Dermatologist Reveals What To Add And Remove From Skincare Routine For Season Change

The sudden change in weather from winter to spring wrecked my skin. One moment, it was so clear and smooth; the next morning, my skin broke out with acne across my cheeks and forehead. The higher humidity left my skin oily, but also dry in spots. Regardless of how much I cleansed and moisturized, the acne did find a way to return. Frustrated and defeated, I went and spoke to my dermat who told me that changes in seasons disrupt the skin balance. With a few adjustments—changing to a mild cleanser, incorporating a hydrating serum, and applying SPF every day—my skin gradually adjusted. I now understand that seasonal skincare adjustments are equally crucial with your skincare routine.

As seasons change, so do your skin's requirements. Temperature changes, humidity levels, and environmental aggressors can make your skin dry, irritated, or even breakout-prone. While winter’s dry air can strip away moisture, summer’s humidity may increase oil production, making your skin feel greasy and congested. To maintain a radiant and healthy complexion year-round, adapting your skincare routine is crucial. Leading dermatologists, including Dr. Kiran Sethi, MD, an Integrative Aesthetic and Celebrity Skin Expert, emphasize the importance of seasonal skincare adjustments to keep skin balanced and glowing.

Your skin is your body's biggest organ, serving as a protective barrier against environmental elements such as extreme weather, pollution, and UV rays. Seasonal changes can interfere with this barrier, causing issues like dryness, irritation, and even long-term skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. For sensitive skin, seasonal changes can cause flare-ups, so it is even more important to adjust your skincare routine accordingly. Dermatologists are of the opinion that even people without existing skin problems can reap rewards from seasonal changes in skincare.

1. Apply a Mild Cleanser and Moisturize Daily

Cleaning is the key to any skincare regimen, but harsh cleansers can rob the skin of its vital oils, particularly when the weather becomes dry. Dr. Kiran Sethi suggests making the switch to a sulfate-free cleanser that contains moisturizing agents such as glycerin and aloe vera to wash away dirt without disrupting the skin's moisture barrier.

Hydration is also a necessity. Use a moisturizer that is packed with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide, which all collaborate to seal in moisture, strengthen the skin barrier, and smoothen out the complexion. Moisturizing right after washing your face gives your skin an optimal absorption rate and long-lasting hydration.

2. Exfoliate and Boost with Vitamin C

Exfoliating is the key to smooth, glowing skin. Exfoliating once or twice a week using a gentle chemical exfoliant like glycolic or lactic acid can strip away dead skin cells and prevent dullness without irritating the skin. Exfoliating too much can deplete the skin's barrier function, so everything must be done in moderation.

Adding a vitamin C serum (ideally with 10–20% concentration) to your skincare routine can yield added skin-lightening benefits. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that fights free radicals and causes premature aging. Dr. Sethi recommends using those products that contain ferulic acid and vitamin E, as they increase the efficacy of vitamin C and help overall skin clarity.

3. Use Sunscreen Daily

Most individuals incorrectly assume that sunscreen is only needed in the summer. UV rays can pass through clouds and damage skin throughout the year. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or more, with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, is needed for everyday protection.

In colder weather, cream sunscreens provide extra hydration, keeping the skin from becoming dry and scaly. Reapply sunscreen every two hours outdoors to maintain the protection against damage from UV radiation and premature aging.

4. Advanced Skincare Treatments for Hydration and Firmness

For individuals who need a boost in their skincare regime with professional procedures, bio-remodeling treatments such as Profhilo provide intense hydration and enhanced elasticity. This new treatment makes use of ultrapure hyaluronic acid that stimulates the production of collagen and elastin and makes the skin smoother and firmer.

Another cutting-edge choice is hydrostretch therapy with Viscoderm Hydrobooster, which has stabilized hyaluronic acid to soften fine lines and deliver deep hydration from the inside out. These treatments, in conjunction with a robust daily skincare regimen, can effectively fight seasonal changes and keep skin healthy.

5. Fortify Your Skin's Barrier for Long-Term Protection

Your skin barrier is your first line of defense against cold weather, pollution, and allergens. Protecting it with the proper ingredients is key to having a robust, healthy-looking complexion.

Dr. Sethi suggests products with ceramides, peptides, cholesterol, and essential fatty acids such as linoleic acid. These ingredients synergistically strengthen the skin barrier, trapping moisture and keeping external irritants from damaging the skin. When the skin barrier is healthy, it is less prone to seasonal dryness, irritation, and breakouts.

While these tips from dermatologists are a good starting point for making your skincare routine seasonal, skincare is not a one-size-fits-all affair. Skin type, lifestyle, and local climate are factors that should affect your strategy. A dermatologist can assist you in customizing your routine to meet your individual concerns, yielding the best results year-round.

Dr Kiran Sethi, MD is a Integrative Aesthetic And Celebrity Skin Expert, Founder and Medical Director at Isya Aesthetics, New Delhi in India