The changing of the seasons is a time when skin concerns tend to increase. Especially as we transition from summer to fall, you may notice changes—such as sun damage and enlarged pores—that didn’t bother you in the spring. However, it’s premature to simply start adding serums and face masks haphazardly.The first thing to review in September is the three basic steps: “cleansing,” “moisturizing,” and “protecting.” Once you’ve established that foundation, it’s best to add just one additional step—one that specifically targets any remaining concerns.
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Why You Should Reevaluate Your Skincare in SeptemberEven After Summer Ends, Your Skin Doesn’t Reset on Its Own
When we think of summer skin damage, sunburn is the first thing that comes to mind, but that’s not the only change you’ll want to avoid carrying over into fall.After a season of high sweat and sebum production—including your daily cleansing routine and exposure to air-conditioned environments—your skin’s condition naturally changes as the seasons shift. Studies have shown that even men’s skin experiences seasonal fluctuations in moisture levels, sebum production, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and pore size. A study* that measured 100 Korean men in both summer and winter found that sebum levels and pore size increased in summer, while differences in skin moisture levels and other factors were observed in winter. In other words, the skincare routine that worked perfectly in summer may not necessarily be optimal for fall and winter.Rather than trying to make up for summer damage all at once, what’s needed is to first readjust your daily skincare routine to suit your skin’s current condition.
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Before incorporating any special skincare treatments, you should review your daily routine—specifically the following “3 basic steps.”
STEP 1: Don’t Over-CleanseDon’t Carry Over Summer’s ‘Refreshing-Above-All’ Mindset Into Fall
In summer, when sweat and sebum production increase, we naturally tend to seek stronger cleansing power and a refreshing sensation. However, there’s no need to continue cleansing in the same way once summer ends.The surfactants used in cleansers affect the lipids and proteins in the stratum corneum differently depending on their type and formulation. If you notice changes such as tightness after washing your face or dryness limited to your cheeks and around your mouth, rather than trying to “remove more,” you should reevaluate your cleanser and washing method.Washing repeatedly because your skin looks shiny, or scrubbing with a scrub because it feels rough—rather than taking such aggressive approaches, the priority is to reduce unnecessary strain on your skin first.
STEP 2: Once You’ve Moisturized, Lock It InCombating Dryness Isn’t About Special Treatments—It’s All About the Basics!
Even if you’ve been getting by with just toner or a light gel in the summer, if you start noticing tightness or flakiness, it’s time to rethink your moisturizing routine.The approach is simply a return to the basics of skincare. After cleansing or bathing, replenish moisture with a toner or similar product, then combine a lotion or cream suited to your skin’s condition to lock in that moisture. If you dislike a greasy feel, rather than skipping the lotion or cream step altogether, it’s recommended to choose products with a lighter texture.This is why we’ve included “dryness” in these basic steps rather than as a separate “+1” item discussed later. Combating dryness isn’t an optional extra—it’s a fundamental part of your fall skincare routine that should be addressed first.
STEP 3: Don’t Neglect UV Protection Even in FallBefore Treating Summer Damage, It’s Most Important Not to Let It Worsen
It’s putting the cart before the horse to stop using sunscreen just because summer is over, even while incorporating a brightening serum. In a comparative study* conducted by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, the group that used sunscreen daily showed less progression of skin aging—as assessed over 4.5 years—compared to the group that used it only when desired.When it comes to photoaging, UV protection should be considered a year-round essential, not just something for the height of summer. These are the three steps common to everyone. From here on, we’ll look at the “+1” step tailored to your specific skin type.
Uneven skin tone, rough texture, loss of firmness, and enlarged pores—everyone has different concerns when looking at their skin after summer. The key here is not to try to address all four issues at once. Once you’ve established the three basic steps, focus on your biggest concern and add one additional product.
Pattern 1: 'The +1 for Those Concerned About Uneven Skin Tone'Start This Fall Not with 'Dark Spot Removal,' but with Future Dark Spot Prevention
After summer, the skin on your cheeks and forehead may appear less even than before. For those who feel this way, the ideal “+1” is a serum designed for brightening care.However, it’s not entirely accurate to think of this as “removing summer sunspots with cosmetics.” The fundamental function of skin-brightening quasi-drugs is to suppress melanin production and prevent dark spots and freckles. Consider this as part of your routine—along with the UV protection in STEP 3—to prevent new spots from forming.
Add This to Your Routine for Uneven Skin Tone CareHAKU MelanoFocus IV
For those serious about preventing dark spots, the “MelanoFocus IV” medicated skin-brightening serum from HAKU is the perfect addition.In addition to the effective skin-brightening ingredients m-tranexamic acid and 4MSK, it contains dipotassium glycyrrhizate, an active ingredient that helps prevent skin irritation. This product is ideal for those who want to make dark spot prevention a habit—using it alongside sunscreen—as soon as they start noticing the effects of summer UV exposure.
