Dermatologist Recommended Drugstore Skin Care for Fall

Wow, I don’t think fall has ever come faster than this year. What I mean is, the weather shifted here on the West Coast pretty early compared to what’s typical (haha, hi climate change 👋🏼). So as the environment around us starts to transition, it’s about that time. It’s time to switch up our skin care routine for fall.

Your skin has different needs this season, but you don’t need to break the bank to swap out your products. As you know, I’m a big advocate for drugstore skin care, and I’m not alone! Board-Certified Dermatologist Elizabeth Mullans, MD, is giving us the scoop on what drugstore skin care products has her stamp of approval so your glow doesn’t dim in autumn.

Keep reading to discover this dermatologist recommended drugstore skin care routine for fall, and click the picture of the item to find it online.

I’ve used supplements on and off in my adult life, but now that I’ve been more consistent with them I can actually see a difference! I’ve heard from several dermatologists now, including Dr. Mullans, that the Vitafusion Gorgeous Hair, Skin and Nails vitamins are a great budget-friendly option that work. They contain biotin which enhances growth and strength of the hair, skin and nails, plus antioxidants that are essential for overall health. They come in gummies which are sometimes easier (and more fun!) to take than a pill. No need to shell out $50+ on the Instagram brands, these are straight to the point and effective.

These are my all-time favorite, and I buy them in bulk, so I’m glad Dr. Mullans approves of them! These are incredibly easy to use and remove makeup with ease— you won’t need to tug on your skin as it dissolves makeup in a flash. They even work on waterproof eyeliner and mascara, which are usually a pain to take off.

During the drier months, it’s important to use products that won’t strip the skin. This cleanser is non-drying and non-irritating, doesn’t clog the pores and is fragrance free. It’s great for gently removing makeup, dirt and oil without leaving the skin tight or dry. It also helps restore the protective skin barrier and aids in retaining moisture with ceramics and hyaluronic acid.

While both of these toner options are basically compatible with all skin types, each have key characteristics that can help you target specific skin concerns. It’s super important to look for alcohol-free products across the board, but especially if you have dry skin. The Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Facial Toner helps gently tone and cleanse without irritation or drying. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a product that will also help control oil, Dr. Mullans suggests looking for a toner that contains Witch Hazel. Witch Hazel is an ingredient that helps condition oily skin while removing excess oil and controlling sebum levels over time. I recently started using Quinn’s Rose Witch Hazel Toner which is also alcohol-free. It won’t disturb your natural moisture, helps balance the skin, plus it’s Khloe Kardashian’s favorite!

This is a really interesting product because it used to only be available by prescription, but recently became an over-the-counter option in the past few years. It’s actually stronger than retinol and is a multi-purpose product. Not only does it help treat acne, but it unclogs pores and repairs sun damage that causes fine lines and wrinkles. Dr. Mullans suggests using a pea sized amount for the entire face, and starting out using it only three nights a week. You can slowly increase use to every night, but be sure to keep it away from the eye area at all times!

Eye cream is probably one of the harder items to find at the drugstore, so I’m particularly excited to try this suggestion out! The main difference between the two is that while they both contain retinol to help address fine lines and wrinkles, the Sensitive Eye Cream is a milder strength.

One of my own drugstore skin care staples, the Hydro Boost Water Gel is one of those products that became a classic right away. The gel consistency absorbed into the skin quickly without leaving a residue, and instantly hydrates dry skin. Hyaluronic acid helps absorb moisture into the skin and retain it, and the non-comedogenic formula won’t clog pores.

ALSO READ: 5 Best Drugstore Face Sunscreens for Every Skin Type

Did you know that UV rays can actually be intensified by overcast or snowy days? Even when summer has come and gone, you still need to work SPF into your skin care routine. Dr. Mullans recommends this broad spectrum sunscreen since it absorbs quickly without leaving residue. It’s incredibly lightweight and won’t leave a white cast on your face, making it a great choice to wear under makeup. It’s water resistant up to 80 minutes, fragrance-free, won’t clog pores and tested on sensitive skin.

Do you already use some of these dermatologist recommended skin care products for fall? How have you switched up your skin care routine the season?