In the morning the bathroom floor is suddenly cold. The light jacket is no longer enough and the heating at the desk is running again for the first time. Sometimes the change of season also affects the cheeks: the summer cream no longer feels quite adequate after a few hours.

Before you put together a new winter routine, it’s worth taking a look at this exact moment. Does the skin feel tight immediately after washing, in the office or especially after cycling? More can be derived from this than from the date on the calendar.

Do I need a different cream in autumn?

If your current care continues to feel comfortable, you can keep it. A change becomes interesting as soon as everyday life changes and with it the need for care. Cold outside air and dry air in heated rooms can promote dry skin. The American Academy of Dermatology describes this combination as a typical winter exposure. AAD: Skincare in cold weather

Maybe only the cheeks need a little more cream, while the forehead is happy with the light texture. You can care for both areas differently. It doesn’t have to be the same amount in the morning and evening. A richer evening skincare product can be tried out without immediately replacing the familiar cream under your make-up.

A little observation over several days helps to make the decision: How does the skin feel after applying cream, after the way to work and in the afternoon? Also note if a new exfoliation or another cleanser has been added. Otherwise the heating system may be blamed for a change that started with a new product. Our orientation to skin type helps you classify such observations.

If the skin feels tight after washing

The warm water feels particularly good in autumn. For dry skin, the AAD recommends warm rather than hot water and then moisturizing. A mild, unscented cleaner is also included. AAD: Skincare in cold weather

At the sink, this means in practical terms: No long lathering, because only then does the face feel really clean. Remove cleanser thoroughly, blot with a soft towel, and keep your cream handy. This makes applying lotion a direct part of washing and not a step that gets lost between brushing your teeth and breakfast.

Rough spots invite rubbing. However, if the skin is currently dry and flaky, exfoliating more frequently can make the situation worse. The AAD specifically points out this winter error. In such phases, it makes sense to postpone additional exfoliants for the time being. AAD: Choosing the right moisturizer

If you want to better distinguish between tightness and burning, our article about the skin barrier will help. Persistent burning, inflamed or cracked skin should be examined dermatologically.

Two textures for different autumn days

The ETUDE Soon Jung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream is an example of a richer face cream. Their list of ingredients includes sunflower oil, panthenol and madecassoside. These components are also included in the tested manufacturer’s version. It can be interesting as a cream step if you want more care than a light gel. ETUDE: Product and ingredients

First distribute an appropriate amount where you need it. The best way to test whether it remains comfortable under your sunscreen in the morning is on a normal day. For the first attempt, it doesn’t have to be the morning with the important appointment.

The PURITO Oat-In Calming Gel Cream offers a lighter alternative. The shop and manufacturer list includes oat water, glycerin, squalane and panthenol. Purito describes the use after toner or serum. This is more in line with a desire for light moisturizer, for example when a very creamy finish on the forehead and nose quickly becomes too much. Purito: Oat-In Calming Gel Cream

The two products are selection examples, not a compulsory program. If you are torn between gel, lotion and cream, you can find out the differences in our guide to the right moisturizer.

What helps at the desk and on the go?

A humidifier can humidify dry indoor air. Regular cleaning prevents mold in the device. Gloves protect hands from cold air. The AAD calls both measures supplementary to care. AAD: Tips for dry skin

The products that are practical for your bag are those that you will actually use. A well-sealing lip balm and a small hand cream are more likely to be used than the large collection of skincare products that stay at home. At work, you can put the hand cream next to the soap or with your water bottle: in a place where you will see it anyway.

Dry lips do not need additional friction from a scrub. A pleasantly tolerated balm is often the more obvious care. If a product burns or tingles unpleasantly, this is not a sign of quality. You can read more about the selection and the difference between day cream and lip mask in our lip care article.

And sun protection in winter?

Sun protection is still part of the routine planning, especially when staying outside for longer periods. The AAD also recommends broad-spectrum protection with at least SPF 30 for your winter routine. A moisturizer can be used below that. AAD: Winter care

Plan protection according to your day: A short trip to the mailbox and a long trip into the snow have different requirements. You can find detailed information about quantity, re-applying, UVA and additional protection through clothing in our sun protection guide .

When adjusting your morning routine, leave sunscreen as a separate step. A richer cream cannot replace it. First, try how both textures fit together; This way you can find out whether a product change is really necessary or whether a different amount of moisturizer is sufficient.

What we know for sure

• Cold air and heated indoor spaces can promote dry skin.
• Warm instead of hot water and timely application of cream are sensible everyday steps.
• A cream can be used specifically on drier areas.
• Sun protection, even in winter, depends on UV exposure and spending time outside.
• If symptoms persist, cosmetic advice alone is not enough.

Sources

• American Academy of Dermatology: Cold weather and your skin
• American Academy of Dermatology: Dermatologists’ top tips for relieving dry skin
• American Academy of Dermatology: How to pick the right moisturizer
• American Academy of Dermatology: Your winter skin survival kit
• ETUDE: Soonjung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream
• Purito: Oat-In Calming Gel Cream

From autumn to winter

In early autumn, a small adjustment is often enough: a little more cream in the evening or a milder cleanser in the morning. When frost and dry indoor air occur, the cheek and lip areas in particular need more protection. Our new articles will guide you through the transition from summer to autumn and care on very cold days .

For a selection that suits the season, you can put together a small base using the Quick-K routine .