Fall Transition: Supporting Eczema-Prone Skin as the Weather Shifts

As we move from summer into the cooler, drier air of fall, your skin barrier is one of the first places to feel the change. Research shows that dropping humidity reduces hydration in the skin's outer layer and weakens its protective lipids, which is why so many of us notice more dryness, sensitivity, and eczema flares this time of year.

For eczema-prone skin specifically, this matters even more: atopic dermatitis, aka eczema, already involves a compromised skin barrier and an immune system on higher alert. The added stress of seasonal dryness can tip things toward a flare and more reactive skin.

The Biggest Mistake People With Eczema-prone Skin Make

Continuing a summer routine into the fall often just is not enough to keep your skin supported.  Your skin requires a gentle shift in care both externally AND internally to match the seasonal changes.

5 Simple Things You Can Do To Support Your Skin This Fall

Switch to a richer, barrier-supporting moisturizer:

Look for ingredients like ceramides, squalane, hyaluronic acid, panthenol (vitamin B5), centella asiatica, and apply your moisturizer to slightly damp skin to help lock in the good nutrients to protect your skin barrier.

Use a gentle, non-foaming cleanser:

Foaming cleansers strip natural oils your barrier actually needs for protection & hydration, especially as the air gets drier. So save that foaming cleanser for the next summer season and swap to a gel or cream cleanser option moving into the fall.

Don’t skip SPF - just don’t do it:

UV exposure remains strong throughout fall and winter, even as temperatures drop. Daily sun protection helps prevent sun damage, hyperpigmentation, collagen breakdown, and premature signs of aging.

Proper sunscreen application is one of the most important steps for long-term skin health and healthy aging. 

Support your gut, not just your skin:

The gut-skin axis means digestion and microbiome balance directly influence inflammation and barrier function. I often say your digestive system is the equivalent of your skin on the inside. We need to support it with the same love we give our external skin care routines.

Lean into fibre-rich, seasonal foods that are nutrient dense, cooked with lots of warm properties. This helps to fuel the microbiome but also help prioritize easy to digest meals as we shift to slowing down preparing for winter.  

Prioritize sleep and stress support:

Poor sleep and chronic stress both worsen inflammation and weaken the skin barrier, so consistent rest and simple nervous-system regulation (breathwork, mindfulness, journalling, fall nature walks etc) are part of a real skin love and eczema-care plan moving through the seasons.

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Small and intentional seasonal shifts now, can mean fewer flares and more resilient skin through the months ahead! 

— Dr. Kori Macarthur, ND

PS. If you or someone you know is struggling with eczema, join myself and Dr. Shantel Simpson for a LIVE (& recorded) for an in-depth discussion around supporting your eczema through every stage of life