Healing My Skin (and Learning to Love It Again)
How I’m Transitioning My Skincare from Summer to Fall
(This post contains affiliate links through DermSilk — at no extra cost to you.)
I’ve struggled with my skin off and on since my teens. For years, I thought makeup had to be my safety net; the only way I could feel pretty, because my skin would never be the reason. But as I’ve been healing my body from years of burnout and focusing on deeper nourishment, I’ve started realizing something: my skin is part of my story, too.
A Korean spa owner once shouted at me that I was a “truck driver” and needed serious skincare. I owned food trucks at the time, so… she wasn’t wrong. I wish I’d listened sooner, because spoiler alert, she was right! I loved facials, but in the same way I loved acrylic nails at sixteen… for the instant transformation, not the long-term care.
Now, I’m learning that taking care of myself isn’t selfish; it’s a requirement. And, surprisingly, skincare has become a surprisingly beautiful entry point for that. I have hormonal, reactive, red-prone skin (ginger life), and I used to think it was just who I was. I didn’t realize those were signs my skin was asking for help.
These days, when I feel that familiar rush of wanting to do everything at once, I remind myself: this is excitement. Excitement to learn how to care for myself. Excitement to experience real healing — inside and out.
I’m a product of the apricot scrub + Amazon glycolic acid era. My skin wasn’t built for that. Barrier repair has become my anchor — especially after years of exposure to mold, cigarette smoke, hot kitchens, and long truck shifts. My face has seen some life.
At nearly 38, I’m ready for products with ingredients that actually do what they promise. That’s how I found DermSilk — a site that sells authentic, medical-grade skincare from brands like SkinMedica, Neocutis, Obagi, and EltaMD, without needing a spa visit or dermatologist appointment.
And just in time: they’re running their Black Friday Event — 30% off sitewide with code “FRIDAY.” If you’ve ever wanted to try real, esthetician-grade skincare, now’s the moment to do it without guilt.
🍂 My Fall Skincare Transition Routine
There’s always that moment when the air changes, when the sunlight softens, the mornings feel quieter, and your skin starts craving comfort again. Summer skincare is about staying light and breathable; fall skincare is about repair, hydration, and balance.
Here’s how I’m easing into a fall rhythm:
1. Trade Gel Cleansers for Creamy Ones
After months of oil-free formulas, I switch to something richer and more soothing. Cream or milk-based cleansers protect the barrier and prevent that tight, flaky feeling that sneaks up in October.
2. Layer Serums Instead of Skipping Them
Lightweight hydrating serums with hyaluronic acid or peptides bring life back to dull skin. I’ve been eyeing SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator — a cult favorite for good reason. It gives bounce without heaviness.
3. Add Back a Real Moisturizer
Fall is the season for moisture recovery. Look for ceramide-rich formulas that calm irritation and strengthen your barrier. If you’re still using a summer gel, this is your sign to upgrade to Neocutis Bio Cream Firm — deeply restorative but still elegant under makeup.
4. Don’t Skip Sunscreen — I Just Switch It
The sun might feel gentler, but UV damage doesn’t take a break. I move from mattifying formulas to something more nourishing, like EltaMD UV Restore Broad-Spectrum SPF 40. It’s silky, slightly tinted, and feels like skincare, not sunscreen.
5. Treat Fall Skincare Like Self-Care
It’s more than products. It’s the actual act of TAKING CARE OF YOU — a few extra seconds to massage in your moisturizer, maybe a candle burning nearby, maybe a blanket waiting. It’s one of the quiet ways we tell ourselves, you’re safe now. I have a little USB fan that I use to help dry my layers if I’m layering products!
Final Thoughts
Your skin doesn’t need an overhaul; it needs gentle adaptation. As the seasons shift, so do we. A little more softness, a little more patience, and the right ingredients can change everything.
If you’re ready to explore medical-grade skincare that actually delivers, you can browse DermSilk’s Fall Event — 30% off sitewide with code FRIDAY and start small. Even one upgraded moisturizer can change how your skin feels every day.
