Why Your Skin Breaks Out During the Change of Seasons—and How to Support It Holistically

As the seasons shift from summer’s warmth to the crisp, cool air of fall, many of us notice changes in our skin. Breakouts, dryness, and sensitivity often flare up during this transitional time—and from a holistic health and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, this makes perfect sense.

Seasonal Shifts and the Skin

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, each season is tied to specific organs, elements, and energies in the body. Summer is associated with the Fire element and the Heart, a time of outward expression, heat, and expansion. Fall, however, is connected to the Metal element and the Lung and Large Intestine—organs that govern both the skin and the process of letting go.

When we move from summer to fall, the body must adapt to shifting energy and climate. The drop in humidity, cooler winds, and shorter days can weaken the Lung system, which in turn shows up on the skin as dryness, tightness, or even inflammatory breakouts. On top of this, hormonal fluctuations that often happen during seasonal changes can disrupt the balance of oil production, creating a perfect storm for congestion and blemishes.

Adjusting Your Skincare Routine

What worked for your skin in the summer doesn’t always carry you smoothly into fall. A few simple but important changes can make all the difference:

• Switch to more nourishing cleansers that won’t strip the skin’s natural oils. Gel and foaming cleansers may feel too drying now—opt for cream or oil-based options.

• Layer hydration starting with your thinner products and working your way to thicker products. Think hydrating mist, serum, moisturizer, oil or occlusive balm (especially if you are regularly out in the elements). Each product should be applied in a thin layer and allowed to fully absorb before the next layer, we still want to make sure your skin can breathe!

• Exfoliate more gently to clear buildup without aggravating sensitive skin. Think enzyme-based exfoliants, herbal scrubs or gentle acids.

• Introduce protective oils like hempseed, rosehip seed, or green tea (camellia) to lock in hydration and strengthen the skin barrier.

Diet and Lifestyle Support

From a holistic standpoint, seasonal skincare isn’t only topical—it’s internal, too. During fall, supporting the Lung and Large Intestine systems can help clear toxins, regulate oil production, and prevent stagnation that leads to breakouts.

Eat seasonally: Choose grounding, warming foods like squash, root vegetables, pears, apples, and warming spices. Avoid too many raw or cold foods which can weaken digestion and skin vitality.

Stay hydrated: Balance the drying fall air with warm teas, broths, and plenty of fluids. Chrysanthemum, licorice, and goji berry teas are wonderful for both the skin and the Lung system.

Support detoxification: Bitter greens, radish, and daikon support the Large Intestine to keep elimination smooth and skin clear.

Balance stress and hormones: Practices like acupuncture, breathwork, and restorative movement help regulate stress hormones that can trigger breakouts.

Why Fall is the Perfect Time to Start Medical Microneedling & Holistic Facials

One of my favorite reminders for patients is that true skin transformation takes time. Holistic approaches—whether acupuncture, medical microneedling, or lasers—work with your body’s natural rhythms. This means results are cumulative and best achieved through a series of treatments.

Starting in the fall is ideal:

• Timing for results: If you begin now, by spring your skin will be radiant, balanced, and rejuvenated. Think of it as planting seeds now so they can blossom in the new year.

• Less sun exposure: With shorter days and fewer hours spent in the sunshine, fall and winter are the safest seasons for treatments like medical microneedling, which require post-procedure sun precautions.

• Holistic preparation: These treatments not only address fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and breakouts, but also improve overall skin function, circulation, and internal balance.

Final Thoughts

Seasonal skin changes are not random—they’re a reflection of how your body is adapting to its environment. By making small adjustments to your skincare, diet, and lifestyle, and by investing in deeper holistic treatments now, you are giving your skin the foundation it needs to stay clear, vibrant, and resilient through the colder months ahead.

Your skin is always speaking the language of your internal health. This fall, let’s listen closely and support it with the care it deserves. Discover more here »

Khairul Bhagwandin, LAc, EAMP, LMT