When humidity levels outside plummet and the air becomes cooler and drier, the whole body reacts – but the skin, especially the facial skin, is the first to pay the price. Cracks on the lips, flaking around the nose, a feeling of tightness on the eyelids, and the appearance of general dryness are just some of the typical phenomena of the transition season.
Fall is one of the most sensitive periods for the skin: The skin is our most external organ, and when it is exposed to sharp changes in weather, it reacts immediately. Dryness, flaking, and cracks are a sign that the skin is thirsty for moisture. Just like we switch wardrobes – the skin also needs to transition into its winter version.
So which areas are especially sensitive during the transition season, and what should you do to maintain vital and healthy skin even when the air outside is dry? Here are the recommendations:
1. Lips: The first area to crack
The lips have no sebaceous glands, so they lose moisture very quickly. In transition seasons this is even more noticeable.
What should you do?
• Apply a therapeutic lip balm rich in shea butter, coconut oil, or natural wax.
• Make sure to apply it before bedtime, when the skin is at its peak renewal process.
2. The nose area: Sensitive, thin, and prone to flaking
Repeated wiping of the nose, use of air conditioning, catching a cold, or direct exposure to heating units – all cause irritation and flaking of the thin skin around the nostrils.
Recommendation:
Choose a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer, and avoid heating your face directly in front of heaters.
3. Internal moisture: Water is part of the skincare routine
Many people forget to drink in winter – and this is a mistake. Dryness starts from within, and the skin reflects it immediately.
What’s important to do?
• Drink water throughout the day, even when you’re not thirsty.
• Reduce coffee, black tea, and alcohol – drinks that dehydrate the skin.
4. Gentle cleansing: No hot water and no aggressive soaps
Hot water breaks down the skin’s natural oily layer, and in fall this is felt even more.
How do you cleanse properly?
• Wash your face with lukewarm water only.
• Use a gentle cleansing product based on oils or amino acids.
• Avoid strong soaps or aggressive exfoliation – they worsen dryness.
5. Invest in smart, season-appropriate hydration
Hydration in the fall should be rich but not heavy – something that protects the skin’s natural barrier without weighing it down.
Recommended ingredients:
• Hyaluronic acid
• Ceramides
• Vitamin E
• Nourishing facial oils for nighttime
• Moisturizing masks for intensive repair
The skin is a mirror of our internal balance. When you adapt your skincare routine to the season – the results are visible and noticeable.
The writer, Pola Blick Dayan, expert in advanced cosmetics and natural medicine.