Transitioning your skincare routine from summer to autumn means shifting from oil control to hydration and barrier repair. As temperatures drop, skin often needs richer moisturizers, gentler cleansers, and added hydrating serums. Reducing exfoliation and increasing ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid helps prevent dryness, irritation, and seasonal skin sensitivity.
Here at FACE at 31350 Telegraph Rd., Suite 102 in Bingham Farms, we’ve spent over two decades helping local residents navigate seasonal skincare changes. Our founder, Holly Cutler, known nationally as The Skin Saint™, rebuilt her own skin after cystic acne damage and has since dedicated her career to helping thousands of clients achieve their best skin. With over 50 laser and facial technologies under one roof, our team of Skin Management Experts™ understands exactly what Michigan skin needs as the seasons change.
This guide walks you through every step of transitioning your skincare from summer to autumn, with insights from our Bingham Farms clinic that Forbes magazine named “one of the most advanced medspas in the country.”
Why Your Skin Changes When Fall Arrives
The transition from summer to autumn creates specific challenges for your skin. The weather shift isn’t just about grabbing a sweater. Your skin feels every degree of temperature change and every drop in humidity. Understanding what happens during this seasonal transition helps you fight back with the right products and professional treatments.
Lower Humidity Steals Your Moisture
Anyone who’s lived through a Michigan summer knows how humid it gets. That moisture in the air actually helps your skin stay hydrated. But when autumn arrives, the humidity drops fast.
Your skin responds by giving up its own moisture to the dry air around it. This process leaves skin feeling tight, looking dull, and sometimes even flaky. Research shows that transepidermal water loss can increase by as much as 25 percent when humidity drops and indoor heating kicks in.
This means the lightweight moisturizer that worked perfectly in July won’t cut it come October.
Indoor Heating Makes Things Worse
Michigan winters are no joke. Once the heaters turn on in homes across Bingham Farms, the air inside gets even drier. You might feel warm and cozy, but your skin is struggling. The heated air pulls moisture from your skin around the clock.
This double hit of dry outdoor air and dry indoor air explains why so many Michigan residents notice rough, itchy skin during fall and winter months.
Summer Sun Damage Shows Up Now
All those sunny summer days may have left their mark. Sun spots, uneven skin tone, and fine lines often become more visible as your tan fades. Here at our Bingham Farms clinic, we see a surge of clients in September and October wanting to address this summer damage.
The good news? Fall is actually the perfect time to treat sun damage with professional interventions. With over 50 technologies at FACE, we have solutions for every concern.
Step One: Switch to a Gentler Cleanser
Your cleanser sets the foundation for everything else in your routine. The wrong cleanser can undo all the good work your serums and moisturizers try to accomplish. Fall demands a shift in how you cleanse your face, and making this change early prevents many common autumn skin problems.
Why Cream Cleansers Work Better in Fall
Gel and foaming cleansers remove excess oil and sweat. They work great during humid summer months. But those same cleansers can now remove too much of your skin’s natural oils. Your skin needs those oils to stay protected as temperatures drop.
Cream and milk cleansers clean your face without stripping it bare. They leave behind a bit of moisture and keep your skin’s protective barrier intact. Look for cleansers with ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or ceramides.
Holly Cutler and our team of Skin Management Experts™ can recommend the perfect cleanser for your skin type during a consultation at our 31350 Telegraph Rd., Suite 102 location in Bingham Farms.
Keep Cleansing Twice a Day
Some people think they should skip morning cleansing in fall to avoid drying out their skin. Our experience treating thousands of clients tells us otherwise. Your skin collects sweat, oils, and debris from your pillowcase overnight. A gentle morning cleanse helps your serums and moisturizers work better.
The key is choosing the right cleanser for the season, not skipping the step altogether.
Step Two: Add Hydrating Layers
Fall skincare is all about layers. Think of it like preparing for Michigan weather. You wouldn’t head outside in October without layers, and your skin shouldn’t go unprotected either. Building hydration through multiple products creates a moisture reservoir that lasts all day and protects against dry autumn air.
Start with a Hydrating Toner or Essence
After cleansing, your skin is ready to drink up moisture. A hydrating toner or essence preps your skin to absorb everything that comes next. Look for products with hyaluronic acid, which can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water.
Add a Hydrating Serum
Serums deliver concentrated ingredients deep into your skin. A hyaluronic acid serum works wonders in fall. Some people also add a vitamin C serum in the morning to protect against environmental damage and brighten their complexion.
Our The Skin Saint™ product line was developed by Holly Cutler specifically to address these seasonal skin needs. Each product reflects two decades of hands-on experience treating Michigan skin.
