Dry Skin in Autumn: Causes and Natural Care Tips

© Ron Lach

August 28, 2025

Lena Sämann

  • Aesthetic Surgery & Dermatology
  • Beauty

Dry Skin in Autumn: Causes and Natural Care Tips

Autumn not only brings colorful leaves but often also dry, tight skin. Discover which natural care strategies optimally help your skin now.

The golden days of autumn come at a price: While the leaves outside glow in warm colors, our skin struggles with changing weather conditions. Dry, tight skin in autumn is a common phenomenon that concerns many people year after year. But why does our skin react so sensitively to the change of seasons and which natural care strategies really help?

Why does the skin become dry in autumn?

Decreasing humidity as the main cause

Autumn brings significantly lower humidity. While in summer, humidity often ranges from 60-80%, in the autumn months it often drops to 30-50%. This dry air continuously draws moisture from the skin, leading to the typical feeling of tightness.

Temperature changes stress the skin barrier.

The stark fluctuations in temperature between warm days and cool nights pose a particular challenge for our skin barrier. This natural protective layer of the skin must constantly adapt to new conditions, which can impair its function.

The heater air aggravates the problem

As soon as the first cool days arrive, heating is turned on. The warm heater air further reduces the humidity indoors and significantly aggravates the drying out of the skin. Especially at night, when we spend many hours in heated rooms, the skin loses a lot of moisture.

Reduced sebum production

As temperatures fall, our skin produces less sebum. However, this natural skin protection is important for retaining moisture in the skin and protecting it from external influences.


Natural care tips for autumnal skin problems

1. Gentle cleansing with natural oils

Avoid harsh soaps and cleansing products with AlcoholInstead, rely on mild, pH-neutral cleaners or natural oils like almond oil or jojoba oil. These clean gently and also provide moisture.

Tip: Mix a teaspoon of almond oil with some warm water for an especially gentle facial cleanse.

2. Intensive moisturizing with hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is a natural moisturizer that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Creams or serums with this active ingredient help the skin retain moisture and reduce the feeling of tightness.

3. Nourishing face masks from the kitchen

Homemade face masks with natural ingredients can intensely nourish dry autumn skin:

Avocado-honey mask:

  • 1/2 ripe avocado
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1 tsp olive oil

Mash the avocado, mix with honey and olive oil, and apply to the face for 15-20 minutes.

Quark-cucumber mask:

  • 2 tbsp quark
  • 1/4 cucumber (grated)
  • 1 tsp aloe vera gel

Mix all ingredients and leave on for 10-15 minutes.

4. Body oils for intensive care

Natural oils are particularly valuable for skin care in autumn. Argan oil, jojoba oil, or coconut oil provide intense moisture and strengthen the skin barrier. It is best to apply the oil to slightly damp skin after showering.

5. Nourish from the inside out

Drink enough is especially essential in autumn. 2-3 liters of water, unsweetened teas, or diluted fruit juices help to moisturize the skin from the inside out. Herbal teas with chamomile or sage also have anti-inflammatory properties.

6. Increase humidity indoors

Place water bowls on the radiators or use a humidifier. The ideal humidity in living spaces is 40-60%. Houseplants can also naturally increase humidity.

7. Take lukewarm showers instead of hot

Hot showers additionally dehydrate the skin. Prefer to shower lukewarm and no longer than 5-10 minutes. Use mild, re-lubricating shower gels or shower oils.


Special care for sensitive skin areas

Protect and care for lips

The delicate lip skin is particularly prone to dryness. Regularly use a lip balm with natural ingredients such as beeswax, shea butter, or lanolin.

Don't forget eye care

The eye area is particularly thin and requires special attention. A rich eye cream or natural oils such as argan oil can help prevent dryness wrinkles.

Intensive hand care

Hand creams should be part of your daily routine in autumn. Apply a rich hand cream after every hand wash. For nighttime care, intensive hand masks or a thick layer of hand cream under cotton gloves are suitable.

When should you see a dermatologist?

While dry skin is normal in autumn, there are warning signs that require professional assessment:

  • Severe itching that disrupts sleep
  • Cracks or wounds in the skin
  • Inflammatory reactions or eczema
  • No improvement despite consistent care after 2-3 weeks

You can find the best experts near you at the Dermatologists of the Premium Medical Circle.


Conclusion: Natural care for healthy autumn skin

Dry skin in Autumn it doesn't have to be. With the right combination of gentle cleansing, intense moisturizing care, and natural care products, the feeling of tightness can be effectively alleviated. What is important here is the consistency of care and the adjustment of the routine to the changed conditions of the cooler season.

Remember that every skin is individual. What works great for one person may not necessarily achieve the desired effect for you. Be patient and find the care routine that suits your skin. With natural remedies and consistent application, you can keep your skin healthy and supple through the autumn months.

More on this Topic

-