The Products You Need to Transition Your Skin to Fall, According to Dermatologists

Products that address summer sun damage

“The transition of our skin care from summer to fall should include products that incorporate ingredients not only to hydrate and moisturize the skin to combat the dryness that can occur with cooler temperatures and dry air, but also products that help repair summer sun damage,” says board-certified Monroe, LA dermatologist Janine Hopkins, MD. One product she recommends is Neova DNA Total Repair Complex ($115), which addresses photodamage by repairing the signs of UV damage caused by oxidative stress.

Board-certified Fresno, CA dermatologist Kathleen Behr, MD also likes to have her patients use products that reverse summer sun damage when fall comes around. She recommends ZO Pigment Control Creme 4% HQ to fade sunspots.

Skin barrier–boosting products

During the seasonal transition board-certified Delray Beach, FL dermatologist Dr. Janet Allenby likes to use products that “keep the skin barrier healthier so that the weather is less of a factor.” She likes Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar ($236) and Restorative Skin Complex ($230). Dr. Hopkins also recommends Alastin products to hydrate and moisturize the skin during this shift.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen should be used all year round. The experts are here to remind us it’s just as necessary in the fall as in the summer. Dr. Hopkins and board-certified Houston dermatologist Jennifer Segal, MD both recommend Revision Intellishade ($86). It’s hydrating and nourishing and blends into all skin types, says Dr. Segal. Meanwhile, Dr. Allenby likes Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF 36 ($76) for adding moisture and tint while shading your skin from the sun.

Vitamin C

“Although I recommend vitamin C for all-year use, the fall is a good time to make sure to have a fresh bottle since vitamin C degrades over time,” says board-certified West Palm Beach, FL Kenneth Beer, MD. He suggests trying ScientificRx Mega-Vitamin C and Ferulic Antioxidant Serum ($88). Dr. Segal suggests the cult-classic SkinCeuticals C & E Ferulic ($182). In this formula, “emollients protect and add luster to the skin while antioxidants enhance skin health,” she explains.

Rich cream

“As colder weather and indoor heating can cause dryness, I have my patients with drier skin switch to a thicker moisturizer like Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore Moisturizer ($155).

Board-certified Nanuet, NY dermatologist Heidi Waldorf, MD  agrees patients should shift with the season, switching from a lighter moisturizer to a more rich cream. She recommends Alastin Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer ($88), Caudalie Premier Cru Anti-aging Cream ($129), Caudalie VinoHydra Deep Hydration Moisturizer ($38) and La Roche-Posay Lipikar Triple Repair Moisturizer ($20), which she says is great for both face and body.

Retinol

Dr. Hopkins advises adding retinol back into your routine if you paused it for summer. “In Louisiana and Texas, we often take a break from vitamin A-based products during the summer months because of the sun sensitivity,” she explains. “In fall/winter months, we can bring these back into the nighttime skin-care routine.”

Hydrating products

“Fall brings drier, cooler weather, which means we need to moisturize and protect our skin more than summertime,” says Dr. Allenby. “I add in more emollient creams, like SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Cream ($155) and reduce things that are irritating like salicylic acids or benzoyl peroxides.”

Bonus tip: in-office lasers

Looking for something beyond at-home solutions? “Fall is also a great time for lasers such as Fraxel, Pico, Clear + Brilliant and Ultra Clear,” says Dr. Behr. These will help “more effectively lift off summer damage and make the skin healthier.”