When you look in the mirror at the end of summer, your skin might seem a little lackluster. Even if you’re not exactly sunburned, you might notice changes that didn’t bother you in the spring—such as rough texture, uneven skin tone, or visible pores. But that doesn’t mean you should rush to add a bunch of serums or face masks to your routine.The first thing to review in September is the three basic steps: “cleanse,” “moisturize,” and “protect.” Once you’ve established that foundation, add just one targeted treatment for any remaining concerns. Let’s consider a skincare routine for men that prevents the aftereffects of summer from carrying over into fall and winter.
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Why You Should Reevaluate Your Skincare in SeptemberEven After Summer Ends, Your Skin Doesn’t Reset Itself
When we think of summer skin damage, sunburn often comes to mind, but that’s not the only change you’ll want to avoid carrying over into fall.After enduring the facial cleansing routines followed during the season of heavy sweat and sebum, exposure to UV rays, and air-conditioned environments, your skin’s condition also changes as the seasons shift. It has been reported that even men’s skin experiences fluctuations in moisture levels, sebum production, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and pore size depending on the season. A study* measuring 100 Korean men in both summer and winter found that sebum levels and pore size increased in summer, while differences in skin hydration levels were observed in winter. In other words, the skincare routine that worked perfectly in summer isn’t necessarily the best choice for fall and winter. Rather than trying to reverse summer damage all at once, the key is to first readjust your daily skincare routine to suit your skin’s current condition.
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Things to Review Before Adding Special SerumsTo Restore Your Skin in Fall, Start with the Basic ‘3 Steps’”
STEP 1: Don’t Over-WashDon’t Carry Summer’s ‘Refreshing-Above-All’ Mindset Into Fall
In summer, when sweat and sebum production increase, we tend to prioritize cleansing power and a refreshing sensation. However, there’s no need to continue washing at the same intensity once the weather cools down.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, you should reevaluate your cleanser or washing method rather than trying to “remove more.”You wash your face repeatedly because it looks shiny. You scrub with an exfoliator because your skin feels rough. Rather than taking such an aggressive approach, your first step should be to reduce unnecessary stress on your skin.
STEP 2: Once You’ve Moisturized, Lock in the HydrationIncorporate Dryness Prevention into Your Basic Routine, Not Just Special Treatments
Even if you’ve been getting by with just toner or a light gel in the summer, you should readjust your moisturizing routine once you start noticing tightness or flakiness.The approach is simple: after replenishing moisture with a toner or similar product, combine a lotion, gel, or cream based on your skin’s condition. If you dislike a sticky feeling, it’s better to choose a lighter texture rather than skipping moisturizing altogether. This is also why “dry skin care” isn’t included in the “+1” section 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: Protect Your Skin from UV Rays Even in FallBefore treating summer damage, prevent further damage
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 randomized controlled trial involving 903 participants, 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 considering photoaging, UV protection should be viewed as a year-round essential, not just for the height of summer. These are the three steps common to everyone. From here on, choose based on your skin’s condition.
Choose the one you need, not all fourOnce You’ve Mastered the Basics, Add Just One ‘+1’ for Your Biggest Concern
Uneven skin tone, rough texture, lack of firmness, and enlarged pores. Everyone has different concerns when they look at their skin after summer.The key here is not to try to address all four concerns at once. After establishing your basic three-step routine, target the issue that bothers you the most and add one additional product.
(1) Concerned About Uneven Skin ToneStart This Fall Not with 'Dark Spot Removal,' but with Preventing Future Dark Spots
After the summer, the skin on your cheeks and forehead may not look as even as before. For those who notice this, the ideal “+1” product is a serum designed for skin-brightening care.However, it’s not entirely accurate to think of this as “removing summer-induced dark spots with cosmetics.” The basic function of skin-brightening quasi-drugs is to suppress melanin production and prevent dark spots and freckles. Consider this as part of a routine—along with the UV protection in STEP 3—to prevent new spots from forming.
