Fall Skincare Tips: Expert Advice from a Top NYC Dermatologist

As the crisp autumn air rolls in and the leaves begin to fall, it's time to transition your skincare routine to combat seasonal changes. Lower humidity, colder temperatures, and indoor heating can strip your skin of moisture—leading to dryness, flakiness, and sensitivity.

NYC dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman shares her expert insights. From hydration essentials to year-round SPF tips, here’s everything you need to update your skincare routine for fall.

Top Fall Skincare Tips from an NYC Dermatologist

1. Switch to a More Hydrating Moisturizer

One of the most essential fall skincare tips is to boost hydration. As humidity drops, your skin loses moisture more easily. Swap out lightweight summer moisturizers for richer creams that lock in hydration.

As temperatures drop, your skin loses moisture faster. Swap your lightweight summer lotions for thicker, cream-based moisturizers that lock in hydration and repair your skin barrier.

Dermatologist Tip: Look for moisturizers with:

• Ceramides (barrier repair)
• Hyaluronic acid (deep hydration)
• Glycerin (moisture retention)

2. Don’t Skip Sunscreen — Even in Autumn

Many people ditch sunscreen in fall, but UVA/UVB rays are still present—even on cloudy days. Skipping SPF accelerates aging and skin damage.

Just because the sun feels less intense doesn’t mean UV rays aren’t damaging your skin. Sunscreen is still a must in fall, especially with outdoor activities and reflective surfaces like snow or water.

Expert Advice:
Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day. Opt for non-comedogenic formulas that won’t clog pores.

Wear a wide-brimmed hat during sunny fall hikes or walks in Central Park.

3. Exfoliate—But Gently

Fall is the ideal time to reset your skin by exfoliating away the summer buildup (think sweat, SPF, and pollution). But over-exfoliating can lead to irritation and dryness.

Dr. Jaliman recommends:

• Exfoliating 1–2 times per week
• Using gentle chemical exfoliants like:
  • Lactic Acid
  • Glycolic Acid
  • Salicylic Acid (for acne-prone skin)

Avoid abrasive physical scrubs that can damage the skin barrier.

4. Add a Hydrating Serum

Boost your skincare routine with a hydrating serum that penetrates deeper than your moisturizer. The star ingredient? Hyaluronic acid.

How to use:
Apply serum to slightly damp skin before moisturizing to enhance absorption.

5. Book Professional Skin Treatments

Fall is an ideal time to schedule in-office treatments like:

• Chemical Peels
• Laser Therapy
• Microneedling

Cooler weather means less sun exposure, which reduces the risk of post-treatment pigmentation. These services also help reverse summer sun damage and prep your skin for winter.

6. Don’t Forget Your Lips

Colder temperatures and brisk winds can lead to chapped, cracked lips. Protect your lips with a hydrating lip balm that contains Shea butter, squalane, beeswax, petrolatum or natural oils. These include coconut oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil or sweet almond oil.

Keeping your lips moisturized is key to preventing discomfort and maintaining a smooth, kissable pout all season long.

Manage Skin Conditions Triggered by Weather Changes

If you have sensitive skin, or conditions like rosacea or acne, you might notice flare-ups as temperatures drop and indoor heating rises. Dr. Jaliman recommends incorporating soothing skincare ingredients such as:

• Niacinamide
• Azelaic Acid

These ingredients help reduce redness, calm irritation, and improve overall skin tone and texture.

Why Seasonal Skincare Matters in NYC

Adapting your skincare routine for fall is not just about comfort—it's about maintaining healthy, glowing skin throughout the colder months. From switching moisturizers to protecting against UV rays and exfoliating wisely, every step plays a crucial role in preparing your skin for winter.

NYC Fall Skincare Must-Haves

Here’s a quick fall skincare checklist recommended by Dr. Jaliman, which link to the products that she recommends:

Special Skincare Tips for Fall Skin Conditions

Rosacea & Sensitive Skin

• Use soothing ingredients like niacinamide and azelaic acid
• Avoid hot showers and spicy foods
• Stick to fragrance-free, non-irritating skincare

Dry, Flaky Skin

• Shorten shower time
• Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing
• Use a humidifier indoors to add moisture to dry air

Acne-Prone Skin

• Cleanse with salicylic acid
• Use non-comedogenic moisturizers
• Avoid over-drying products that trigger more oil production

Best Fall Skincare Products (Derm-Approved)

Hydrating Cleansers

• Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
• CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

Rich Moisturizers

• CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
• La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair

SPF for Fall

• EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
• La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk SPF 100

Hydrating Serums

• The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
• Vichy Mineral 89

Final Thoughts: Why You Need a Fall Skincare Routine

Adapting your skincare routine for fall is essential to maintaining a healthy, radiant complexion. Dry air, indoor heating, and unpredictable weather can wreak havoc on your skin if you're not prepared.

Key Fall Skincare Tips Recap:

• Switch to thicker moisturizers
• Use SPF daily
• Exfoliate 1–2x weekly
• Layer with a hydrating serum
• Treat seasonal skin concerns (acne, rosacea, eczema)

Fall skincare routine

• Skincare for dry fall skin
• Sensitive skin in autumn
• Best skincare products for fall

Ready to Refresh Your Fall Skincare Routine?

Book a consultation with a board-certified NYC dermatologist like Dr. Jaliman at 212-517-8855 or explore these expert-approved fall skincare products to build your perfect regimen. Your skin will thank you—now and well into winter.