Why Niacinamide Deserves a Spot
Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is a fall skincare superstar. This ingredient helps in several ways. It prevents excess oil while also minimizing water loss from your skin. It reduces redness and improves skin elasticity. Products with niacinamide help strengthen your skin barrier, exactly what you need as we head into the colder months.
Step Three: Upgrade Your Moisturizer
Your moisturizer acts as the final seal on all your hydrating efforts. The lightweight lotion that worked all summer probably won’t cut it anymore. Fall calls for richer formulas that create a protective barrier between your skin and the harsh outdoor elements. Time to bring in something that truly locks in moisture.
Switch to a Cream-Based Moisturizer
Look for moisturizers with these key ingredients:
| Ingredient | What It Does |
| Ceramides | Repair and strengthen your skin barrier |
| Hyaluronic Acid | Draw moisture into your skin |
| Squalane | Lock in hydration without feeling greasy |
| Shea Butter | Create a protective barrier against wind and cold |
| Glycerin | Pull moisture from the air into your skin |
These ingredients work together to keep moisture in and dry Michigan air out. Apply your moisturizer to slightly damp skin for even better absorption.
Consider Adding a Facial Oil
Facial oils seal in all the hydrating products you’ve layered underneath. They create a barrier that stops moisture from escaping during those dry fall days.
Here’s an important tip our Skin Management Experts™ share with every client: oils don’t actually moisturize your skin. They seal in the hydration from your other products. Apply oil as your last skincare step, after your moisturizer.
Step Four: Keep Using Sunscreen
Sun protection isn’t just for summer beach days. Many people make the mistake of putting away their sunscreen when temperatures drop, but UV rays don’t take a vacation just because the weather cools down. This is one of the biggest mistakes we see at our Bingham Farms clinic, and it can undo months of good skincare habits.
Why Fall Sun Protection Matters
UVA rays penetrate clouds and windows. They remain just as strong in October as they are in July. These rays break down collagen and elastin in your skin, leading to wrinkles and sagging. They also darken sun spots and melasma.
Your skin needs protection year-round, whether you’re running errands around Bingham Farms or just driving to work. Choose a sunscreen with at least SPF 30. For fall, you might prefer a more moisturizing formula than what you used in summer.
Don’t Forget Your Lips and Hands
The thin skin on your lips doesn’t have oil glands. This makes lips especially prone to drying and chapping as temperatures drop. Use a nourishing lip balm throughout the day.
Your hands also take a beating from changing weather. We offer specialized treatments for aging hands at our Bingham Farms clinic if you notice sun damage or volume loss.
Step Five: Adjust Your Exfoliation Routine
Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and helps your other products penetrate more effectively. However, fall calls for a gentler approach than what you might use in summer. The key is finding the right balance between removing dull surface cells and protecting your skin’s natural moisture barrier during this transitional season.
Be Careful with Physical Scrubs
Rough scrubs can damage skin that’s already stressed by dry air. If you love physical exfoliation, choose gentle formulas with fine particles. Use them once a week at most.
Chemical Exfoliants Shine in Fall
Fall is actually a great time to introduce stronger chemical exfoliants. With less sun exposure than summer, your skin can handle ingredients like glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid without as much risk of sun sensitivity.
These acids do amazing things for your skin. They remove dead cells, brighten your complexion, fade dark spots, and smooth texture and pore concerns.
If you’ve been wanting to try professional-strength chemical peels, fall is the perfect season. At FACE, we offer a range of peels tailored to different skin types and concerns. Our team, under the guidance of Medical Director Dr. Lorna Thomas, can determine which peel strength is right for your skin.
Step Six: Support Your Skin Barrier
Your skin barrier is like a brick wall that keeps moisture in and irritants out. This protective layer works hard every day, and Michigan’s fall weather can break it down quickly. When your barrier weakens, you experience dryness, sensitivity, and even breakouts. Protecting and repairing this barrier should be a top priority as seasons change.
Signs of a Damaged Skin Barrier
How do you know if your skin barrier needs help? Watch for these signs:
Skin feels tight after cleansing. Products that never bothered you now sting or burn. Redness that won’t go away. More breakouts than usual. Flaky patches even when you moisturize.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, our Skin Management Experts™ at FACE can assess your skin barrier health and recommend targeted treatments.
Ingredients That Repair Your Barrier
Focus on products with barrier-supporting ingredients. Ceramides top the list. They make up a large part of your natural skin barrier and need to be replaced, especially in dry weather.
Other helpful ingredients include fatty acids from plant oils, cholesterol, panthenol (vitamin B5), and allantoin. Many barrier repair products combine several of these ingredients for maximum effectiveness.
Give Your Skin a Break from Actives
If your skin barrier feels compromised, take a break from strong active ingredients. Retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, and benzoyl peroxide can all worsen irritation on damaged skin.
