As the summer sun fades and cooler air starts to roll in, September always feels like a fresh start. Between back-to-school routines, pulling out the cozy sweaters, and sipping that first pumpkin spice latte of the season (yes, I’m that mom), it’s also the perfect time to take a good look at your skincare routine.
The truth is, what worked for your skin in July just doesn’t cut it in September. The change in weather, drier air, cooler temps, and indoor heating, can leave skin feeling tight, flaky, or just…off. If your summer glow has suddenly turned into dullness or irritation, don’t panic. It’s totally normal.
Here’s how I transition my skincare routine from summer to fall, while juggling school drop-offs, working and still trying to get a balanced dinner on the table most nights..
Why Fall Skin Needs Different TLC
In the summer, our skin is often oilier, thanks to humidity and sun exposure. But once September hits, the humidity drops and cooler air starts pulling moisture out of our skin. Add in indoor heaters, wind, and stress (hello, back-to-school/workchaos), and you’ve got a recipe for dryness, irritation, and flare-ups.
What your skin needs now is extra nourishment, gentle care, and a little help to restore that summer bounce.
Step 1: Swap Out Your Cleanser
☀️ Summer Staple: Lightweight gel or foaming cleansers
🍁 Fall Favourite: Creamy or hydrating cleansers
In the summer, foaming cleansers help with oil and sweat buildup. But come fall, they can be too stripping. I switch to a gentle cream cleanser that keeps my skin clean without drying it out. Look for ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid.
Mom Tip: If your tweens and teens are are into skincare (mine is!), have them switch to something gentle without harsh chemicals too. Their skin is still adjusting, just like ours.
Step 2: Bring Back the Moisture
☀️ Summer Staple: Oil-free or gel moisturizers
🍁 Fall Favourite: Thicker creams or balms
Once that crisp air hits, I know it’s time to put away the lightweight moisturizers and bring out a thicker-based cream so I don’t run into dry skin problems later.
I love creams that include ceramides or natural oils like almond or avocado—they help repair the skin barrier and lock in hydration.
Try This: After bath time, I use a small amount of Zax’s Original Heelspur Cream on my heels. Although it's meant for heel pain, it's rich and calming—soothing for rough, dry patches after summer sandals.
Step 3: Don’t Skip SPF (Seriously)
This one surprises people, but just because it’s fall doesn’t mean you can ditch the sunscreen. UV rays are still strong enough (even on some of those warmer fall days) to cause skin damage, especially if you’re outside for soccer games, fall fairs, or weekend hikes.
I stick with a mineral SPF 30+ daily, especially on my face and hands, and often will mix it in with my daily moisturizer. (Because walking my dog or if you’re pushing a stroller in the sun, it counts as exposure!)
Step 4: Exfoliate—But Gently
☀️ Summer Staple: Weekly scrubs or chemical exfoliants
🍁 Fall Favourite: Gentle exfoliation, less often
Between chlorine, sweat, and sunscreen, exfoliating in the summer is all about clearing out buildup. But in the fall, over-exfoliating can leave your skin raw. I scale back to once a week, using a mild enzyme mask or soft washcloth.
If your skin’s looking dull or flaky, don’t scrub harder, hydrate more.
Step 5: Treat & Repair
September is when I start to see the signs of summer sun: dark spots, rough patches, and more visible lines. This is the time to support your skin with natural healing ingredients.
Try This: If you notice lingering marks or discolouration (especially after a breakout or bug bite), I use Zax’s Original Scar Fading Cream. It’s gentle, made with botanical ingredients, and helps fade marks naturally over time.
Step 6: Adjust Your Night Routine
I always feel like September is a reset for my routines, for the kids’ schedules, and for my skin. I make a point to slow down at night (even if it’s just for 5 minutes) to really care for my skin.
Here’s my simple fall evening skincare:
-
Cream cleanser
-
Hydrating serum or essence
-
Rich moisturizer
-
Eye cream
-
Lip balm :)
It’s not fancy, but it works—and when my skin feels good, I feel more ready to take on the day.
Bonus Tip: Keep a small tube of Zax’s Original Dark Circle Eye Cream a part of your skincare routine. Early mornings school runs have me looking extra tired—but this stuff helps de-puff and brighten up my eyes..
Bonus: Skincare for the Whole Family
Fall skincare isn’t just about me. . I keep a tube of Zax’s Original Bruise Cream in our kitchen cupboard (yep, where the Band-Aids live) for the inevitable bumps and bruises that happen with sports enthusiast kids. It helps reduce swelling and speeds up healing, naturally.
Be Fall-Ready, Naturally
Transitioning your skincare from summer to fall doesn’t have to be complicated. Just a few small swaps can make a big difference in how your skin feels and looks.
This fall, I’m focusing on nourishing, calming, and protecting not just for me, but for my whole family. And with Zax’s Original creams in our bathroom and first-aid kits, I know we’re ready for whatever this beautiful (and busy!) season brings.
🍂 Ready to update your skincare stash? Find Zax’s Original creams online or in-store at select retailers across Canada—and feel good knowing you’re using Canadian-made, natural products your family can trust.
