How to Build a Fall Skincare Routine

As the founder of Dubois Beauty and an esthetician with over 40 years of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how much our skin reflects what’s happening inside the body. Seasonal shifts are one of the clearest examples of this connection. Just as we adjust our wardrobes and diets in the fall, our skin also requires thoughtful changes to stay healthy, radiant, and resilient.

Fall brings cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and often, lifestyle changes like turning on indoor heating or spending more time in drier environments. These factors can leave skin feeling dehydrated, dull, and more sensitive. Building a fall skincare routine helps you transition gracefully into the season and protect your skin’s barrier before the harsher winter months arrive.

At Dubois Beauty, we believe in a full-body approach to skincare. What you put on your skin matters, but so does what you eat, how you manage stress, and how you honor your body’s need for balance. Let’s dive into how you can prepare your skin this fall for a season of glowing health.

Why Your Skin Needs a Different Routine in Fall

Every season brings its own unique skin challenges. In the summer, high humidity and sun exposure mean we focus more on lightweight hydration and protection from UV rays. In fall, the story changes:

• Cooler air + less humidity = more dryness. Your skin may lose water more quickly, leading to tightness or flaking.
• Indoor heating = irritation and sensitivity. Artificial heat can strip skin’s natural oils.
• Lingering sun damage. After months of sun exposure, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and uneven texture often become more noticeable.
• Immune shifts. The body naturally adapts in fall, preparing for colder months. When your immune system is taxed, skin can become reactive.

Think of your skincare routine as a wardrobe: you wouldn’t wear a sundress in October; likewise, your summer routine shouldn’t be carried over into fall without adjustments.

Steps for a Fall Skincare Routine

Let’s build your perfect seasonal routine step by step.

1. Gentle Cleanser

As the air gets drier, it’s essential to swap foaming or harsh cleansers for something gentler. Look for cleansers that balance the skin barrier rather than strip it. A cream, gel, or oil-based cleanser that removes impurities without disrupting natural oils is ideal.

At Dubois Beauty, we love cleansers with activated charcoal or plant-based botanicals that cleanse deeply while supporting the skin’s biome. Remember—over-cleansing can be just as harmful as not cleansing enough. Twice daily is plenty.

2. Hydrating Toner or Essence

Think of this as the first drink of water for your skin after cleansing. A hydrating toner or essence prepares your skin to absorb serums and moisturizers more effectively. Look for soothing mineral mists, botanical waters, or essences with antioxidants to protect and refresh.

Pro tip: Keep a hydrating mist in your bag or at your desk. A few spritzes throughout the day help keep skin calm and hydrated when indoor heating starts to feel dry.

3. Moisturizers and Oils

In summer, lightweight gels or emulsions may be enough. In fall, your skin craves more cushion. Opt for moisturizers with richer textures that contain ceramides, squalane, or shea butter.

Adding a facial oil is another beautiful way to seal in hydration and provide skin with essential fatty acids. Oils like sunflower seed, rosehip, or jojoba mimic the skin’s natural lipids and create a protective barrier.

The key is balance—hydration from water-based products plus nourishment from lipid-rich products.

4. Sunscreen in Fall

One of the most common mistakes I see is clients putting sunscreen away once summer ends. UV rays are present year-round, and in fall, UVA (aging rays) can penetrate just as strongly as in July. These rays contribute to wrinkles, pigmentation, and collagen breakdown.

Choose a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen and make it your final skincare step every morning. Your future self will thank you.

Ingredients to Add This Season

Fall is the perfect time to bring in powerhouse ingredients that restore, brighten, and strengthen your skin. Here are my top recommendations:

• Hyaluronic Acid: A hydration magnet that pulls water into the skin, plumping and softening fine lines.
• Ceramides: Lipids that restore the skin barrier and protect against environmental stressors.
• Vitamin C: Brightens dull skin, evens out pigmentation, and fights free radicals from lingering sun exposure.
• Niacinamide: Calms redness, supports barrier health, and improves elasticity.
• Botanical Antioxidants: Ingredients like Kakadu plum, rooibos, and green tea offer natural defense against oxidative stress.

When layering, apply serums with these ingredients before your moisturizer to maximize absorption.

Fall Skincare Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s:

• Hydrate inside and out. Drink plenty of water and incorporate hydrating foods like cucumbers, citrus, and herbal teas.
• Use a humidifier. Adding moisture back into the air at home can dramatically improve skin hydration.
• Exfoliate gently. Slough off dead cells with enzymes or mild acids to keep skin radiant without over-stripping.
• Protect your lips and hands. These areas often dry out first—carry a nourishing balm or hand cream.
• Listen to your skin. Seasonal changes can cause shifts—if you notice tightness, adjust your products accordingly.

Don’ts:

• Don’t skip sunscreen. Even cloudy days can cause UV damage.
• Don’t over-exfoliate. Aggressive scrubs or frequent peels can compromise your skin barrier, especially in drier months.
• Don’t forget nutrition. Sugar and processed foods can trigger inflammation and dullness.
• Don’t ignore stress. Stress hormones affect your skin—make time for sleep, exercise, and self-care rituals.

Preparing for Winter: What to Add Next

Fall is all about transition—preparing your skin for the harsher months ahead. As winter approaches, you may want to:

• Switch to a thicker cream. This helps lock in moisture and shield your skin from cold winds.
• Add omega-rich oils. Oils with evening primrose, borage, or chia seed can help with barrier resilience.
• Introduce gentle treatments. This is a wonderful time for professional facials, chemical peels, or restorative therapies to reverse summer damage and boost collagen before the holidays.
• Focus on self-care rituals. Warm baths with mineral salts, herbal teas, or mindfulness practices all help lower inflammation and support skin health from within.

By gradually layering these adjustments, your skin will glide into winter without the common struggles of dryness, redness, and irritation.

Conclusion

Building a fall skincare routine is about more than switching products—it’s about honoring your skin’s seasonal needs and supporting your whole body in balance. By choosing gentle yet effective products, hydrating deeply, and staying consistent with sunscreen, you’re setting your skin up for success. Adding nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and vitamin C helps restore vibrancy, while small lifestyle changes ensure your inner health shines outward.

At Dubois Beauty, we’ve designed our products to work in harmony with your skin and the seasons. I invite you to explore our seasonal skincare sets, carefully curated to support your skin’s natural rhythms. Whether you’re focused on hydration, barrier repair, or radiance, we have the clean, green solutions to help you glow through fall and beyond.

Your skin is your body’s storyteller—let’s make sure it tells a story of health, vitality, and timeless beauty.
Discover Dubois Beauty’s fall seasonal sets today. Thoughtfully crafted with botanicals, antioxidants, and barrier-strengthening ingredients, they’re your perfect partner for glowing skin this season.