The '+1' for Uneven Skin Tone CareHAKU MelanoFocus IV
For those serious about preventing dark spots, the “+1” is HAKU’s medicated skin-brightening serum, “MelanoFocus IV.”In addition to the active whitening ingredients m-tranexamic acid and 4MSK, it contains dipotassium glycyrrhizate, an active ingredient that helps prevent skin irritation. This product is perfect for those who want to make dark spot prevention a habit—to be used alongside sunscreen—as soon as they start worrying about the UV exposure they received during the summer.
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+1(2) Concerned about rough or coarse skinInstead 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, one solution is to add an extra step of exfoliation. What you want to avoid here is the mindset that “rough texture = scrubbing.” Instead of scrubbing vigorously with a scrub, exfoliation using AHAs, BHAs, or PHAs is another option. However, if you experience redness or stinging, do not force yourself to use these products.
An Extra Step for Rough and 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 coarse texture, 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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+3 (3) I’ve Recently Become Concerned About a Lack of FirmnessDon’t Blame That ‘Vaguely Tired’ Look After Summer Solely on Age
Although it’s 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 good strategy. 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 as your “+1.”
The '+1' for Lack of FirmnessSHISEIDO MEN Ultimune™ Power-Lifting Serum
If you’re looking for a men’s product, check out the “Ultimune™ Power-Lifting Serum.”Formulated to address common signs of aging in men—such as dryness, rough texture, visible pores, and loss of firmness—this serum is designed to help achieve smooth, firm, and toned skin. Since it can also be used as an aftershave lotion, it’s easy to incorporate into the skincare routine of men who prefer to keep things simple.
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+4 Still Worried About Pores and Sebum Even in FallKeep Other Options in Mind Besides 'Washing More'
Even as the weather cools down, your nose and forehead can still get shiny. Clogged pores are also a concern.In such cases, before increasing the frequency of face washing or skipping moisturizing, consider a “+1” step that specifically targets the areas around your pores. Even for skin prone to excess sebum, simply washing more vigorously won’t solve everything. Maintain your STEP 1 and STEP 2 routines, and on top of that, choose ingredients tailored to your specific concerns, such as clogged pores.
The '+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 people concerned about clogged pores, acne, and blackheads. It aligns well with the concept of adding “+1” by focusing on problem areas rather than indiscriminately layering it all over the face. Since it may cause some irritation, it’s best to start with a small amount after moisturizing and see how your skin reacts.
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There’s No Need for an ‘Aggressive’ Approach on Skin with Redness or StingingSometimes ‘3+0’ Is the Right Answer
Even though we call it the “3-Step +1” method, we don’t recommend the “+1” step for everyone.If your skin stings after cleansing, even your usual skincare products cause a stinging sensation, or you’re experiencing persistent redness or flaking, it’s better to go back to the basics of “cleansing,” “moisturizing,” and “protecting” rather than adding new exfoliation or high-performance serums. Depending on your skin’s condition, the right approach might actually be “3 + 0.”Don’t get ahead of yourself trying to quickly make up for summer’s toll—instead, figure out what your skin needs right now. That is the fastest way to get your fall skincare routine back on track. If symptoms are severe or persistent, don’t try to treat them on your own by adding more products; consider consulting a dermatologist.
Answers to Common Questions About Fall Skincare!Q&A
Q1. When should I switch to fall skincare?A. Base Your Routine on Skin Condition, Not the Date
If you notice changes different from summer—such as your skin feeling tight after washing your face or your cheeks and mouth area becoming more prone to dryness—it’s time to reevaluate your routine. Research has confirmed that men’s skin moisture and sebum levels change 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 your skin from UV rays during the day even into fall and beyond.
Q3. Do You Need a ‘+1’ Even If You’re Concerned About Dryness?A. First, Reevaluate Step 2: Moisturizing
If you’re only using toner, you should adjust your basic skincare routine by incorporating 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 can be difficult to pinpoint the cause if irritation occurs.It’s best to choose the one concern that bothers you the most and prioritize sticking to the basic three-step routine without deviating from it.
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