Fall Skincare Reset: 3 Steps for Soft, Smooth Skin

You know that moment when the air changes—when your favorite summer dress suddenly feels out of place and you start reaching for cozy sweaters and body butter? Yep, that’s fall whispering, “I’m here.”

And if you live with eczema (or just dry, sensitive skin that loves to keep you guessing), your skin probably gets the memo too. Tightness, itchiness, and those random dry patches that pop up out of nowhere… sound familiar?

October is National Eczema Awareness Month, and it’s the perfect time to hit reset on your skincare routine before cooler temps and indoor heat try to steal your glow. Let’s keep your skin calm, soft, and smooth with these three simple, dermatologist-backed steps.

Gentle Cleansing — Keep It Simple, Not Squeaky

When the weather cools down, your skin doesn’t need “extra clean.” It needs extra care. Harsh soaps and foaming cleansers strip away natural oils—the ones that actually help prevent eczema flare-ups.

Look for a mild, sulfate-free body wash or castile-based cleanser that hydrates as it cleans. You want that post-shower feeling to be soft and comfortable, not tight or squeaky.

If your skin feels dry immediately after cleansing, that’s your cue: your cleanser’s too harsh. Think creamy, not bubbly.

💡 Try this: Use lukewarm water instead of hot. I know—it feels so good when it’s chilly out, but hot water pulls moisture out of your skin faster than you can say “pumpkin spice.”

Deep Moisture — Lock It In While It Counts

This step is where the real magic happens. When I attended the National Eczema Expo this summer, Dr. Peter Lio reminded us to be proactive about moisturizers. They don’t just make your skin feel good—they strengthen your skin barrier and can actually lessen eczema symptoms over time.

He said research shows moisturizers work. The more you use them, the more they help. The key? Find the one that works for you. One size definitely does not fit all.

And for parents reading this, start early. Dr. Jessica Hui shared that the type of cream you apply early in life matters—it has to be protective. Choosing a good-quality moisturizer for your baby can make a real difference in supporting healthy skin later on.

Dr. Raja Sivamani also reminded us that fixed oils (not essential oils) like sunflower and extra virgin coconut oil can be great complementary therapies. And I know, I know—some of you are rolling your eyes right now about the coconut oil. But research shows it actually improves your microbiome better than sunflower oil and even helps with the itch. Dr. Sivamani shared that topical oils like extra virgin coconut oil showed a 46.8% reduction in eczema severity—10 times better than virgin olive oil. Pretty impressive for something sitting in most kitchen cabinets.

So yes, moisturizers really do matter. And fall is the time to double down. Apply right after your shower—within two minutes—while your skin is still damp to lock in hydration.

💡 Quick tip: Keep a small jar or travel tube of moisturizer in your bag. Eczema-prone skin loves consistency, and a mid-day top-up keeps dryness from sneaking up.

Protect & Prevent — Layer on Comfort

Fall might not bring pool days or beach tans, but your skin still needs protection—from cold wind, indoor heating, and yes, even UV rays.

At the Eczema Expo, Dr. Daniel Butler gave us a reality check about sunscreen: avoid chemical sunscreens. He explained that we don’t yet know the cumulative effects of applying them all over our bodies for years—and they’re more likely to cause irritation.

Instead, reach for mineral sunscreens made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. They’re less irritating, have longer staying power, and do a better job sitting on top of your skin instead of sinking into it.

Choose SPF 30+ and reapply every two hours, especially if you’re outdoors. And if you’re wondering how much sunscreen to apply (trust me, I was too), Dr. Butler said: use a palm-sized amount for each section of your body—one for each arm, each leg, your chest, and your back.

💡 Cozy moment: After moisturizing and applying sunscreen, slip into a soft cotton robe or loose pajamas. Rough fabrics can trigger irritation, so treat your skin like it’s wrapped in comfort—because it should be.

October Reminder 

Eczema affects more than 31 million Americans, and every flare-up tells a story. Whether it’s the changing weather, stress, or a new product, your skin deserves compassion—not frustration.

If you’re navigating dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin this season, you’re not alone. This month (and always), take a little extra time to listen to what your skin needs—it’s often simpler than you think.

You’ve got this. Your glow doesn’t belong to summer—it’s something you can nurture all year long.

Read next: [Fall Skincare Tips: From Sun-Kissed to Cozy Glow]