Your skin lives in the weather, so it makes sense to change your skincare routine with the seasons. Cold air and indoor heating dry the skin. Heat and humidity bring more oil and sweat. You do not need a new set of products four times a year, only a few small swaps at the right time.
What stays the same all year
- A gentle cleanser.
- A moisturizer that suits your skin type.
- A broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher every morning.
Ultraviolet light reaches your skin in every season, including on cloudy and snowy days, so sunscreen is not only a summer product.
Seasonal changes at a glance
| Season | What the weather does | Useful changes |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | Cold, dry air and heating remove moisture | Cream cleanser, richer moisturizer, shorter lukewarm showers |
| Spring | Temperature and humidity rise | Return to lighter textures step by step |
| Summer | Heat, sweat and strong sun | Gel or lotion moisturizer, generous sunscreen, reapply outdoors |
| Autumn | Air becomes drier again | Add hydration back, repair after summer sun |
Winter: protect against dryness
Dry air pulls water out of the skin. These habits help:
- Swap a foaming cleanser for a cream or lotion cleanser.
- Use a thicker cream or ointment, especially at night.
- Keep showers short and lukewarm, and moisturize within a few minutes of drying off.
- Use a humidifier if indoor heating makes the air very dry.
- Protect lips and hands, which dry out first.
Winter Skincare Routine for Dry Skin gives a full winter routine for dry facial skin, and Winter Body Care: A Routine for Dry Skin covers the body.
Summer: lighten the textures
- Choose a gel or light lotion if creams feel heavy.
- Cleanse after heavy sweating to keep pores clear.
- Apply sunscreen generously and reapply about every two hours outdoors, and after swimming.
- Add shade, a hat and sunglasses. See Sun Protection Tips Beyond Sunscreen.
Oily and combination skin often need less moisturizer in humid weather, but few people can skip it completely. Body Moisturizing in Humid Weather has tips for humid climates.
Spring and autumn: change one thing at a time
The seasons between are the best time to adjust slowly. Change one product, wait two weeks and see how your skin responds. Autumn is also a common time to begin or restart a retinol, because sun exposure is lower, though sunscreen is still needed every morning.
Signs that it is time to adjust
- Your usual moisturizer suddenly feels too heavy or not rich enough.
- You notice new flaking, tightness or redness.
- Your skin looks shinier than usual by midday.
- Makeup starts to cling to dry patches or slide off.
Travel counts as a change of season
A flight from a cold city to a tropical one changes your skin's surroundings in a few hours. Pack a light and a rich moisturizer in small sizes so you can use whichever your skin asks for.
If you are choosing a new moisturizer for the coming season, Choosing a Moisturizer: A Guide for Every Skin Type compares the options for each skin type.
Related on ArniSun
- Winter Skincare Routine for Dry Skin
- Winter Body Care: A Routine for Dry Skin
- Body Moisturizing in Humid Weather
- Sun Protection Tips Beyond Sunscreen
- Choosing a Moisturizer: A Guide for Every Skin Type
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a completely different routine for each season?
No. Most people change only one or two products, usually the cleanser and the moisturizer, and keep everything else the same.
Should I use a lower SPF in winter?
SPF 30 or higher is still recommended. Snow reflects sunlight, and UVA rays, which contribute to skin aging, are present all year.
Why does my skin break out when the season changes?
Changes in humidity, sweat, heavier or lighter products and new habits can all affect pores. Keep your routine steady, change one thing at a time and give your skin a few weeks to adapt.