Your wardrobe isn’t the only thing that needs layering this season.
There’s something about fall that makes us crave cozy—sweaters, candles, slow mornings. And guess what? Your skin feels the same way. After months of heat, humidity, and lightweight products, it's time to shift gears and start prepping your skin for the cooler, drier days ahead.
Enter: richer moisturizers. They’re not just thicker—they’re smarter. And they’re about to become your skin’s best fall accessory.
Why Your Skin Needs More in the Fall
As the temperature drops and the air becomes drier, your skin loses moisture more quickly. Factor in hot showers, windy days, and indoor heating, and suddenly your summer gel cream isn’t cutting it. You might notice:
- Tightness or flakiness
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A dull, tired-looking complexion
- Fine lines that seem more pronounced
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Makeup is settling in weird ways and into fine lines
These are all signs your skin is thirsty—and a richer moisturizer can help rebuild hydration and restore balance before winter hits.
When to Make the Switch
There’s no official “moisturizer turnover date,” but here are some signals it's time:
- You’re reaching for your hoodie more than your tank top
- Your skin feels tight after washing, even when it’s still damp
- Your lightweight moisturizer seems to disappear in seconds
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You're waking up with dry patches (or your skin feels “thirsty” by noon)
Pro tip: start transitioning gradually. You don’t need to abandon your summer faves overnight—just begin layering or swapping during your evening routine first.
How to Transition to Richer Moisturizers
Start slow. If your skin isn’t quite ready for heavy creams during the day, introduce richer textures at night when your skin is in repair mode. Try the Restorative Night Cream—loaded with peptides and nourishing oils, it works while you sleep to smooth, strengthen, and hydrate.
Mix and layer. Ease in by pairing your usual moisturizer with a more emollient product like the Intensive Nourishing Cream. You can even cocktail the two in your hand before applying, or use one in the morning and one at night.
Watch your routine. Make sure your other steps aren’t drying you out. Pair richer moisturizers with the Peptide Balancing Toner to prep and hydrate skin before sealing it all in.
Don’t forget SPF. Just because it’s not hot out doesn’t mean UV rays disappear. Protect that renewed, hydrated skin with your go-to HydraGlow SPF every morning.
A Moisturizer Is More Than Just Moisture
Richer doesn’t mean greasy. The right fall moisturizer should strengthen your barrier, smooth texture, and lock in hydration—without feeling heavy or clogging pores. And when your skin barrier is happy? Everything else (glow included) follows.
Wrap-Up: Your Fall Skincare Reset Starts Here
Think of this season as a chance to restore—not just your skin, but your routine. Swap in richer textures, slow things down, and let your products do more of the heavy lifting. Your skin will thank you all winter long.
Explore AN’s go-to fall creams and moisturizers here.