A 2022 study in the Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials measured skin across seasons and found that winter decreases skin hydration by 25.48% compared to summer, while transepidermal water loss increases by 22.15%. These aren't subtle shifts — your skin's fundamental needs change with the seasons, and your routine should change with them.
Quick Summary:
- Winter decreases skin hydration by 25% and increases water loss, requiring richer moisturizers and gentler cleansers
- Summer increases sebum production to its seasonal peak, favoring lighter formulations and consistent sunscreen
- Indoor heating in winter significantly increases roughness and TEWL in as little as six hours
- UV exposure varies dramatically by season, but UVA is present year-round even on cloudy days
- Transition your products gradually over one to two weeks when seasons change
Why Skin Changes with the Seasons
Your skin responds directly to environmental conditions. Temperature, humidity, UV intensity, and wind exposure all affect how your barrier functions, how much oil your skin produces, and how quickly it loses moisture.
A 2022 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology tracked skin physiology across seasons and found significant differences in transepidermal water loss, skin pH, and cutaneous blood flow between winter and summer. These measurable changes affect every skin type, though sensitive skin shows the most dramatic seasonal shifts.
Understanding these patterns helps you adjust proactively rather than reactively.
Winter Skincare
Winter combines the two worst conditions for skin health: cold outdoor air with low humidity and hot indoor air with artificially low humidity. A 2023 study in Skin Research and Technology found that indoor heating at typical winter settings (25°C, below 20% humidity) significantly increased skin roughness, redness, and wrinkle visibility in just six hours. Ceramide-containing cream increased forearm hydration by 81.81% in the same study — barrier repair products aren't optional in winter.
What to Change
Switch to a cream cleanser. Foaming and gel cleansers strip already-depleted oils from winter skin. Switch to a hydrating cream cleanser like CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser (around $16) that cleans without further drying. See our cleanser guide.
Upgrade your moisturizer. Lightweight lotions and gels that work in summer don't provide enough occlusion in winter. Switch to a richer cream with ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (around $16) delivers three essential ceramides with extended-release hydration technology.
Add an occlusive layer. On the driest nights, seal your moisturizer with a thin layer of petroleum jelly or Aquaphor Healing Ointment (around $15). This slugging technique reduces water loss by up to 99% — the most effective barrier protection available.
Reduce exfoliation frequency. If you exfoliate two to three times weekly in summer, scale back to once weekly in winter. Your barrier is already under stress; aggressive exfoliation compounds the problem. See our exfoliation guide.
Continue sunscreen. Winter UV is lower but not zero. Snow reflects up to 80% of UV radiation, and UVA penetrates clouds year-round. Keep using SPF 30+ on exposed skin daily, especially at higher elevations.
Summer Skincare
Summer brings the opposite challenge: increased oil production, higher humidity, stronger UV exposure, and sweat that can clog pores and break down sunscreen.
Research published in Skin Research and Technology confirmed that summer is the highest sebum-secreting season, with oil production peaking across all facial zones. A separate study in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology found that sebum production in subjects with acne was significantly greater in every season compared to those without acne — meaning acne-prone skin needs even more adjustment in summer.
What to Change
Switch to a lighter moisturizer. Replace heavy creams with a lightweight gel or lotion. Your skin's increased oil production partially compensates for reduced moisturizer weight. A gel moisturizer with hyaluronic acid provides hydration without heaviness.
Increase sunscreen diligence. Summer UV index can be three to five times higher than winter. Apply a full quarter-teaspoon of sunscreen to your face every morning and reapply every two hours during outdoor exposure. EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 (around $40) provides strong broad-spectrum protection in a lightweight formula. See our sunscreen application guide.
Consider a BHA cleanser. If summer oiliness triggers breakouts, a salicylic acid cleanser helps manage congestion without adding another product layer. This replaces your regular cleanser rather than adding to the routine.
Add or increase exfoliation. Higher sebum production means more pore congestion. Increase chemical exfoliation to two to three times weekly with a BHA like Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant (around $33) to keep pores clear.
Keep retinoid use consistent. Contrary to popular belief, you can use retinol in summer — just be diligent about sunscreen. Retinoids increase photosensitivity, but stopping them for months sacrifices the cumulative benefits that take weeks to rebuild.
Spring Transition
Spring is recovery season. Your skin emerges from winter with a compromised barrier, accumulated dead cells from slower winter turnover, and potential dullness from months of reduced exfoliation.
What to Change
Gradually reintroduce exfoliation. Start with a gentle AHA like The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution (around $10) once weekly, increasing to two to three times as your barrier strengthens. This removes the dead cell buildup from winter.
Transition moisturizers. Don't switch from rich cream to lightweight gel overnight. Spend two weeks mixing or alternating — rich cream on cold nights, lighter formula on warmer days — until your skin adjusts.
Start vitamin C. If you paused your vitamin C serum during winter, spring is ideal to reintroduce it. Vitamin C provides antioxidant protection against increasing UV exposure and brightens winter dullness.
Increase SPF vigilance. UV intensity rises rapidly in spring, often before temperatures feel summery. Don't wait until June to prioritize sunscreen — April and May UVB levels are already significant.
Verdict: The best seasonal skincare strategy is proactive: adjust your products one to two weeks before conditions fully change rather than waiting until your skin is already dry, oily, or irritated. Your skin's needs are predictable — the research shows consistent seasonal patterns you can prepare for.
Fall Transition
Fall reverses the spring transition: humidity drops, temperatures cool, and your skin needs more protection and hydration.
