skincare to fall and maintain a beautifully nurtured and balanced complexion all season long.

Bonus Seasonal Skincare Tips and FAQ

Still have lingering questions about how to adapt skincare for fall? We’ve got you covered.

1. Can I use the same SPF in fall as summer?

Ultimately, any sunscreen is better than no sunscreen. That said, you may want to opt for a more moisturizing formula in the fall. For instance, Sunshout’s broad-spectrum protection and hydrating ingredients to combat drier weather.

2. Should I avoid any specific ingredients in my fall skincare routine?

If you’re prone to breakouts, steer clear of heavy, pore-clogging ingredients like mineral oil or petrolatum. Instead, focus on lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas with beneficial ingredients like glycolic or salicylic acid.

3. Besides skincare, are there other ways to protect my skin from the harsh fall weather?

Absolutely! In addition to using the best skincare products for fall, you can protect your skin by wearing appropriate clothes, like scarves and gloves, to shield your complexion from wind and cold air. 

4. Should I change my makeup routine for fall to complement my skincare?

Sure! Adjusting your makeup routine for fall can help complement your skincare if you opt for hydrating, nourishing products. These seamlessly transition from summer to cooler weather, keeping your skin radiant and moisturized.

5. How can I protect my skin from indoor heating and the drying effects it may have during fall?

Consider using a humidifier to maintain moisture levels in the air at home. You could even add your favorite essential oils to create a cozy, fall ambiance.

Glow Through the Seasons with MD GLAM

As you can see, learning how to transition skincare from summer to fall doesn't have to be as elusive as finding your way out of a corn maze. 

With these tips, your skin will be well-equipped to face sweater weather with confidence and beauty. 

For more seasonal skincare tips and a world of beauty that evolves with you, shop luxury, medical-grade skincare from MD GLAM.