When (and Why) You Should Switch to Richer Moisturizers in Fall

The mornings are getting cooler, the air feels a little crisper, and the leaves are changing their color—fall is officially here.

As you’re getting your wardrobe ready for sweater weather, your skincare routine also needs some changes. That lightweight, gel-like moisturizer that kept your skin fresh and plump all summer might suddenly leave your face tight and flaky. So what’s happening—and why does your skin feel thirstier than usual?

Let’s explore why and when to switch to richer moisturizers in fall, and the best ways to keep your skin healthy and glowing in cooler weather.

Why You Need Richer Moisturizers in Fall

Just like you don't wear the same clothes and shoes in winter, your skin shouldn't stick with the same lightweight moisturizer it used in summer.  

Your skin needs extra hydration in fall—and here’s why:

Drier Air:

Fall air has less humidity, which means it pulls more moisture out of your skin. That natural dewy look you had all summer can disappear quickly as fall arrives.

Indoor Heating:

As soon as you turn on the heating system, the air inside your home gets drier too. Indoor heating systems strip moisture from the environment (and from your skin), leaving it more prone to tightness and flakiness.

Lifestyle Changes:

Have you ever noticed that most of us naturally drink less water in cooler weather? When your water intake decreases, your skin can become dry. 

On top of this, on cold days we often crave longer hotter showers, which can also dehydrate our skin and weaken its protective barrier.

Skin Changes:

Cooler temperatures dry out your skin and make it more prone to dryness, inflammation, and even breakouts.

If you have eczema, psoriasis, or other skin conditions, this time of the year can be especially tricky with the flare-ups of itching, redness, and irritation.

All of this means your skin needs an upgrade—something richer, creamier, and more equipped to lock in hydration.

When to Switch to Richer Moisturizers

Your skin will often give you clues that it needs richer moisturizer. Watch for the early signs like:

• Your face feels tighter after cleansing
• Your moisturizer absorbs too quickly still leaving your skin feeling dry
• Rough or dry patches appear on your face

When that happens, it's time to say goodbye to your lightweight summer gels and lotions, and hello to a richer cream moisturizer that seals in moisture and restores balance.

What to Look for in a Fall Moisturizer

The right formula depends on your skin type. Generally here’s what you need to look for in a fall moisturizer:

A richer texture:

Opt for richer textures like creams and butters. They usually contain more oils and fats that help lock in moisture and prevent water loss.

Skin-barrier supporting ingredients:

Look for ingredients like ceramides, marine collagen, peptides, and hyaluronic acid —they can help strengthen your skin’s barrier and give it a boost.

Soothing and calming ingredients:

Ingredients like oat extract, aloe, bilberry extract that help calm irritation and soothe your skin.

For sensitive skin, go for a fragrance-free formula, to avoid skin irritation.

If your skin tends to get oily, look for a moisturizer that’s non-comedogenic.

Moisture Layering: The Secret to Lasting Hydration

One of the easiest ways to keep your skin hydrated is to layer your products properly. Think of it like dressing in layers for the cold weather—each step has a purpose.

• Start light:

Apply a hydrating serum or lightweight lotion first.

BelleCôte’s Wrinkle Erasing Serum—aka “Hydrating Healer”—is a great pick for a smoother, firmer, and brighter skin. Powered by Hyaluronic Complex and Laminaria Extract, it deeply hydrates, plumps, and restores radiance while minimizing fine lines and wrinkles.

• Seal it in:

Follow up with a thicker moisturizer or cream to lock in hydration.

Try BelleCôte’s Day Light Moisturizer. This light but super-concentrated cream is enriched with Phyto Stem Cells Complex, Marine Collagen, Bilberry Extract, and Hyaluronic Acid. It provides long-lasting hydration as well as rejuvenates your skin, soothes redness, and prevents premature aging—perfect for daily hydration and protection.

Professional Tip: For best results, we recommend using BelleCôte’s Fermented Marine Collagen Anti-Aging Toner underneath the cream.

• Target dry spots:

Use a balm or butter for areas that need extra care, like  hands, feet, elbows, and knees.

• Hydrate overnight:

Apply a nourishing moisturizer to slightly damp skin before going to bed, for a deep, overnight hydration boost.

Replenish your skin overnight with BelleCôte’s Advanced Ultra Nourishing Night Cream—infused with Marine Collagen, Peptides, and energizing Microalgae Extract. This all-nighter deeply hydrates, firms, and revitalizes your skin while you sleep—so you wake up with a rested, fresh, and youthful complexion.

The Bottom Line

Just like the rest of your body, your skin also feels the change in season. Cooler temperature and reduced humidity means your skin needs a little extra care to stay healthy and hydrated.

It's important to switch to a richer moisturizer in fall to protect your skin from seasonal stress and give it the care it needs.

So before winter sneaks up, give your moisturizers a fall upgrade.