How to Transition Your Skincare Routine for Fall and Winter

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As the days get shorter and the air gets cooler, your skin starts sending little SOS signals—tightness, dullness, maybe even flakes. That’s your skin telling you it needs a wardrobe change too! Just like swapping your tank tops for cozy sweaters, your skincare routine deserves a seasonal shift to keep it glowing, hydrated, and healthy through fall and winter.

Let’s break down exactly how to transition your skincare routine for the colder months (without overwhelming your bathroom shelf).

1. Switch to a Hydrating Cleanser

In summer, gel or foaming cleansers do a great job at clearing excess oil and sweat. But in colder weather, they might strip your skin too much. Opt for a creamy, hydrating cleanser that cleans without leaving your face tight and dry.

👉 Try this hydrating cream cleanser.

2. Layer on a Hydrating Toner or Essence

Fall and winter are all about hydration. A hydrating toner or essence preps your skin to soak up the rest of your products while giving an instant plump. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin.

👉 Try this hydrating toner.

3. Upgrade to a Richer Moisturizer

Summer lotions are light and airy, but your skin craves something richer in the cold. A cream-based moisturizer helps lock in hydration and prevent transepidermal water loss.

👉 Try this rich face moisturizer.

4. Add in a Nourishing Face Oil

A few drops of facial oil can make a world of difference in strengthening your skin barrier during harsh, dry months. Oils like rosehip, jojoba, or squalane work well.

👉 Try this facial oil.

5. Don’t Skip Sunscreen

Yes, even when it’s cloudy and freezing, UV rays are still around causing damage. Stick to sunscreen daily, but choose a hydrating formula that layers well with richer moisturizers.

👉 Try this hydrating sunscreen.

6. Gentle Exfoliation is Key

Cold air can make skin sensitive, so harsh scrubs are a no-go. Instead, use a gentle chemical exfoliant (like lactic acid) once or twice a week to keep dead skin cells from piling up.

👉 Try this gentle exfoliant.

7. Show Your Lips Some Love

Chapped lips are practically a winter trademark. Keep a nourishing balm in your bag, desk, and nightstand so you’re never caught without one.

👉 Try this lip balm set.

8. Add an Overnight Sleeping Mask

Night is the best time to give your skin an extra hydration boost. A sleeping mask seals everything in and helps you wake up to plump, refreshed skin.

👉 Try this overnight sleeping mask.

9. Care for Your Hands and Body Too

Don’t forget your body—hands, elbows, and knees get super dry in the colder months. Upgrade to a rich body butter or hand cream.

👉 Try this body butter.

10. Use a Humidifier Indoors

Indoor heating makes the air super dry, which can pull moisture from your skin. A humidifier keeps your room hydrated while you sleep or work.

👉 Try this cool mist humidifier.

✨ Final Thoughts

Transitioning your skincare routine for fall and winter doesn’t mean you need an entirely new stash of products. It’s more about making smart swaps—going for richer, more hydrating, and barrier-strengthening options. With a few tweaks, you can keep your glow alive even when the temperature drops!