How to Transition Your Routine from Summer to Fall: Apothecary-Approved Tips
In New York, you can sense the change before the first leaves turn. The air feels lighter, the light grows softer, and your skin starts asking for something new. Since 1838, C.O. Bigelow has guided our community through these seasonal skincare transitions with remedies grounded in apothecary tradition and proven results. As summer fades and fall begins, a thoughtful fall skincare routine can help repair skin after summer sun, boost hydration, and protect against cooler air. Here is how to transition your skincare from summer to fall with expert, time-tested care.
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Swap Out Lightweight Formulas
When humidity drops, your skin needs more than a light gel or water-based lotion. Rich moisturizers and barrier repair creams seal in hydration, helping prevent seasonal dryness. Look for ingredients like squalane, sunflower seed oil, and shea butter to nourish skin as temperatures cool. Our apothecary-approved formulas deliver the best hydrating lotion for fall, keeping skin soft, smooth, and comfortable all season long.
Product Pick:
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Deluxe Facial Moisturizer No. 301, C.O. Bigelow - Packed with antioxidants and nourishing botanicals, this rich daily cream deeply hydrates and restores skin, making it a seasonal staple.
- The Rich Cream, Augustinus Bader - Powered by TFC8® technology, this cult-favorite formula nourishes, renews, and protects skin for a smooth, healthy look as temperatures drop.
Continue SPF Protection
A fall skincare routine still needs sunscreen. UVA rays, the main cause of premature aging, are present year-round and can penetrate through clouds and windows. Layer a lightweight broad-spectrum SPF over your moisturizer to protect against daily damage and keep your skin healthy and youthful as the season changes.
Product Pick:
- Lip Balm SPF 50+, Standard Procedure - Protects skin with broad-spectrum mineral filters, creating a smooth, invisible finish that works under makeup or on its own.
- The Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 - Shields lips from UV damage with high-level SPF while keeping them soft and hydrated, perfect for sunny days that linger into fall.
Repair Sun Exposure
Even if you wore SPF every day, summer sun can still leave behind dryness, dark spots, or uneven texture. Post-summer skincare should include brightening vitamin C, calming chamomile, and replenishing botanical oils to help repair skin after summer sun. These targeted treatments restore radiance and give your complexion a fresh start for fall.
Product Pick:
- Vitamin C Lactic Dewy Deep Cream, Dr. Dennis Gross - Delivers an instant hit of radiance with vitamin C, buckthorn, and lemongrass, reviving tired complexions and helping to fade the visible signs of summer.
- Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel - 5 Pack, Dr. Dennis Gross - Sweeps away dullness and refines texture with a perfectly balanced blend of AHAs and BHAs, revealing fresher, more even skin in just two steps.
Add a Gentle Weekly Exfoliant
Cooler weather slows skin cell turnover, which can leave your complexion looking dull. A gentle weekly exfoliant removes dead skin, unclogs pores, and helps your serums and moisturizers absorb better. Whether you choose a mild scrub or a botanical-based chemical exfoliant, this small step makes a visible difference in seasonal skincare results.
Product Pick:
- Exfoliating Milk Powder, Embryolisse - Transforms into a creamy lather on contact with water, gently polishing away dead skin cells while nourishing with milk proteins for a smoother, brighter complexion.
- Exfoliate Mate Gentle Exfoliating Peel Sheet Mask, Patchology - Combines gentle acids and botanical extracts in an easy-to-use sheet mask, leaving skin refreshed, refined, and ready to drink in your serums and creams.
Extra Care for Hands and Lips
Hands and lips are often the first to feel the chill of autumn air. A nourishing hand cream and protective lip balm are essential to prevent dryness and cracking. Choose formulas enriched with lanolin, shea butter, or beeswax to keep these delicate areas soft, smooth, and comfortable through the season.
Product Pick:
- My Favorite Night Balm No. 306, C.O. Bigelow - Cushions lips with an ultra-rich blend of nourishing oils and butters, sealing in moisture overnight for a soft, smooth wake-up.
- Chapped Hands Balm No. 1012, C.O. Bigelow - Creates a protective barrier that locks in hydration and soothes dry, overworked hands, keeping them comfortable in crisp fall air.
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Your skincare should change with the seasons just like your wardrobe. As summer gives way to fall, focus on richer hydration, repairing sun damage, keeping SPF in your daily routine, gentle exfoliation, and extra care for hands and lips. Since 1838, C.O. Bigelow has guided New Yorkers through every seasonal shift with apothecary formulas that deliver lasting results. Visit our New York City store or shop online to create a fall skincare routine that is timeless, effective, and made for you.