As seasons change, it’s common to update your wardrobe and style. However, what often goes unnoticed is the need to adapt your skin care routine accordingly. What works in the summer might not be suitable in winter. Discover the effects of seasonal shifts on the skin and how to adjust your summer and winter skin care routine.

How Seasonal Changes Affect Your Skin

Living in a location with drastic seasonal changes can affect your skin. According to New York City-based dermatologist Joshua Zeichner via Allure, shifting from warmer days to cooler temperatures makes the skin work harder to maintain appropriate hydration as cold wind starts to kick in. Winter months have low humidity, which causes dryness. It can also strip moisture from skin, so you may experience redness, peeling, cracking and roughness.

The sudden shift in temperature and lifestyle changes, such as taking hot showers, can also cause unwanted irritation and dryness. If you have acne-prone skin, you may experience more breakouts, and those with eczema may have flare-ups. During summer, your skin becomes sticky and oily, blocking pores and leading to acne breakouts.

Summer Skin Care vs. Winter Skin Care: What’s the Difference?

These two skin care routines are equally crucial for targeting issues that come with seasonal changes. Colder days bring higher risk of dryness, so you may need richer textures in your winter skin care routine. On the other hand, your summer skin care routine must have oil-preventing and moisture-boosting solutions to combat oiliness and skin roughness.

As skin requirements change with the season, what works for you in the winter might not be suitable for summer. Adjusting based on your skin’s reaction to seasonal changes will help you maintain healthy, glowing skin year-round.

Build Your Summer Skin Care

Protect your skin from the humid weather with these tips.

Use a Cleanser with Chemical Exfoliant

Summer's heat and humidity will increase oil production in all skin types. Use a cleanser with gentle chemical exfoliants to combat excess sebum production, acne breakouts, and clogged pores. Choose a product with gentle beads or one that contains AHA or BHA ingredients, like salicylic acid.

Moisturize with a Lightweight Product

You might think moisturizer can make your skin feel icky under the sun. The truth is, you’ll still need hydration, but as your skin secretes more oil, choose a light, soothing product.

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, use a water-based moisturizer that won’t clog up pores. Hydration is even more critical if you have dry skin. Choose a moisturizer containing ceramides for protection from harmful pollutants.

Exfoliate with Gentle Exfoliant

Proper exfoliation will prevent excessive oiliness and clogged pores. If you have sensitive skin and worry about the risk of irritation, choose a chemical exfoliator. Aside from lifting dead skin away, BHAs such as salicylic and beta-hydroxybutanoic acids can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

If you want to explore using physical exfoliants, slowly introduce them into your routine to avoid overexfoliation. You may experience redness, irritation and peeling when you scrub too much.

Use Targeted Serums

Swap your heavy serums with lighter alternatives. Choose those with anti-aging properties to combat sun damage, such as retinol, ferulic acid and vitamin C. Use retinol at night to prevent the onset of wrinkles. Apply vitamin C before putting sunscreen to boost skin’s brightness and for added sun protection.

Use Sunscreen

SPF is the most essential part of any skin care regimen. Summer increases its importance tenfold because of the heat intensity outside. Apply it to your face and neck in the morning and reapply as needed.

Apply it to your arms and legs when going to the beach. Dermatologists recommend a broad spectrum of at least SPF 30 to block UV rays from fully penetrating into your skin. You can use SPF 50 for added protection in direct sunlight.

Tweak Your Skin Care for Winter

Say goodbye to dry and dull skin with these winter skin care essentials.

Moisturize with Richer Formula

Care for your skin during winter by swapping lightweight moisturizers for products with richer formulas. Look for products containing any of the following ingredients:

• Hyaluronic acid: This moisture-binding ingredient is ideal for plump and hydrated skin.
• Panthenol: A moisturizer with this ingredient is an excellent choice if you’re prone to irritation in the winter months.
• Centella Asiatica: This botanical ingredient is rich in nutrients that provide restorative and anti-inflammatory properties.

Use Cleansing Oil

Some people experience worse hormonal acne during winter. While more research is needed to confirm if the cold climate exacerbates acne, some factors can add to the issue, including:

• Lack of moisture
• Low vitamin D levels
• Dirty clothing
• Lack of light

Using cleansing oil is crucial, especially if you wear makeup daily. It provides a more thorough cleanse that helps eliminate dullness and pore-clogging dirt that may cause acne breakouts.

Use a Gentle Cleanser

Avoid contributing to the dryness with a gentle cleanser. You’ll know the product is for you if your skin doesn’t feel excessively dry and rough after washing your face. Look for nourishing ingredients like amino acids, hyaluronic acid and triglycerides.

Treat Skin With a Hydrating Serum

Serums aren’t mandatory in a winter skin care routine. However, if you’re experiencing excessive drying, a hydrating serum may be beneficial. Madecassoside, vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid are great ingredients that help lock in moisture.

Apply Lip Balm

Many people experience chapped lips during winter. Unlike the skin, your lips may feel drier than usual because they cannot secrete oil. If you have chronic dry lips, gently massage them with a lip scrub every night to remove dead skin. Before heading out, apply your favorite lip balm to protect your lips from harsh elements. Keeping yourself hydrated also helps with healthy-looking lips.

Use Sunscreen

While the sun’s warmth may not be intense in winter, UV rays still exist regardless of the season. Although you’re covered in helmets and balaclavas, UV rays can still reach your skin.

Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and reapply as needed, especially if you participate in winter sports.

Enjoy Glowing Skin Year-Round

Maintaining healthy-looking skin requires adjusting your skin care routine according to the season. Follow these steps to ensure your skin remains well-pampered no matter the season.