Fall Into Great Skin: Your Seasonal Skincare Routine for September in Oregon
September in Oregon brings cooler mornings, crisper air, and one big signal from your skin—it’s time to change your routine. As humidity drops and temperatures shift, your skin naturally becomes drier, more sensitive, and prone to irritation. If you've been relying on lightweight lotions and foaming cleansers all summer, the new season calls for deeper hydration, barrier repair, and gentle renewal.
At Summit Dermatology in Medford, our skincare experts recommend adjusting your regimen to protect your skin from the drier climate while helping it recover from summer sun exposure. Below are dermatologist-approved skincare tips for fall season to keep your skin smooth, nourished, and glowing all season long.
Why Fall Is the Best Time to Reset Your Skincare
As the seasons change, so do your skin's needs. During fall, lower humidity and brisk winds can compromise your skin's barrier, making it more vulnerable to transepidermal water loss, flaking, and redness. Summer sun damage—often hidden by a tan—may also begin to show up as pigmentation, dullness, or fine lines.
This transitional period is ideal for rebuilding moisture levels, correcting damage, and prepping your skin for stronger treatments like chemical peels or laser resurfacing, which are often safer in the cooler, low-sun months. A proactive fall routine can prevent many of the issues that become more noticeable during winter.
Switch to a Richer Moisturizer
When the weather cools, your skin loses water more rapidly, and lighter lotions may no longer offer enough protection. Switching to a thicker, more emollient moisturizer helps lock in hydration and restore the lipids that keep your skin barrier strong.
Look for ingredients like ceramides, which support your skin's natural structure, and hyaluronic acid, which draws in water to plump and smooth. Shea butter, squalane, and glycerin are also excellent for sealing moisture and preventing uncomfortable dryness, especially around the cheeks and nose. Using a richer formula at night and layering with a hydrating serum can significantly improve skin resilience throughout fall.
Gently Exfoliate for a Healthier Glow
Exfoliation is key to preventing dull, flaky skin—but in fall, it’s important to be gentle. Over-scrubbing can disrupt your skin barrier when it's already compromised by cold weather. Instead, opt for chemical exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), which dissolve dead skin cells without harsh friction.
Products containing glycolic acid, lactic acid, or salicylic acid 1–2 times per week can help unclog pores, improve texture, and brighten your complexion. For more sensitive skin, enzyme-based exfoliants or a low-strength retinoid under dermatologist supervision can offer renewal with less irritation. Regular exfoliation also enhances the effectiveness of moisturizers and serums by allowing them to penetrate more deeply.
Change Your Cleanser, Too
A common mistake is continuing to use summer’s gel or foaming cleansers into fall. These formulas, especially those with sulfates, can strip away natural oils and worsen dryness. In cooler weather, it’s better to use hydrating cleansers that gently remove debris while supporting your skin’s natural defenses.
Cream or milk cleansers offer moisture while cleansing, making them ideal for drier skin types. For makeup wearers, oil-based cleansing balms can provide a nourishing first cleanse without clogging pores. Switching your cleanser is a simple, effective way to reduce irritation and support a calmer, more comfortable complexion.
Add Antioxidants & Barrier-Repair Ingredients
After months of UV exposure, your skin is often left with oxidative stress, leading to early signs of aging, uneven tone, and inflammation. Antioxidants help defend against environmental damage and support skin healing, while barrier-repair ingredients restore strength and prevent moisture loss.
Daily use of a vitamin C serum can brighten the skin, stimulate collagen production, and reduce hyperpigmentation from sun damage. Niacinamide helps calm redness, smooth texture, and reinforce the skin barrier. Products containing fatty acids, cholesterol, and ceramides are especially helpful in rebuilding a protective layer against dry, windy weather.
Don’t Drop the SPF—Even in September
Just because it’s cloudy or cooler doesn’t mean your skin is safe from UV rays. In fact, up to 80% of UV radiation can penetrate clouds, and UVA rays—the ones responsible for aging—are present year-round. Daily sun protection is still a must, especially when you're using exfoliants or retinoids that increase sun sensitivity.
Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, and apply it to all exposed skin, including the face, neck, and hands. Consider a tinted mineral sunscreen if you want light coverage and extra antioxidant protection. Consistent sunscreen use in fall helps prevent pigmentation and maintains the progress of any summer or fall skin treatments.
FAQS
Why does my skin get drier in the fall?
In the fall, outdoor humidity decreases and indoor heating becomes more common—both of which strip your skin of moisture. These environmental changes reduce your skin’s ability to retain water, resulting in dryness, sensitivity, and even flaking. Without added support, your skin barrier becomes compromised, leading to irritation and discomfort.
What ingredients are best for dry skin in fall?
Fall calls for ingredients that replenish hydration and strengthen the skin barrier. Look for hyaluronic acid to attract moisture, ceramides and niacinamide to support repair, and squalane or shea butter to seal in hydration. These ingredients work together to soothe dry patches and maintain a healthy glow throughout the season, and you can shop our skincare products that include all the ingredients listed.
Can I still exfoliate in cooler weather?
Yes, but with care. Exfoliation is still essential to remove dead skin cells and promote radiance, but overdoing it can lead to inflammation. Use gentle chemical exfoliants like AHAs or BHAs once or twice weekly and avoid abrasive physical scrubs. If your skin is sensitive, consult your dermatologist for safer options like enzyme peels or low-dose retinoids.
Do I still need sunscreen in the fall?
Absolutely. Even though the sun feels weaker, UVA rays—which penetrate deeper and contribute to premature aging—are just as strong in fall and winter. Continue using sunscreen daily, especially if you're using brightening or resurfacing products that make your skin more UV-sensitive.
Is fall a good time to start professional skin treatments?
Yes! Fall is one of the best times to begin treatments like chemical peels, laser resurfacing, microneedling, or IPL because sun exposure is lower, and your skin can recover more easily. These procedures help reverse summer damage and prepare your skin for the winter months ahead.
Why Choose Summit Dermatology in Medford, OR?
At Summit Dermatology, we combine clinical expertise with a personalized approach to seasonal skin health. Our board-certified dermatologists understand the unique climate of Southern Oregon and how it affects skin function throughout the year. That means you’ll get custom recommendations—not cookie-cutter routines.
We offer:
One-on-one consultations to build a routine tailored to your lifestyle and skin needs
Access to professional-grade products that outperform drugstore options
Advanced treatments like peels and microneedling for sun damage, dryness, or dullness
Friendly, ongoing support from a trusted local team that truly cares
Let’s Build Your Fall Skincare Routine—Start Today
Don’t let fall weather catch your skin off guard. Whether you're looking to calm dryness, refresh dullness, or transition to a new skincare plan, our team is here to help.
🏢 Address: 1910 East Barnett Road, Suite 101, Medford, OR 97504
🕒 Clinic Hours: Monday – Thursday | 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
📞 Phone: 541-200-2022
📍 Visit Summit Dermatology in Medford, OR, or call us today to schedule your seasonal skincare consultation.
✨Let’s create a routine that keeps your skin healthy and radiant—no matter the season.
