**Smile lines mean I’ve had plenty of reasons to smile.**
For reference, I have normal-to-dry, mature skin.

Fall makes me want to switch things up. Sweaters come out, perfume gets warmer, makeup gets richer, and my skin starts asking for a little more attention.

For me, fall also means racing season. I spend long hours outside training and race directing, sometimes in cold, windy weather, and then come home to indoor heat. My normal-to-dry, mature skin definitely notices the change.

The good news? We probably don’t need an entirely new skin-care routine just because the season changes.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends paying attention to how your skin responds as humidity drops. Cold outdoor air and dry indoor heat can make it harder for skin to retain moisture, and richer creams can be especially helpful for dry and mature skin.

Here are the products I’m actually reaching for this fall.

Prequel Gleanser

Clean without the squeak.

This works beautifully to remove sunscreen and makeup without leaving my skin feeling stripped or dry.

Gentle cleansing becomes especially important when skin is dry. Dermatologists recommend choosing mild, fragrance-free cleansers and avoiding products that leave dry skin feeling even more depleted.

Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence

My first morning layer.

I pile this on and my skin just drinks it up. It’s my first step after rinsing my face in the morning, and I love it as a quick refresher during the day too.

Fall is when I really start leaning into hydration instead of trying to exfoliate every little bit of texture away. In fact, the AAD cautions against exfoliating dry, peeling skin because it can strip away even more moisture.

Dieux Instant Angel

My current holy grail face moisturizer.

I use this every night with my prescription tretinoin, and my skin loves it.

Tretinoin and other retinoids can contribute to dryness and irritation, and moisturizer can help skin better tolerate these treatments. If you use prescription tretinoin, follow the directions from your dermatologist or prescriber rather than changing how often you use it on your own.

Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base

The one I actually look forward to putting on.

This just makes me happy to use. It’s rich with a silky, slick feel, and my makeup glides beautifully over it. I use it under my eyes, all over my face, and down my neck. My skin feels so good afterward.

This is exactly the kind of richer texture I start craving when the weather cools. The AAD notes that creams generally provide more hydration than lighter lotions or gels, and that skin tends to hold less moisture as we age.

SPF 50

Fall does not mean putting away the sunscreen.

Even when it’s cool and cloudy, SPF stays in my routine. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher year-round.

My Fall Skin-Care Philosophy

I’m not trying to erase every line on my face.

I just want my skin to feel comfortable, hydrated and healthy, especially during a season when I'm asking a lot of it.

My biggest fall change isn't adding a dozen new products. It's more moisture, gentle cleansing, less temptation to over-exfoliate, and sunscreen every day.

And, of course, listening to my skin. If something suddenly isn't working, I'm willing to change it.

That feels a lot more useful than buying an entirely new routine because the leaves changed colors. 🍂

For reference, I have normal-to-dry, mature skin. These are products I personally use and enjoy, not medical recommendations.