Seasonal skin care: what changes should you make to your routine depending on the season?

Temperature effects:

• Cold weather: Low temperatures and frost cause dryness, flaking of exposed areas, a tight and uncomfortable sensation, dull and ashy skin tone, redness, and a decrease in skin tone and elasticity. Cold winter days make the skin more sensitive—it dries out quickly, cracks, and may develop painful fissures on the face, hands, and feet. Intense and prolonged redness in sub-zero temperatures is not a natural protective response but a sign of tightness, dryness, flaking, roughness, itching, stinging, pain, and sometimes swelling. Cold air also dries out the lips, leading to cracking and irritation. The body responds to cold by trying to prevent heat loss.
• Hot weather: In summer, elevated temperatures lead to excessive sebum production, sunburn, pigmentation, and increased sweating. Heat also dehydrates the body, making the skin appear dull and saggy, reduces collagen and elastin production, and increases the occurrence of blackheads.

The interaction between temperature and humidity directly affects the skin’s barrier function and sebum production, which can set off a cascade of problems. Cold air and wind force the body to react in order to preserve heat.

Gentle Cleansing:

Choose gentle cleansers free from harsh surfactants (SLS) and alcohol. Cleanse your skin thoroughly, but not to the point of tightness, and always remove makeup.

A two-step cleansing method is recommended: first, use a hydrophilic oil, milk, or balm to remove makeup and sunscreen, then follow with a gentle foam or gel cleanser.

Don’t forget about toning—this is a mandatory step that helps restore the skin’s pH balance, tighten pores, normalize sebaceous gland function, and enhance the absorption of beneficial ingredients. Choose toners free of alcohol and acids, with a neutral pH level.

Pay special attention to the T-zone, which is often prone to blackheads and inflammation.

Light Hydration:

Intensive hydration is one of the main steps in skincare during spring.

Replace heavy winter creams with lighter textures—fluids, gels, emulsions—that won’t overload the skin. Transitioning to lighter textures in spring is not just an aesthetic choice, but a functional adaptation to the rising temperatures and humidity, preventing pore clogging and excessive sebum production. As the temperature rises in spring, sebaceous glands become more active. Using heavy creams can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, and excess shine. Lighter textures allow the skin to breathe and prevent overload, aligning with the skin’s natural response to warmer weather. This is a proactive step to avoid problems such as increased oiliness and breakouts that could otherwise appear in summer.

Look for moisturizers containing hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin C. These ingredients promote skin renewal, maintain firmness, and even out skin tone. Serums with these ingredients are excellent additions to your skincare routine.

Remember to care for your body too: use dermatological emollients during your shower and apply moisturizing creams immediately after.

Thermal water helps refresh the skin, and a humidifier in your room maintains optimal humidity.

Exfoliation:

Exfoliating dead skin cells helps improve skin texture, its ability to absorb nutrients, and restore radiance.

In spring, it is best to opt for gentle methods: enzyme peels or soft scrubs 2-3 times a week. These have a delicate effect and are suitable for sensitive skin.

Acid peels (with fruit acids) can also be used, but with caution. Spring skincare is about maintaining a delicate balance of “renewal” and “restoration,” where aggressive exfoliation or potent active ingredients typically used in winter care can be counterproductive, highlighting the importance of gentle restoration. After winter, the skin is often dry, irritated, and its barrier compromised. While exfoliation is necessary to remove dead cells and allow the skin to “breathe,” aggressive methods such as strong acids or rough scrubs can further damage an already vulnerable barrier. Therefore, the focus is on gentle exfoliation and restorative ingredients.

SPF Protection:

Sun protection is the highest priority in summer. It is recommended to use SPF 30-50+ for city conditions and 50+ for intense sun exposure or skin prone to pigmentation.

Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going outside and reapply every 2-3 hours, especially after swimming or intense sweating. For active outdoor activities, choose waterproof SPF products.

Physical filters (zinc oxide) are ideal for sensitive skin and provide immediate protection. Chemical filters are lighter in texture and work well under makeup. Sunscreen should be the last step in your skincare routine.

Make sure to thoroughly remove SPF products at the end of the day using a double cleansing method. Don’t forget to protect your lips with a balm or lipstick containing SPF.

Serums:

In summer, serums are essential for additional protection and hydration.

Choose serums with antioxidants (vitamins C and E) to neutralize free radicals and slow down the aging process. Intense UV exposure and the formation of free radicals in summer make antioxidants in skincare not just helpful, but a critically important protective layer that works synergistically with SPF. UV rays cause photoaging, break down collagen/elastin, and generate free radicals. While SPF blocks UV, antioxidants (such as vitamins C and E) neutralize free radicals on the skin’s surface and stimulate internal processes. This highlights that SPF alone is not enough for comprehensive protection. Combining SPF with antioxidant serums creates a more reliable mechanism for protecting against environmental damage, addressing both direct UV damage and oxidative stress. This goes beyond basic protection to active cellular defense.