Simplify your routine to just cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen until your skin recovers. You can add actives back slowly once your barrier feels strong again.
Professional Treatments That Work Best in Fall
Fall is considered “laser season” by skincare professionals across the country, and for good reason. The lower sun exposure during autumn months makes this the ideal time for treatments that leave your skin temporarily sensitive to light. Here at FACE in Bingham Farms, we see our busiest treatment schedule from September through February as clients take advantage of this optimal treatment window.
Why Fall Is Perfect for Professional Treatments
Several factors make fall the best time for stronger treatments. You spend more time indoors, away from UV rays. Your skin isn’t tan, which makes laser treatments safer and more effective. Cooler temperatures feel soothing during the healing process.
You also have time to heal before holiday events. Start treatments in early fall, and you’ll look your best for Thanksgiving gatherings and holiday parties.
Chemical Peels at FACE
Our chemical peels go much deeper than at-home products. They remove damaged skin layers and trigger your skin to produce fresh, new cells. Peels address sun damage, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, acne and scarring, and rough texture.
Holly Cutler rebuilt 80% of her own acne scarring through dedicated treatments. She understands firsthand how transformative these procedures can be. Our team offers everything from light peels with no downtime to deeper peels that deliver more dramatic results.
Laser Skin Treatments
With over 50 laser and facial technologies, FACE offers one of the most comprehensive laser treatment menus in Michigan. Different lasers address different concerns. Some target brown spots. Others focus on redness and rosacea or fine lines.
Our advanced laser options, overseen by Medical Director Dr. Lorna Thomas, can dramatically improve sun damage, wrinkles, and scarring. A consultation at our 31350 Telegraph Rd., Suite 102 location helps determine which laser would work best for your skin goals.
Microneedling for Fall Rejuvenation
Microneedling creates tiny channels in your skin that trigger your natural healing response. Your skin produces more collagen and elastin, leading to firmer, smoother skin over time.
Fall is ideal for microneedling because your skin needs protection from the sun during healing. The cooler Michigan weather also makes recovery more comfortable. Many of our Bingham Farms clients combine microneedling with other treatments for enhanced results.
Hydrating Facials for Immediate Results
Not all professional treatments require downtime. Our celebrity facials and peels deliver intense moisture while also cleansing and extracting pores. HydraFacial treatments give an immediate glow and work well as regular maintenance throughout fall.
These treatments are perfect before events or as part of our monthly Beauty Maintenance Membership. Many clients schedule regular facials throughout the fall season to maintain healthy, hydrated skin.
The Wellness Connection
What makes FACE different from other medspas is our integrative approach. We don’t just treat your skin from the outside. We combine skincare expertise with wellness treatments overseen by renowned naturopathic physician Dr. Doug Cutler. This whole-body approach delivers results that surface-level treatments simply cannot match.
Hydration from the Inside Out
Your skin reflects your internal health. Dr. Doug Cutler and our wellness team understand that beautiful skin starts from within. Proper hydration, nutrition, and hormone balance all affect how your skin handles seasonal changes.
Our IV Nutrient Therapy can deliver hydrating vitamins and minerals directly to your system, supporting your skin from the inside while your topical products work from the outside.
Holistic Approach to Seasonal Skin
Michigan’s changing seasons affect more than just your skin’s moisture levels. They can impact your energy, mood, and overall wellness. Our holistic and integrative medicine services address these connections, helping you feel as good as you look.
Don’t Forget Your Body
Your face gets most of the attention, but the skin on your body also suffers during Michigan’s fall weather. Arms, legs, and other areas can become dry and flaky without proper care. Extending your seasonal skincare adjustments below the neck keeps your entire body comfortable and healthy looking.
Upgrade Your Body Moisturizer
Switch from lightweight lotions to richer body creams or even body oils. Apply right after showering while your skin is still damp. This helps lock in moisture from your shower.
Watch Your Shower Temperature
Hot showers feel amazing on cold Michigan mornings, but they strip natural oils from your skin. Keep showers lukewarm and limit your time. If you love a hot soak, add moisturizing bath oils to the water.
Our body rejuvenation treatments can address concerns beyond just dryness, including cellulite reduction and skin tightening for the body.
Common Fall Skincare Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best intentions, some habits can work against your skin during Michigan’s fall season. After two decades of treating clients at our Bingham Farms clinic, Holly Cutler and our team have seen these mistakes repeatedly. Avoiding them saves you time, money, and frustration while keeping your skin healthy through the seasonal transition.
Skipping Sunscreen
The sun feels weaker, so many people stop using sunscreen. This is a mistake our team sees constantly. UVA rays cause aging and pigmentation year-round. Keep sunscreen as part of your daily routine, even on cloudy October days.
