How Fall Really Affects Sensitive Skin (and How to Stay Comfortable All Season)

By Dr. Tahani Williams M.D.

Crisp mornings, cozy sweaters, pumpkin spice... and irritation? For many people with sensitive or dry skin, fall is the most temperamental season. As temperatures swing and the air dries out, your skin’s outer barrier (the stratum corneum) works overtime to keep water in and irritants out. Add gusty winds, indoor heating, and lingering UV rays, and you’ve got the perfect storm for dryness, redness, and barrier stress.

Below, we unpack exactly why fall challenges sensitive skin – and what actually helps.

Why Fall Is Uniquely Tough on Sensitive Skin

1. Relative humidity drops – so transepidermal water loss rises.

Cooler air holds less water. As humidity dips and heaters click on, the moisture gradient between your skin and the air widens – leading to increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and flakiness. Studies show lower hydration and higher TEWL in colder, drier seasons compared to summer (1).

Indoor heating makes things worse by drying out the air and circulating irritants, which further aggravate sensitive skin (2).

Try using a gentle, fragrance-free rich moisturizing cream within 60 seconds of bathing to trap hydration.

2. Wind + cold air = barrier micro-injury

Fall winds accelerate evaporation and mechanically rough up your skin’s outer layers. Research shows cold, dry airflow reduces hydration and increases visible dryness scores (3). Translation: your cheeks and lips feel tight, rough, and stingy on windy days.

Protect your lips with an organic, shea butter lip balm before heading outside.

3. UV exposure doesn’t go away when the leaves change. 

Even though UVB rays weaken in fall, UVA rays (the barrier-aging kind) stay strong through clouds and windows. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) emphasizes daily sunscreen year-round (4).

UVA exposure increases oxidative stress, redness, and barrier breakdown, even without sunburn. Keeping SPF 30+ in your fall routine prevents cumulative irritation and flare-ups (4).

Opt for a zinc oxide mineral sunscreen with natural SPF, ideal for sting-prone or eczema-prone skin.

4. Autumn is a prime time for eczema flares. 

People with atopic dermatitis (eczema) often notice worsening symptoms in fall. Studies show increased flare rates during autumn and winter due to humidity drops, temperature swings, and heavier fabrics (5).

Support your barrier with thicker creams, gentle cleansers, and a humidifier near your bed.

5. Textiles and hot showers add “hidden” triggers.

Fall brings more wool and longer, hotter showers – two major irritant risks. Wool and textured fabrics can rub dry skin raw, while hot water strips protective lipids. The AAD advises gentle, fragrance-free routines to prevent barrier damage (4).

Switch to a sulfate-free facial cleanser for sensitive skin and keep showers under 10 minutes.

What Sensitive Skin Needs in Fall: A Practical, Evidence-Based Playbook

1. Rebalance your cleanse

Use low-foaming, fragrance-free cleansers with mild surfactants and lukewarm water (4). Over-cleansing strips essential lipids. 

2. Moisturize smarter (and sooner)

Apply moisturizer within one minute of bathing (“soak and smear”) to trap moisture (4). Choose balanced formulas with humectants (glycerin, hyaluronic acid), emollients (squalane, triglycerides), and occlusives (dimethicone).

3. Add an environmental buffer indoors 

A humidifier can restore indoor RH to 40–50%, reducing TEWL and itchiness (3). Clean filters often and vacuum textiles to reduce allergens.

4. Keep sunscreen in the lineup

Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+ remains non-negotiable (4). Choose mineral filters like zinc oxide for less sting.

5. Shield from wind and friction 

Layer soft fabrics under wool and apply balm to wind-prone spots. Eczema patients benefit from avoiding direct wool contact (4).

6. Adjust actives thoughtfully

Dial back retinoids or acids when air gets dry. Use them less often or sandwich between moisturizers.

7. Bathe better

Warm – not hot – showers, fragrance-free washes, and immediate moisturization remain key (4).

Explore Cleure Body Care for sensitive-friendly formulas and ingredients.

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Special Fall Scenarios for Sensitive Skin

Eczema in transition weather: Use thicker creams, humidifiers, and prescribed anti-inflammatories early in a flare (4).

Reactive redness after outdoor time: Layer humectant-rich cream, SPF 30+, and balm before windy outings (4).

Office air + screen time: Keep a desk moisturizer and apply dimethicone-based balm before your commute (2).

A Simple, Fall-Proof Routine Template

Morning:

• Gentle cleanse (or rinse)
• Barrier-supporting moisturizer
• SPF 30+

Midday:

• Moisturizer touch-ups
• Lip balm
• SPF reapplication

Evening:

• Lukewarm cleanse
• Moisturizer “sandwich”
• Optional occlusive on dry spots
• Humidifier on

Weekly:

• Skip harsh scrubs; use mild exfoliation if tolerated
• Replenish with Hydrating Face & Body Lotion

How Cleure Helps You Transition Your Skin for Fall

Fragrance-Free Always: Reduces irritation risk

Sulfate-Free Cleansers: Maintain barrier lipids

Layered Moisturizers: Cream by day, rich cream or balm at night

Shea Butter Balm: Quick barrier rescue

Daily SPF: UVA protection, even on cloudy days

Discover your perfect fall skin care routine for sensitive skin.

FAQs About Fall Skin Care

How do you take care of your skin in the fall?

Focus on hydration: gentle cleansers, rich moisturizers, daily SPF, and humidifiers.

How should you prepare your skin for fall?

Transition to thicker creams, patch test new products, and minimize actives.

Why does my skin get bad in October?

Humidity drops and heaters dry the air, increasing TEWL (3, 5).

How can I look after my skin in autumn?

Protect from wind, avoid harsh fabrics, and use fragrance-free products (1).

Fall can stress sensitive skin – but with barrier-first habits, hydration, and the right fragrance-free products, you can stay comfortable all season long. Simplify, moisturize, and protect – and your skin will thank you.

 

References:

1. Jiang W, Wang J, Zhang H, et al. Seasonal changes in the physiological features of healthy and sensitive skin. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022;21(6):2581-2589. doi:10.1111/jocd.14476. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34599628

2. Park EH, Jo HJ, et al. Effects of winter indoor environment on the skin: Unveiling skin condition changes in Korea. Skin Res Technol. 2023;29:e13397. doi:10.1111/srt.13397. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10264749

3. Jung M, et al. Exposure to cold airflow alters skin hydration and increases dryness scores. Skin Res Technol. 2020. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1323893019301960 

4. American Academy of Dermatology. Dermatologists’ top tips for relieving dry skin and Sunscreen FAQs (UV is year-round; daily use advised). American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/dermatologists-tips-relieve-dry-skin

5. Bosma ALA, Ouwerkerk W, Middelkamp-Hup M A, et al. Children with atopic eczema experiencing increased eczema severity during autumn and winter. Pediatr Dermatol. 2021;38(4):470-475. doi:10.1111/1346-8138.15750. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8048828/