Hyaluronic acid provides deep hydration and helps prevent dehydration.

Peptides help combat sagging and boost skin elasticity.

Plant extracts (aloe, green tea, Centella Asiatica) have soothing, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties.

Squalane hydrates and protects the skin, promoting rejuvenation.

Cleansing:

Thorough yet gentle cleansing in the morning and evening is critical for removing dirt, dust, and excess oil. Increased sebum production and sweating in summer require a two-step approach: thorough but gentle cleansing to prevent clogged pores and breakouts, combined with lightweight, non-comedogenic hydration to avoid increasing oiliness while combating dehydration. High temperatures stimulate sebaceous glands, leading to increased sebum and sweat. Combined with dust and pollution, this can easily clog pores and cause inflammation/acne.

However, aggressive cleansing can strip the skin and paradoxically trigger more oil production as a protective reaction. Therefore, focus on double cleansing for effective removal of SPF and impurities without over-drying the skin, along with using light, water-based, non-comedogenic moisturizers that hydrate without weighing the skin down or clogging pores.

Use a two-step cleansing method: hydrophilic oil, milk, or balm in the first step, followed by your usual cleanser.

Choose products based on your skin type: cream-gels and gels for oily/combination skin, foams and mousses for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and avocado oil and squalane-based products for dry skin. Avoid aggressive products.

Toning helps bind moisture to the skin and can address issues such as inflammation and enlarged pores.

Hydration:

Intensive hydration is needed for all skin types in summer to prevent dehydration.

Opt for lightweight textures: cream-gels, fluids, lotions, and water-based moisturizing creams.

Moisturizing sprays, thermal water, and rose water will help refresh your skin throughout the day.

Look for products that can retain water molecules inside the cells, such as hyaluronic acid, milk protein, green tea and aloe extracts, and amino acids.

Exfoliation:

Autumn is the perfect season for exfoliation and other skin renewal treatments because the intensity of UV rays decreases, minimizing the risk of hyperpigmentation after procedures. Autumn is the best season for intensive skin renewal procedures (exfoliation, laser, injections), as the reduced UV exposure minimizes the risk of post-procedure hyperpigmentation, allowing for more aggressive and effective regeneration. Summer sun often causes pigmentation and skin damage. The lower UV index in autumn creates a safer window for procedures such as chemical peels, laser therapy, mesotherapy, and biorevitalization. These procedures, which can make the skin photo-sensitive, are more effective and safer when solar exposure is naturally lower. This emphasizes a strategic seasonal approach to advanced skin care, utilizing environmental conditions for optimal results and risk reduction.

Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, improve skin texture, even out skin tone, fight pigmentation, fine lines, and dullness. Chemical peels (such as glycolic or salicylic acid) are recommended to stimulate skin regeneration. Enzyme peels are gentler. Use scrubs or peels no more than 1-2 times per week. It’s advisable to replace abrasive scrubs with gentler acid peels. The ideal time for use is in the evening.

Nourishment:

The skin requires intensive nourishment and regeneration. Use thicker creams and oils containing nourishing ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil, and glycerin. Pay attention to vitamins (A, C, E), selenium, zinc, and magnesium, which are important for skin recovery and maintaining skin health, strengthening the immune system, and stimulating collagen production. The focus on “nourishment” in autumn extends beyond topical creams and includes internal supplements and diet, recognizing that skin health is intrinsically linked to overall body condition, especially after summer stress. Fragments frequently mention the importance of vitamins (A, C, E), minerals (selenium, zinc, magnesium), and healthy fats (Omega-3) for skin health in autumn. This isn’t just about applying products, but replenishing the body from within after the stresses of summer (UV, heat, potential dehydration). This highlights a holistic approach to skin care, where diet and supplements are just as important as topical applications in strengthening the skin barrier and overall resilience to the harshness of winter.

Nutrient and vitamin masks are a great addition to the routine. It’s important to nourish the body from the inside: review your diet, add more vegetables, fruits, berries, healthy fats (omega-3), and consider taking multivitamin complexes.

Hydration:

Intensive and reliable hydration is key since low humidity in autumn leads to dehydration. Use a layered approach to hydration. Look for products containing hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide for effective moisture retention and dryness control. Moisturizing products are best used in the evening or during the day, but at least an hour before leaving the house. Hydration from within is also crucial for maintaining water balance.

Sun Protection:

Despite the end of summer, harmful UV rays are present year-round. Continue using sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day.

Hair Care (Autumn):

In autumn, hair is especially vulnerable to temperature fluctuations, weakening and falling out. Use deep hydrating masks and conditioners with oils (coconut, shea), proteins, and vitamins. Reduce the use of heated tools like blow dryers, curling irons, and straighteners, allowing your hair to dry naturally. Before using hot tools, apply a heat protection spray. Regularly trim the ends every two months to prevent split ends and maintain healthy appearance. Protect your hair from the cold and wind by wearing hats or other headgear made of natural materials. Include omega-3 rich foods, iron, zinc, and vitamins A and E (cheese, nuts, fish, vegetables, fruits) in your diet.

