Fall Skincare Routine: Tips + Natural DIY Recipes for All Skin Types

As the weather cools down and the leaves start to change, our skin often feels the effects of the seasonal shift. Fall brings dry air, cooler temperatures, and indoor heating—all of which can cause our skin to lose moisture, become irritated, or feel a little less radiant. The good news? With a few tweaks to your skincare routine, you can keep your skin glowing, hydrated, and healthy all season long.

In this post, I’ll share simple fall skincare tips and easy DIY recipes perfect for every skin type, whether you have dry, oily, sensitive, or combination skin. And stick around until the end because I’ve got some bonus tips to help you glow from the inside out this fall!

Why Adjust Your Skincare for Fall?

When the seasons change, so should your skincare routine. Fall’s cooler temperatures and lower humidity levels can strip your skin of its natural moisture. Throw indoor heating into the mix, and your skin can easily become dry, irritated, or flaky.

By making a few adjustments, like switching to more hydrating products and incorporating gentle exfoliation, you can protect your skin barrier and maintain that healthy glow. Below are my top skincare tips for transitioning your routine this fall.

1. Cleanse Gently

The first step in any skincare routine is cleansing, and in fall, it’s important to choose a cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils. Your skin needs those oils to protect itself from drying out, so opt for an oil-based or balm cleanser that hydrates while cleansing.

DIY Cleansing Balm Recipe

For a simple, all-natural cleansing balm, you’ll need just a few ingredients:

1 tablespoon caprylic oil (a lightweight, moisturizing oil)
½ teaspoon Pola wax (helps thicken the balm)
½ teaspoon cetearyl alcohol (an emollient that softens skin)

Directions:
Melt all the ingredients together in a double boiler. Once cooled slightly, you can personalize it by adding essential oils for fragrance or mica powder for coloring. Store the balm in a small jar and use it to gently cleanse your skin by massaging it onto dry skin and wiping it away with a damp cotton pad.

2. Exfoliate (Gently!)

Exfoliation is a great way to slough off dead skin cells and brighten your complexion, but with the dry fall air, it’s important not to overdo it. Exfoliate once or twice a week to avoid stripping your skin of essential moisture.

DIY Autumn Glow Exfoliating Scrub

Here’s a gentle exfoliating scrub that’s perfect for all skin types:

1 teaspoon cinnamon powder (for a warm glow)
1 tablespoon honey (a humectant that draws moisture into the skin)
1 tablespoon sweet almond oil (lightweight and full of vitamin E)
1 teaspoon ground oats (optional, for sensitive skin)

Directions:
Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl. Apply the scrub in gentle, circular motions on damp skin, then rinse with lukewarm water. This will leave your skin feeling smooth, soft, and ready for hydration.

3. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

With colder air comes drier skin, so it’s essential to keep your skin hydrated. After cleansing, use a hydrating serum or facial oil to lock in moisture.

DIY Rosehip & Vitamin E Hydrating Serum

This lightweight serum is perfect for all skin types:

2 tablespoons jojoba oil (balances oil production)
2 tablespoons sesame oil (rich in antioxidants)
2 tablespoons rice bran oil (deeply moisturizing)
2 drops lavender essential oil (calming)

Directions:
Mix the oils in a small dropper bottle. After cleansing, apply 2-3 drops of the serum to your face and gently pat it into your skin. This serum will deeply hydrate and protect your skin, while still being light enough for oily skin.

4. Moisturize to Lock In Hydration

After applying your serum, it’s time to seal in all that moisture with a good moisturizer. If you have dry skin, choose a thicker, richer cream, while those with oily or combination skin may prefer a lighter, gel-cream formula.

DIY Moisturizing Cream

This DIY moisturizer works for all skin types:

1 tablespoon shea butter (deeply hydrating, but won’t clog pores)
1 teaspoon aloe vera gel (soothing and lightweight)
1 teaspoon jojoba oil (balances oil production)

Directions:
Melt the shea butter and jojoba oil together, then stir in the aloe vera gel once the mixture has cooled. This cream is rich enough to hydrate dry skin while being light enough to avoid overwhelming oily or acne-prone skin.

5. Don’t Forget the Sunscreen

Just because it’s fall doesn’t mean you can skip sunscreen! UV rays are still present even in cooler weather, and they can cause premature aging and hyperpigmentation. Make sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily, no matter the season.

Bonus Tips for a Fall Glow

Looking to take your fall skincare routine to the next level? Here are some bonus tips to help you glow from the inside out:

Hydrate from the inside out: Drinking plenty of water is essential, but you can also sip on warm herbal teas like chamomile or ginger for added hydration. Ginger is particularly great for circulation, and cinnamon adds a cozy fall flavor.
Add a humidifier: Indoor heating can zap the moisture from your skin, especially overnight. Adding a humidifier to your bedroom will help keep the air (and your skin) more hydrated while you sleep.
Eat seasonally: Fall is the perfect time to incorporate skin-boosting foods like pumpkins, sweet potatoes, and squash into your diet. These foods are high in beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in your body, supporting skin regeneration and keeping your skin looking fresh and radiant.

Final Thoughts

Transitioning your skincare routine for fall doesn’t have to be complicated! By incorporating these simple tips and DIY recipes, you can keep your skin hydrated, healthy, and glowing as the weather cools down. Remember, it’s not just about what you put on your skin but how you care for it from the inside out as well.