Why Does Your Skin Feel Drier in the Fall?

You've probably noticed it already: your legs feel itchy after a shower, your elbows look a little ashy, and your hands are rougher than they were a month ago. Fall is often when dry skin shows up first, and it's not just your face that feels it. The skin on your body is especially prone to drying out as the seasons change.

Here's why it happens and what you can do to keep your skin soft and comfortable all season long.

Why Your Body Dries Out First

Your body has fewer oil glands than your face. Areas like your shins, forearms, and the backs of your hands have far fewer oil glands, so they produce less natural oil to protect themselves. That's why your legs are often the first place you notice flaking or itching when the weather changes.

The air is drier. Cooler air holds less moisture, and once the heat comes on indoors, the air gets even drier. Your skin constantly loses water to the air around it, and dry air speeds that process up.

Showers get hotter and longer. A steamy shower is one of the best parts of a chilly morning, but hot water strips away the natural oils that help your skin hold onto moisture.

Harsh soaps can make it worse. Some body washes and bar soaps leave skin feeling "squeaky clean," which is actually a sign they've removed too much of your skin's protective oils.

Clothing adds friction. Sweaters, jeans, and wool fabrics can rub against already dry skin, leading to irritation and itchiness, especially on arms, legs, and around the waist.

Signs Your Skin Needs Extra Care

• Tight or itchy skin after showering

• Flaky patches, especially on your shins

• Rough elbows, knees, and heels

• A dull or ashy look

• Cracked knuckles or cuticles

If you're noticing any of these, it's your skin's way of telling you it needs more moisture and protection.

How to Keep Your Skin Soft This Fall

1. Rethink Your Shower Routine

Turn the water down to lukewarm and keep showers to around 10 minutes. Choose a gentle, moisturizing body wash instead of harsh soap. A prebiotic body wash cleans without stripping and helps support your skin's natural balance.

2. Moisturize Within Minutes

This is the most important habit for dry body skin. After showering, lightly pat yourself dry, leaving your skin a little damp, then apply your moisturizer right away. This helps trap water in your skin before it evaporates.

For everyday hydration, a hand & body lotion absorbs quickly and works well in the mornings. For drier areas or nighttime, reach for something richer, like body Icing, which gives your skin a thick, cozy layer of moisture.

3. Exfoliate Gently, but Not Too Often

Flaky skin can make lotions harder to absorb, so gentle exfoliation with a body polish once or twice a week helps. Focus on rough areas like elbows, knees, and heels, and always follow with moisturizer. Going overboard can irritate dry skin, so keep it gentle and occasional.

4. Give Extra Attention to Hands and Feet

Hands take a beating in fall between frequent washing and cold air. Keep a hand lotion by every sink and in your bag and apply it after every wash. For cracked cuticles and rough spots, the Organic Skin & Nail Balm is a great little rescue.

Feet need love too, especially as sandal season ends and heels start to crack. Massage the Peppermint Calm Body Cream into your feet and legs at night and slip on a pair of cotton socks. You'll wake up to noticeably softer skin.

5. Add Moisture Back Into the Air

Running a humidifier in your bedroom overnight helps your skin hold onto more moisture while you sleep. It's especially helpful once the heat is running regularly.

6. Choose Softer Fabrics

If wool or scratchy fabrics bother your skin, layer a soft cotton shirt underneath. Washing clothes with a gentle, fragrance-free detergent can also help if your skin tends to get itchy.

7. Hydrate From the Inside

Drinking plenty of water and eating foods rich in healthy fats, like avocados, nuts, seeds, and salmon, helps support your skin's moisture from within.

When to Check In With a Professional

Most seasonal dryness improves with a few simple changes. But if your skin becomes very itchy, red, cracked, or painful, or it doesn't get better after a couple of weeks of consistent care, it's worth seeing a dermatologist. Conditions like eczema often flare in cooler months and may need extra support.

The Bottom Line

Dry skin in the fall is common, but it doesn't have to be your normal. Shorter, cooler showers, a gentle body wash, and moisturizing while your skin is still damp can make a huge difference. Add a little extra care for your hands and feet, and your skin will stay soft and comfortable through fall and into winter.

Have questions about what your skin needs this season? Feel free to reach out, or come chat about it in our VIP Community on Facebook.