What works perfectly for your skin in January can backfire in July. Temperature, humidity and the strength of the sun change with the seasons – and your skin changes with them. In winter it loses moisture faster; in summer it often produces more sebum and has to cope with more UV radiation. If you adapt your routine accordingly, you keep your skin in better, more balanced condition all year round. In this article we go through all four seasons, with concrete adjustments for each that you can make today.
Winter: protection against cold and dry air
For many skin types, winter is the toughest season. Cold outdoor air holds little moisture, and indoors the heating makes the air bone dry – a double assault on your skin's moisture balance. You probably recognise the result: a tight, pulling feeling after showering, dull cheeks, flaky patches around the nose or even cracks in your lips and hands.
The solution lies in protection and soothing. In the winter months, switch to a richer day cream that leaves a light protective layer, and consider adding a hydrating serum under your cream. Also, don't shower too hot or for too long: the hotter the water, the more of your skin's natural oils you wash away.
Swap your light summer cream for a richer winter version
Use a mild, non-foaming cleanser that doesn't dry out the skin
Shower lukewarm instead of hot and moisturise straight afterwards
Don't forget your lips and hands – they need extra attention in winter
Keep using SPF: UV radiation doesn't disappear in winter, and snow even reflects sunlight back
Spring: time for a fresh start
As soon as temperatures rise, your routine can get lighter again. The rich winter cream that protected your skin for months can suddenly feel too heavy in spring and even cause shine or blemishes. This is the moment to take a critical look at your products: what do you use out of habit, and what does your skin actually need right now?
Spring is also an excellent moment for a professional refresh. A facial or a mild peel helps your skin shake off the winter: dead skin cells are removed, circulation gets going and your skincare products absorb better afterwards.
Are you thinking of a skin-improvement programme ahead of summer – for example for a more even skin tone or finer pores? Then start in spring. That way you complete most of the course before the sunniest months, which makes recovery easier.
Summer: protection comes first
In summer it all comes down to one thing: protection from the sun. A daily broad-spectrum SPF is not optional in this season but essential – even on cloudy days, and even if you're 'just popping out for some shopping'. UV damage builds up from all those short moments combined.
Your skin itself also changes in summer: because of the heat it often produces more sebum and you sweat more. So choose lighter textures – a gel or light lotion instead of a rich cream – and cleanse your skin extra carefully in the evening to remove sunscreen, sweat and the dirt of the day.
Apply SPF 30 or higher every morning, and reapply every two hours on a day outdoors
Choose light, oil-free textures that let the skin breathe
Cleanse thoroughly in the evening, especially after a day in sunscreen
Plan intensive treatments such as peels and microneedling outside the height of summer if you can, or talk to us about the right timing
Autumn: recovery and preparation
After a summer full of sun, sea water and chlorine, autumn is the season of recovery. Many people notice in September and October that their skin is drier, duller or more unsettled than usual – the visible result of months of summer strain.
That is exactly why autumn is traditionally the season to start skin-improving treatments. The sun is less fierce, so after a more intensive treatment such as microneedling or a peel your skin can recover more calmly. What you build up in autumn, you reap the benefits of in spring and summer.
What stays the same all year round
However much your routine moves with the seasons, a few habits always stand firm: cleansing daily, protecting daily with SPF and being consistent. A routine you stick to faithfully every season does more for your skin than perfect products you only use now and then.
Your skin changes with the seasons – your routine is allowed to do the same. Not sure what your skin needs this season, or when it's smart to start a treatment programme? Book a free intake and we'll look at it together.
