12 Essential Skincare Ingredients to Transition Your Routine for Fall

With fall just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about adjusting your skincare routine. As the weather cools and humidity drops, your skin’s needs change, making it a great season to incorporate ingredients that focuses on nourishing, repairing, and protecting. So it's only fitting that I share with you some of the best skincare ingredients for fall to keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and glowing as the temperatures drop.

1. Hyaluronic Acid

Why It’s Great for Fall: Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, which means it attracts and retains moisture in the skin. During fall, when the air is drier, this ingredient helps to keep your skin hydrated, plump, and soft.

How to Use It: You can find hyaluronic acid in serums, moisturizers, and even some cleansers. Look for multi-weight hyaluronic acid (combining different molecule sizes) for better absorption. Apply it on damp skin after cleansing, then seal it in with a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated all day.

2. Squalane

Why It’s Great for Fall: Squalane mimics your skin’s natural oils, making it an excellent moisturizer without feeling greasy. It helps protect the skin barrier (the outermost layer of your skin), which is crucial as colder weather can easily lead to dryness and irritation.

How to Use It: Squalane works well as an addition to your nighttime routine. You can apply a few drops directly onto the skin after moisturizing or add it to your moisturizer for an extra layer of hydration.

3. Vitamin C

Why It’s Great for Fall: Vitamin C is known for its brightening and antioxidant properties. During fall, it can help your skin recover from summer sun exposure by fading dark spots and supporting collagen production.

How to Use It: Look for a stable form of vitamin C, like L-ascorbic acid or magnesium ascorbyl phosphate. Apply it in the morning after cleansing, followed by moisturizer and sunscreen. Vitamin C pairs well with other antioxidants, so feel free to layer it with a hydrating serum.

4. Ceramides

Why It’s Great for Fall: Ceramides are fatty acids that are naturally found in the skin barrier. They help to lock in moisture and protect your skin from environmental irritants, which can be particularly helpful as the weather becomes colder and drier.

How to Use It: Ceramides are usually found in moisturizers. Apply a ceramide-rich moisturizer at night to repair your skin barrier while you sleep, or use it both morning and night if your skin feels extra dry.

5. Niacinamide

Why It’s Great for Fall: Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, is a versatile ingredient known for its ability to soothe, reduce redness, and strengthen the skin barrier. It also helps regulate oil production, which can fluctuate as your skin adjusts to cooler temperatures.

How to Use It: Niacinamide is often found in serums and moisturizers. You can incorporate it in both your morning and nighttime routine. It pairs well with other ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and peptides, making it easy to include in any routine.

6. AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids)

Why It’s Great for Fall: As your skin begins to feel drier and maybe a bit duller, AHAs like lactic acid are wonderful for gently exfoliating dead skin cells, helping to reveal a fresh, radiant complexion.

How to Use It: Use AHA products at night, 1-2 times a week, depending on your skin’s tolerance. Always start slowly, and make sure to follow up with a moisturizer, as AHAs can be drying. Be cautious when using AHAs if your skin is sensitive; lactic acid is generally milder than glycolic.

7. Retinol

Why It’s Great for Fall: Retinol is one of the most effective ingredients for skin rejuvenation, addressing fine lines, acne, and texture. Since it can make your skin sensitive to the sun, fall is an ideal time to add it to your routine as UV exposure typically decreases.

How to Use It: Start with a lower concentration of retinol (like 0.25% or 0.5%) and apply it once or twice a week, gradually increasing the frequency as your skin builds tolerance.  Or use a less irritating version known as bakuchiol.  Always follow retinol with a moisturizer, and wear SPF daily.

8. Peptides

Why It’s Great for Fall: Peptides are amino acids that serve as the building blocks for proteins like collagen and elastin. They’re excellent for firming and supporting your skin’s elasticity, which can help as the weather cools and skin may feel drier.

How to Use It: Peptides are commonly found in serums and moisturizers. They’re gentle enough to use both morning and night, making them a flexible addition to your routine. Apply peptide products on clean skin before layering a moisturizer on top.

9. Bakuchiol

Why It’s Great for Fall: Bakuchiol is a plant-based retinol alternative that offers similar benefits, like reducing fine lines and uneven skin tone, but with less potential for irritation. It’s a great option if you want the effects of retinol without the sensitivity issues.

How to Use It: Bakuchiol can be used both morning and night, making it versatile and user-friendly. Apply it after cleansing and before your moisturizer, and don’t forget to follow with sunscreen in the morning.

10. Omega Fatty Acids

Why It’s Great for Fall: Omega fatty acids, like omega-3 and omega-6, are essential for skin health. They strengthen the skin barrier, keep it hydrated, and help it look plump and smooth – all essential as temperatures drop.

How to Use It: Look for moisturizers that contain omega fatty acids or facial oils, such as rosehip or chia seed oil. Use it as the last step in your nighttime routine to lock in moisture and protect your skin barrier.

11. Green Tea Extract

Why It’s Great for Fall: Green tea extract is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a soothing addition for fall. It’s ideal if you have sensitive skin, as it can help reduce redness and irritation.

How to Use It: Green tea extract is often found in serums, toners, and moisturizers. Apply it in the morning to protect against environmental stressors, or use it at night to calm the skin after a long day.

12. Honey or Manuka Honey

Why It’s Great for Fall: Honey is naturally hydrating and has antimicrobial properties, making it ideal for soothing dryness and calming irritated skin. Manuka honey, in particular, has additional healing benefits that can help reduce redness and even out your skin tone.

How to Use It: Look for masks or moisturizers with honey, or try a DIY honey mask at home. Simply apply a thin layer of honey to clean, dry skin, leave it on for about 10-15 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water.

Tips for Building a Fall Skincare Routine

1. Prioritize Moisture: Swap out any lightweight, gel-based moisturizers for something more nourishing to keep your skin hydrated.
2. Layer Up: Don’t be afraid to layer products, such as using a hydrating serum under your moisturizer, to give your skin that extra boost it needs during the colder months.
3. Sunscreen is Still Essential: Even though it’s fall, UV rays are still present and can contribute to aging and hyperpigmentation, so always finish your morning routine with SPF.
4. Listen to Your Skin: Fall is a great time to re-evaluate your routine and tweak products based on how your skin feels. If you notice more dryness or sensitivity, simplify your routine and focus on hydration and barrier repair.

Curious about how to tailor these ingredients to your unique skin type? Book a virtual skincare consultation with me today! We’ll create a personalized fall skincare routine with ingredients that work best for you. Start the season feeling confident with a routine that helps your skin look and feel its best!