What to Avoid:

Reduce or avoid overly irritating products such as retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid if your skin is dry or sensitive. Choose gentler products with lower concentrations of these ingredients. While exfoliation is critically important, warnings regarding “irritating” products (retinoids, strong acids) for dry/sensitive skin suggest the need for careful assessment and adaptation, even during the “exfoliation season.” Autumn is ideal for exfoliation. However, it is specifically recommended to reduce or replace strong active ingredients if the skin is dry or sensitive. This means that, although the season is suitable for exfoliation, the individual condition of the skin after summer (which may be dry, irritated, or compromised) dictates the type and intensity of exfoliation. This is a critical nuance that prevents potential damage from a “one-size-fits-all” seasonal approach.

Do not over-exfoliate the skin, especially if it’s dry. Avoid rubbing the skin with cotton pads; use hydrophilic oils, gentle foams, or moisturizing gels for makeup removal and washing. Avoid aggressive cosmetic procedures that could damage the hydrolipidic balance.

Specific Issues:

In autumn, dryness, eczema, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, and keratosis may flare up.

Intensive Hydration:

Intensive hydration is the most important step in winter skincare, as the skin loses moisture faster than usual. Use rich, nourishing creams with thicker textures. The colder the weather, the thicker the cream should be. Look for ingredients that lock in moisture and strengthen the barrier: hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, squalane, lipids, shea butter, and natural oils (olive, avocado, grape seed).

Apply the nourishing cream to your face both in the morning and evening, but no later than 1-1.5 hours before going outside. This allows the cream to fully absorb and prevents moisture in the product from freezing, which could damage the skin. The unique challenge of winter is the rapid loss of moisture due to dry air (both outside and indoors) and decreased sebaceous gland activity, making the timing of moisturizing essential to prevent the freezing of water on the skin and subsequent damage. Cold air contains less moisture, and indoor heating dries the environment further. This, combined with slowed sebaceous gland activity, significantly disrupts the skin’s natural barrier, leading to dehydration and cracks.

Using light moisturizers right before going outside can harm the skin, as the water content in them may freeze. Therefore, a thick, nourishing cream applied beforehand is crucial for forming a protective, occlusive barrier against harsh elements. This emphasizes not only what to use but also when and how.

Extra-moisturizing masks (hydrogel, overnight moisturizers, sheet masks) will provide additional hydration and vitamins. Hydrating serums enhance the effect of creams.

Barrier Protection:

The main task is to prevent dehydration and the reduction of the protective lipid film. Restoring and strengthening the hydro-lipid mantle is critical. Look for restorative ingredients in skincare products: ceramides, panthenol, squalene, lamellar emulsions, pre- and probiotics, lysates, Centella Asiatica, and vitamin U.

Creams with an occlusive effect create a shield that protects the skin from cold wind and dry air. Winter skincare requires a multifaceted approach to barrier strengthening, extending beyond topical creams to include environmental modifications (humidifiers) and internal hydration, recognizing that the skin’s protection is constantly influenced. The skin barrier is significantly weakened in winter. While rich creams with lipids, ceramides, and squalene are vital, recommendations also include using humidifiers to combat dry air indoors and maintaining internal hydration through water consumption. This holistic view acknowledges that simply applying cream is not enough; managing the entire environment and internal condition is necessary to effectively support and restore the compromised skin barrier.

Cleansing:

The most delicate cleansing is key. Use cosmetic creams, milks, mild foams, or gels. Avoid harsh cleansers and those containing alcohol. Tone the face with special products that prevent moisture loss.

Sun Protection:

Sun protection is important even in winter due to the reflection of UV rays from snow and the penetration of UVA rays through clouds. A common misconception is that SPF is unnecessary in winter, which is false. Many people assume SPF is only needed in the summer. However, research clearly indicates that SPF is critical in winter. UVA rays penetrate through clouds, and snow reflects UV radiation, intensifying the effect. This means photoaging and cell damage remain risks. This dispels the common beauty myth and underscores the critical, year-round role of SPF in overall skin health and the fight against aging.

Use a sunscreen with SPF 15-30+.

Skincare is not a static set of rules, but a dynamic process that requires constant adaptation to changing environmental conditions and individual skin needs. Each season brings its unique challenges and opportunities for skin health and beauty.

Consistency in skincare is key. Even the most expensive products won’t yield desired results without regular use. It’s also important to remember that less is often more: avoid overloading the skin with too many products.

Skin health is closely linked to the overall condition of the body. Therefore, in addition to external care, sufficient hydration, balanced nutrition, proper sleep, and stress management are vital. These internal factors form the foundation for glowing, healthy skin.