Fall Skincare 2026: 3 Reasons Your Skin Is Freaking Out And How To Fix It

🔗 Fall is the perfect time to check in on your skin before winter hits. Scan your skin for free with my Skin Analysis app: https://realskin.theskinreal.com

If your skin was calm and clear all summer and is suddenly flaking, breaking out or flaring now, the cold weather probably isn't the main cause. In this episode of The Skin Real, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mary Alice Mina explains the three real reasons skin turns on you when the seasons change, and what she tells her own patients to do before winter makes it worse.

Dr. Mina explains why indoor heat may be the real problem behind a damaged skin barrier, and how to layer a humectant and a ceramide moisturizer on damp skin to hold water in. She covers why moving between humid air outside and dry air inside confuses the skin, and why a bedroom humidifier may be the most underrated fall skincare tool. She also explains when to scale back vitamin C and retinoids instead of pushing through irritation, and how the gut-skin axis, seasonal comfort food and a lack of fiber can show up on your face.

She finishes with the exact changes she recommends for a fall routine, the products she's using this season, and her personal plan for her retinoid in the colder months.

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In this episode:

0:00 — Why your skin is flaring this fall

0:17 — Welcome to The Skin Real

2:48 — The 3 reasons skin acts up when seasons change

3:02 — Reason 1: Indoor heat is the real villain

4:12 — How to layer a humectant and moisturizer

5:13 — Reason 2: Humidity swings and the humidifier fix

7:05 — When to scale back vitamin C and retinoids

8:44 — Reason 3: The gut-skin axis

11:29 — Does drinking water hydrate your skin?

12:03 — Fall routine step 1: Switch your cleanser

12:52 — Adjusting your antioxidant and retinoid

13:53 — Why you still need sunscreen in fall

15:00 — Fall products Dr. Mina is loving

16:44 — Dr. Mina's personal retinoid plan for winter

17:25 — Final thoughts

Want a deeper look? Watch the full episode on YouTube for a more visual experience of today’s discussion. This episode is best enjoyed on video—don’t miss out!

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🔔 Follow for weekly evidence-based skin advice from a dermatologist you can actually trust.

📩 Find a board-certified dermatologist near you: https://www.aad.org

🛍️ Shop Dr. Mina's recommended skincare on Aire Health: https://www.airehealth.com/skinstore/drminaskin

Dr. Mina is a board-certified dermatologist on a mission to cut through the noise and help women feel amazing in their skin again. After decades in clinic, she has taken her expertise online to offer trusted, no-fluff education and skin strategies that actually work. No filters. No fear tactics. Just science, simplicity, and a little fun!

Follow Dr. Mina here: Instagram: https://instagram.com/drminaskin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drminaskin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drminaskin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drminaskin/

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Thanks for tuning in. And remember, real skin care is real simple when you know who to trust.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.