Fall Grooming Transition: What to Change
When the leaves start turning orange and the air feels cooler, it’s not just your wardrobe that needs a change—your grooming routine does too. Autumn brings drier air, lower humidity, and cooler winds, which can all impact your skin, hair, and beard. If you want to look and feel your best this fall, it’s time to adjust your grooming habits.
Here’s an easy guide on what to change for your skin, hair, and beard care when transitioning into fall.
1. Upgrade Your Moisturizer
In summer, lightweight, oil-free moisturizers work well because of the heat and higher humidity. But fall air is drier, which means your skin loses moisture faster.
What to do:
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Switch to a richer moisturizer with ingredients like shea butter, ceramides, or hyaluronic acid.
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Apply twice daily—once in the morning and once before bed.
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Don’t forget your neck and hands, as they also dry out quickly.
Pro tip: For men with beards, use a beard oil or beard balm to lock in moisture for both hair and skin underneath.
2. Use a Gentle Cleanser
The cooler weather can make your skin more sensitive, so avoid harsh cleansers that strip natural oils.
What to do:
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Pick a gentle, sulfate-free facial cleanser to avoid irritation.
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Wash your face twice a day to remove dirt and sweat, but avoid over-washing, which can cause dryness.
Pro tip: If you use body washes, choose moisturizing formulas instead of deep-cleansing gels.
3. Adjust Your Beard Care
Beards often get drier and itchier in the fall because of the wind and dry air.
What to do:
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Apply beard oil daily to keep hair soft and hydrated. Oils like argan oil, jojoba oil, and sweet almond oil are great for nourishment.
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If your beard is longer, consider using beard balm to lock in moisture and shape it.
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Comb your beard daily to spread natural oils evenly.
4. Don’t Skip Sunscreen
Many people stop using sunscreen in the fall because the sun feels weaker. But UV rays are still strong enough to cause skin damage and aging.
What to do:
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Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily.
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Apply sunscreen as the last step in your morning routine, even on cloudy days.
5. Exfoliate, But Not Too Much
Fall is a good time to remove dead skin cells and promote renewal. But cooler weather means your skin is more prone to dryness, so you need to be gentle.
What to do:
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Use a mild scrub or chemical exfoliant (like lactic acid or salicylic acid) 1–2 times a week.
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Avoid over-exfoliating, which can lead to redness and sensitivity.
6. Hydrate from the Inside
Your grooming routine isn’t just about products—it’s also about what you put in your body. In fall, you might drink less water without realizing it.
What to do:
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Drink at least 2 liters of water daily.
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Eat foods high in healthy fats, like salmon, walnuts, and avocado, to help skin stay moisturized.
7. Adjust Your Hair Care
Cooler weather can make hair frizzier and more brittle.
What to do:
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Switch to a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.
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Reduce heat styling to prevent dryness.
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Consider using leave-in conditioner or hair oil to protect against wind damage.
8. Focus on Lip Care
Dry, cracked lips are common in fall because they have no oil glands to keep them hydrated.
What to do:
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Use a lip balm with beeswax or shea butter.
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Avoid licking your lips, as it dries them out faster.
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Apply balm before bed for overnight hydration.
9. Pay Attention to Hands and Feet
These areas often get neglected but suffer the most in cold, dry weather.
What to do:
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Use a nourishing hand cream after washing your hands.
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Moisturize feet at night and wear cotton socks to lock in hydration.
10. Consider Seasonal Scents
Fall is the perfect time to switch to warmer, richer fragrances.
What to do:
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Choose colognes with woody, spicy, or amber notes for a cozy feel.
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Apply fragrance to pulse points like the neck and wrists.
Sample Fall Grooming Routine
Morning:
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Gentle cleanser
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Moisturizer
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Beard oil (if applicable)
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Sunscreen
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Fragrance
Evening:
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Gentle cleanser
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Exfoliation (1–2 times a week)
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Rich moisturizer or night cream
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Beard balm (if applicable)
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Lip balm
Final Thoughts
Transitioning your grooming routine from summer to fall is about hydration, protection, and nourishment. Cooler, drier air can take a toll on your skin, hair, and beard, but with a few simple swaps—like richer moisturizers, gentler cleansers, and beard care products—you can keep your look fresh all season.
Your fall grooming routine doesn’t have to be complicated. A few changes now will keep you comfortable, confident, and ready to enjoy everything the season has to offer—from pumpkin spice lattes to crisp outdoor walks.
