How to Transition Your Skincare Routine with the Seasons

As the seasons change, so do the demands of your skin. From the cold, dry winds of winter to the warm, humid air of summer, changing your skincare routine to suit the weather is essential for maintaining healthy, glowing skin.  

In this blog, we’ll explore how to transition your skincare routine with the seasons to help you make sure your skin stays hydrated, protected, and balanced all year long.  

1. Winter  

Winter in the UK is characterised by cold, dry air and indoor heating, which can quickly strip your skin of moisture. Here’s some ways you can keep your skin hydrated and healthy when temperatures drop:

Hydration:

Switch to richer, more nourishing moisturisers to lock in moisture and stop your skin from becoming tight and dry. Look for products with niacinamide and azelaic acid, as these ingredients can help the skin retain moisture while soothing irritation caused by the cold.  

Sun protection:

Just because the sun isn’t out doesn't mean you can skip the sunscreen! Even during the winter, the sun’s harmful UV rays can damage your skin. Use a broad-spectrum SPF to protect your skin from sun damage, especially if you're outdoors in the UK’s low but still harmful winter sun.  

Exfoliation:

Gently exfoliate your skin to remove dead skin cells and promote a healthy glow. Choose a mild exfoliant, like a gentle scrub or exfoliating acid to avoid irritation, and over-drying during the colder months.  

Vitamin C:  

Add a vitamin C serum to your routine to brighten your complexion and fight the dullness often caused by the grey skies of winter.

2. Spring:

When spring arrives, the weather gets milder and the air slightly more humid. Here’s how to adjust your skincare routine for this change:

Use a lightweight moisturiser:

Switch to a lightweight moisturiser with a gel-like consistency that provides hydration without feeling heavy. Spring often brings slightly warmer temperatures, so you’ll need something that hydrates without clogging your pores.

Allergy-related skincare:

Springtime in the UK is notorious for pollen, which can trigger allergic reactions like redness and irritation. Go for soothing products with ingredients like chamomile or aloe vera to calm your skin and reduce irritation.  

Focus on antioxidants:

Spring brings increasing UV exposure and environmental pollutants, so you may want to consider incorporating antioxidant-rich products into your routine. These will help you protect your skin from the damage caused by changing weather and environmental stressors.  

3. Summer  

British summers can be warm, humid, and often unpredictable. Here’s how to maintain balance and protect your skin in the summer months:

Oil control:

With the higher humidity, your skin may produce more oil. Focus on oil-free moisturisers and mattifying products to keep excess shine at bay. These will also help to reduce the likelihood of breakouts caused by clogged pores – especially for acne-prone skin.  

Sun protection:

Sun protection is a must in the summer, especially as the sun can feel much stronger on clear days. Be sure to use a broad-spectrum suncream with SPF30 or higher and reapply every two hours while outdoors to avoid sunburn and long-term damage.  

Adjust your cleanser:

During the summer months, you may need to adjust your cleanser to account for increased sweat and environmental pollutants. A deeper cleansing formula will help to thoroughly remove sweat, oil, and pollutants without stripping the skin of its natural moisture.

4. Autumn

When autumn sets in, temperatures begin to fall and the air gets drier. This means it’s time to shift your skincare routine to focus on replenishing and repairing your skin:

Richer moisturisers:

Swap to a richer, more emollient moisturiser to protect your skin from the cooler, drier autumn air. Look for products that contain ceramides, fatty acids, or hyaluronic acid, which help restore moisture, keep your skin barrier strong, and maintain that skin glow.  

Replenish your skin barrier:

After exposure to the summer sun, your skin may be a little compromised. Use products that help to restore and protect the skin barrier or treatments designed to nourish and repair the skin after UV damage.  

Target dryness and sensitivity:

When the weather gets colder, you may experience more dryness or sensitivity. Autumn is the perfect time to start incorporating hydrating masks or oils into your routine to nourish your skin and replenish lost moisture.  

Keep Your Skin Glowing All Year Round

As the seasons change, it’s crucial to adjust your skincare routine to meet the needs of your skin. By focusing on hydration in the winter, switching to lightweight products in the spring, controlling oil in the summer, and replenishing your skin in the autumn, you can ensure that your skin stays healthy and balanced all year long.

Looking for personalised skincare advice? Get in touch the experts here at MiQuest for professional guidance on seasonal skincare for your unique skin type.