7 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 Monroe, LA dermatologist Janine Hopkins, MD. One product she recommends is Neova DNA Total Repair Complex ($103), which addresses photodamage by repairing the signs of UV damage caused by oxidative stress.

Skin barrier–boosting products

During the seasonal transition 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 ($199) and Restorative Skin Complex ($199). 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 Houston dermatologist Jennifer Segal, MD both recommend Revision Intellishade ($80). 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 for adding moisture and tint while shading your skin from the sun.

Vitamin C

“Although I recommend vitamin C for all-year use, the winter is a good time to make sure to have a fresh bottle since vitamin C degrades over time,” says West Palm Beach, FL Kenneth Beer, MD. He suggests trying ScientificRx Mega-Vitamin C and Ferulic Antioxidant Serum ($103). Dr. Segal suggests SkinCeuticals C & E Ferulic ($169). In this formula, “emollients protect and add luster to the skin while antioxidants enhance skin health,” she explains.

Rich cream

As the seasons shift, Nanuet, NY dermatologist Heidi Waldorf, MD suggests switching from a lighter moisturizer to a more rich cream. She recommends Alastin Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer ($72), Caudalie Premier Cru Anti-aging Cream ($119), Caudalie Vinosource Hydra SOS Intense Moisturizer ($42) 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 ($131) and reduce things that are irritating like salicylic acids or benzoyl peroxides.”