Over-Exfoliating
Seeing dull, flaky skin makes some people scrub harder and more often. This actually damages your skin barrier and makes dryness worse. Stick to gentle exfoliation once or twice a week, or let our professionals handle it with treatments designed for your specific skin type.
Ignoring Your Neck and Chest
The skin below your face also needs attention. Extend your skincare routine down your neck and across your chest. These areas show aging and wrinkles quickly and benefit from the same products you use on your face.
Changing Everything at Once
Introducing too many new products at the same time makes it hard to know what’s working or causing problems. Add one new product at a time and give each one a few weeks before adding another.
Why Bingham Farms Residents Trust FACE
For over 20 years, FACE has served the Bingham Farms community and surrounding Michigan areas. Our multi award-winning clinic at 31350 Telegraph Rd., Suite 102 combines everything you need for healthy, beautiful skin under one roof.
Two decades of hands-on experience treating Michigan skin through every season. Over 50 laser and facial technologies available. A team of Skin Management Experts™ trained by Holly Cutler, The Skin Saint™. Medical oversight from plastic surgeon and Medical Director Dr. Lorna Thomas. Integrative wellness services from naturopathic physician Dr. Doug Cutler. Recognition from Forbes as “one of the most advanced medspas in the country.” Featured expertise on The Doctors, FOX, CBS, NBC, and ABC.
We understand that Michigan skin faces unique challenges. The dramatic temperature swings, the humidity changes, the long winters. Our protocols are designed specifically for what local residents experience throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fall Skincare in Bingham Farms
When Should I Start Changing My Skincare Routine in Michigan?
Most Bingham Farms residents should start transitioning their skincare routine in mid-September. This is when humidity levels begin dropping noticeably. However, if you notice your skin feeling tight or dry earlier, don’t wait. Listen to your skin and start adding richer products as soon as you feel the change. Our team at FACE on Telegraph Road can assess your skin and recommend the perfect timing for your specific skin type.
What Professional Treatments Does FACE Offer for Fall Skin Concerns?
At our 31350 Telegraph Rd., Suite 102 location in Bingham Farms, we offer over 50 laser and facial technologies specifically suited for fall treatment. Popular autumn options include chemical peels, HydraFacials, microneedling, and various laser treatments for sun damage and hyperpigmentation. Fall is ideal because reduced sun exposure in Michigan means safer healing and better results. Holly Cutler and our Skin Management Experts™ can create a customized fall treatment plan during your consultation.
How Often Should I Get Professional Facials in Fall?
We typically recommend professional facials every four to six weeks during fall and winter months. Michigan’s dry indoor heating and cold outdoor air create ongoing challenges for your skin. Regular treatments at our Bingham Farms clinic help maintain hydration, clear pores, and keep your skin barrier strong throughout the season. Ask about our monthly Beauty Maintenance Membership for consistent care.
Can I Still Get Laser Treatments If I Have a Summer Tan?
This is one of the most common questions we hear from clients in September. The safest approach is to wait until your tan fades before certain laser treatments. Tanned skin contains more melanin, which can affect how lasers interact with your skin. At FACE, Medical Director Dr. Lorna Thomas oversees all laser protocols to ensure safety. We’ll assess your skin tone during your consultation and recommend the right timing for optimal results.
Does FACE Offer Virtual Consultations for Skincare Routine Help?
Yes. Holly Cutler, known nationally as The Skin Saint™, launched the first national virtual skincare consulting company to help people who cannot visit our Bingham Farms location in person. Whether you live locally or anywhere across Michigan, you can access expert skincare guidance. However, for professional treatments like chemical peels, lasers, and microneedling, you’ll need to visit us at 31350 Telegraph Rd., Suite 102 in Bingham Farms. Call (248) 663-0161 to learn more about virtual and in-person options.
Final Thoughts
Transitioning your skincare routine from summer to autumn doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. The key is understanding what your skin needs as Michigan’s weather changes. Switch to gentler cleansers, add hydrating layers, upgrade your moisturizer, and keep protecting your skin from the sun.
Fall is also the perfect time to book professional treatments at our Bingham Farms clinic. Chemical peels, laser treatments, and microneedling all work best during months with less sun exposure. Starting now means you’ll see beautiful results just in time for the holiday season.
Listen to your skin and adjust as needed. Some people need richer products as soon as September arrives in Michigan. Others can wait until temperatures really drop. Pay attention to how your skin looks and feels, and let that guide your choices.Ready to give your skin the expert care it deserves this fall? Contact FACE at 31350 Telegraph Rd., Suite 102 in Bingham Farms to schedule a consultation. Our team of Skin Management Experts™ will create a personalized plan for your autumn skincare journey. Call us at (248) 663-0161 or visit our clinic.