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Pattern 2: “The +1 for Those Concerned About Rough or Coarse Skin””Instead of scrubbing to 'remove' impurities, add exfoliation
Your cheeks feel rough to the touch. The skin’s surface feels harder than before.If these changes concern you, adding an exfoliation step is one solution. What you want to avoid here is the mindset that “rough texture = scrubbing.” Instead of vigorously scrubbing with a scrub, exfoliation using AHAs, BHAs, or PHAs is also an option. However, if you experience redness or stinging, you should not force yourself to use these products.
Add this to your routine for rough or bumpy skinKiehl’s DS Pre-Serum
Kiehl’s “DS Pre-Serum” is an exfoliating serum that combines 3% PHA, 0.18% BHA, and 5.4% AHA. The brand officially states that it is designed to address roughness and coarseness, and it can be incorporated as the first step in your skincare routine after cleansing.It’s an easy-to-understand “+1” option for anyone concerned about the texture of their skin’s surface as they transition from summer sebum control to fall moisturizing.
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Pattern 3: ‘An Extra Step for Those Who’ve Recently Noticed a Loss of Firmness’Don’t Blame That ‘Vaguely Tired Look’ After Summer Solely on Age
Although not as obvious as dark spots or dryness, there are times when you look in the mirror and feel like you “look vaguely tired.”If you’re in your 30s or 40s, using your fall skincare routine as a starting point for anti-aging care is a smart move. Photoaging caused by UV rays is linked to wrinkles, pigmentation changes, and loss of elasticity. That’s why, while continuing the UV protection from STEP 3, you’ll want to add a serum that targets firmness.
”Add this to your routine for lack of firmness”SHISEIDO MEN Altimune™ Powerizing Serum”
If you’re looking for a men’s product, check out the “Altimune™ Powerizing Serum.”Formulated to address signs of aging common in men—such as dryness, rough texture, visible pores, and loss of firmness—this serum is designed to help achieve smooth, toned, and firm-looking skin. Since it can also be used as an aftershave lotion, it’s easy to incorporate into the routine of men who don’t want to complicate their skincare regimen.
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Pattern 4: 'The Extra Step for Those Still Concerned About Pores and Sebum Even in Fall'Keep Options Beyond 'Washing More' in Mind
Even as the weather cools, your nose and forehead still get shiny. Clogged pores are also a concern.In such cases, before increasing the number of times you wash your face or skipping moisturizer, consider adding a “+1” product that targets the area around your pores. Even for skin prone to excess sebum, simply washing more vigorously won’t solve everything. Keep STEP 1 and STEP 2 as they are, and on top of that, choose ingredients tailored to your specific concerns, such as clogged pores.
Add This as Your '+1' for Pore and Sebum Balance CareDermacept RX AZA Serum
“Dermacept RX AZA Serum” is a cream-like serum formulated with a high concentration of azelaic acid as a skin-conditioning and moisturizing ingredient.Rohto Pharmaceutical markets this product for those concerned about clogged pores, acne, and blackheads. It aligns well with the “+1” approach—focusing on problem areas rather than applying it indiscriminately all over the face. Since it may cause irritation, start with a small amount after moisturizing and see how your skin reacts.
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Answers to Common Questions About Fall Skincare!Q&A
Q1. When should I switch to fall skincare?A. Base your decision on skin condition, not the calendar
If you notice changes different from summer—such as tightness after washing your face or dryness around your cheeks and mouth—it’s time to reassess your routine. Research has confirmed that men’s skin moisture and sebum levels fluctuate with the seasons.
Q2. Do I still need sunscreen in September?A. Don’t limit UV protection to just summer
Precisely because you’re concerned about the UV rays you were exposed to in summer, it’s important to avoid accumulating additional sun damage afterward. You should continue to protect yourself from UV rays during the day even in the fall and beyond.
Q3. Do I Need a ‘+1’ Even If I’m Concerned About Dryness?A. First, Reevaluate Step 2: Moisturizing
If you’re only using toner, you should adjust your basic skincare routine by adding a lotion or cream. That’s why we didn’t include a serum for dry skin in the “+1” this time.
Q4. Is it okay to incorporate multiple ‘+1’ products?A. Start by narrowing it down to just one product
If you add several new products at once—especially exfoliants you’re trying for the first time—it’ll be hard to pinpoint the cause if irritation occurs.You should prioritize identifying your top concern and sticking to the basic three-step routine without deviating from it.
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