What to Change
Repair summer sun damage. Increase niacinamide and vitamin C use to address hyperpigmentation from summer UV exposure while strengthening the barrier for winter.
Gradually increase moisturizer richness. Switch from gel to lotion, then from lotion to cream over several weeks. Add a hyaluronic acid serum under your moisturizer as the air dries out.
Reduce exfoliation and maintain sunscreen. Scale back exfoliation to once or twice weekly as the barrier becomes more vulnerable. Keep using SPF 30+ daily — UVA remains present year-round.
Seasonal Adjustments by Skin Type
Oily skin: Oil production drops significantly in cold months — don't keep using aggressive oil-control products year-round.
Dry skin: Winter is the hardest season. Layer hydrating serums under rich creams and consider slugging two to three nights weekly.
Combination skin: Seasonal changes amplify the difference between oily and dry zones. In winter, you may need different products for your T-zone and cheeks.
Sensitive skin: The 2022 study found that sensitive skin shows more dramatic seasonal shifts. Make transitions slower and swap one product at a time.
Common Seasonal Mistakes
Switching everything at once. Changing your entire routine simultaneously makes it impossible to identify what helps or hurts. Swap one product at a time.
Using summer products in winter. A gel moisturizer that works beautifully in August leaves skin tight and flaky in January. Your "holy grail" products are seasonal, not universal.
Stopping sunscreen in winter. Up to 80% of UV radiation reaches the Earth's surface on cloudy days. UVA penetrates glass and is present year-round. Sunscreen is a daily essential in every season. See our indoor sun protection guide.
Over-exfoliating in spring. The urge to scrub off winter dullness leads to barrier damage. Reintroduce exfoliation gradually — once weekly for two weeks before increasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need different products for each season?
Not entirely different routines — most people adjust two to three products seasonally. Your cleanser and moisturizer weight change the most. Actives like retinol and vitamin C stay consistent. Think of it as adjusting intensity, not replacing everything.
How do I know when to switch my routine?
Watch your skin, not the calendar. When your moisturizer feels insufficient (tightness, flaking), it's time for something richer. When it feels heavy or causes congestion, go lighter. Regional climate matters more than dates.
Does humidity affect my skincare needs?
Yes, significantly. Humid environments reduce TEWL naturally, requiring less occlusive moisturizers. Dry climates (whether from winter cold or desert heat) demand richer hydration. A move from Miami to Denver changes your skincare needs more than a season change.
Should I change my sunscreen by season?
The SPF stays the same (30-50), but you might prefer different textures. Lightweight, matte-finish formulas for summer's heat and sweat; richer, more hydrating formulas for winter's dryness. The UV protection should remain consistent year-round.
Can I use the same retinol year-round?
Yes. Retinoids increase photosensitivity, but that's managed with sunscreen, not by stopping the retinol. Pausing retinol for summer months sacrifices weeks of accumulated benefits. Keep using it and apply sunscreen daily. See our retinol guide.
How does indoor heating affect my skin?
Research shows that six hours in a heated indoor environment (below 20% humidity) significantly increases skin roughness and water loss. Use a humidifier to maintain 40-60% indoor humidity, and apply a richer moisturizer during heating season.
Is my skin supposed to be oilier in summer?
Yes. Sebum production is temperature-dependent and peaks in summer. This is normal and doesn't necessarily mean you need to fight it aggressively. A light blotting paper and a mattifying sunscreen manage summer oil without stripping the barrier.
Do I need to adjust my routine if I live in a tropical climate?
Tropical climates with consistent heat and humidity year-round require fewer seasonal adjustments. Your primary concerns are UV protection and oil management. You may never need the heavy winter moisturizers that temperate-climate residents rely on.
How long does it take skin to adjust to a seasonal product switch?
Most people notice improved comfort within three to seven days of switching. Full adjustment takes two to four weeks. If irritation persists beyond one week, the product may not be right regardless of season.
When should I start preparing for winter skincare?
Start transitioning when indoor heating begins — typically October in temperate climates. Add a richer night cream first, then switch your daytime moisturizer as outdoor temperatures drop further. Proactive adjustment prevents the cracked, flaky skin that drives people to dermatologist offices every January.
Should I exfoliate more or less in winter?
Less. Winter compromises your barrier, and exfoliation temporarily weakens it further. Scale back to once weekly in winter with a gentle AHA or enzyme mask. Save your more aggressive exfoliation for spring and summer when your barrier is stronger.
The Bottom Line
Your skin's needs change measurably with the seasons — up to 25% hydration loss in winter, peak oil production in summer. Adjust your cleanser weight, moisturizer richness, exfoliation frequency, and sunscreen diligence seasonally. Transition products gradually over one to two weeks, and watch your skin's feedback rather than following a rigid calendar.
Sources:
- Uchegbulam I, et al. Effect of seasonal change on the biomechanical and physical properties of the human skin. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater. 2022;127:105058. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35051810/
- Park EH, et al. Effects of winter indoor environment on the skin: Unveiling skin condition changes in Korea. Skin Res Technol. 2023;29(6):e13397. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10264749/
- Jiang W, et al. Seasonal changes in the physiological features of healthy and sensitive skin. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022;21(6):2581-2589. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34599628/
- Youn SW, et al. Regional and seasonal variations in facial sebum secretions. Skin Res Technol. 2005;11(3):189-95. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15998330/
- Meyer K, et al. Evaluation of Seasonal Changes in Facial Skin With and Without Acne. J Drugs Dermatol. 2015;14(6):593-601. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26091385/