Dermatologists Reveal the One Serum They Always Reach for After Labor Day

As the heat of summer gives way to the coolness of fall, it’s a good time to adjust your skin-care routine accordingly. Your skin’s needs can change with the seasons, so adapting your products can help keep it healthy and balanced year-round.

Transitioning your skin from summer to fall requires thoughtful adjustments to address the changing environmental conditions. First and foremost, consider the hydration needs of your skin. As the air becomes drier in the fall, switch to a richer, more moisturizing cream to combat potential dryness and flakiness. Continue to prioritize sun protection, even as the days shorten. UV rays can still be damaging, so opt for a moisturizer with SPF or a standalone sunscreen. Additionally, gentle exfoliation can help remove any lingering summer skin buildup and promote a fresh, radiant complexion. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, as adequate hydration is crucial for maintaining healthy skin year-round. Finally, consider incorporating products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides to reinforce your skin’s natural barrier and retain moisture. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your skin remains resilient and well-nourished throughout the autumn season.

To help you make this transition smoothly, we consulted with six experienced dermatologists who have shared their favorite products for the upcoming fall season. These dermatologist-approved serums and recommendations are designed to address a variety of skin-care concerns, whether you’re looking to repair summer sun damage or simply maintain a healthy glow.

Read on for the top six dermatologist-approved serums for fall

For stubborn dark spots

YSE Beauty, Vitamin C Serum Morning Cocktail — $85.00

Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and New Jersey, sees the fall as the perfect time to repair. “Combining three forms of stabilized vitamin C, niacinamide, squalane, and hyaluronic acid, this vitamin C helps to brighten without irritating the skin, making it great for all skin types,” she explains, “I especially like this serum for the fall as it helps to address post-summer discoloration and hyperpigmentation.”

Summer Fridays, CC Me Vitamin C + Niacinamide — $68.00

Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology, loves vitamin C for year-round use, because of how it protects the skin from free radicals, but she sees it as especially important during the autumn months. “The heightened sun exposure we get in summer can trigger the formation of hyperpigmentation and damage our collagen causing accelerated aging,” she explains. “This formula features two forms of vitamin C, an ingredient clinically proven to promote collagen production and combat discoloration.” Beyond that, it includes oil-regulating and pore-minimizing niacinamide and nourishing squalane.

For a glossy glow

Peach and Lily, Glass Skin Refining Serum — $39.00

During fall, the temperature drops which causes our skin to get drier. Karan Lal, DO, FAAD, a double-board-certified pediatric and cosmetic dermatologist, believes this serum is the solution. It boasts a long list of ingredients, including peach extract, niacinamide, east Asian mountain yam, madecassoside, peptides, and hyaluronic acid, all of which promote supple skin. “Peach extract has essential fatty acids that help rejuvenate the skin,” says Dr. Lal. “It has short, medium, and long chain hyaluronic acid molecules to hydrate the skin at all levels. Lastly, it has peptides which help repair damaged skin.”

For an all-in-one solution

ISDIN, Isdinceutics Melaclear Advanced — $175.00

“This is a perfect product to incorporate into your routine post-summer, especially if you are dealing with any sun damage,” says Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, a board-certified, fellowship-trained cosmetic dermatologist, “The product has amazing benefits, such as brightening skin, reducing dark spots, and improving luminosity.” Tranexamic acid fights sun-induced dark spots, licorice root acid preserves skin moisture, and niacinamide does both.

Alastin, A-Luminate Brightening Serum — $168.00

Nazanin Saedi, MD, FAAD, a board-certified, fellowship-trained dermatologist, loves this serum for its multi-tasking abilities as well as the research behind it. Yes, it helps improve unwanted pigmentation, but it also includes niacinamide to reduce inflammation and fortify the skin barrier.

For anti-aging

WeThrivv, MASKAD Anti-Aging Serum — $125.00

Neil Sadick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Sadick Dermatology in New York City, recommends this option to keep up with the changing of the seasons. “It’s fortified with three growth factors—FGF, EGF and KGF—and 14 peptides, which are all essential for maintaining optimal skin health,” he says. He also suggests combining this serum with a topical hyaluronic acid and a moisturizer of your choice for best results.