Skincare

So many things change with the seasons. Clothing, schedules and of course, skincare! I always switch up my routine and the products I use depending on the time of year. The skin reacts differently throughout the year, so a skincare routine that works in summer can easily lead to dryness, congestion, or irritation in winter. You don’t necessarily have to switch out every product for something new but there are a few important changes that should be made. Today’s post is going to be a roundup of practical tips on how to adapt your routine season by season.

5 Seasonal Skin Care Tips

Seasonal skincare is not about completely replacing a routine every few months. It’s about making small adjustments to cleanser texture, hydration levels, exfoliation frequency, and active ingredients. This changes can help maintain balance and prevent common concerns like irritation, congestion, dryness, and dullness. Seasonal skincare is most effective when routines adapt to the skin’s changing needs instead of remaining static throughout the year.

Does Your Skin Change With the Seasons?

It’s natural for everyone’s skin to change throughout the year. The environment and especially the temperatures outside will have the greatest impact. The skin naturally changes throughout the year as oil production, hydration levels, and sensitivity fluctuate with environmental conditions. The cold weather often reduces natural oil production and increases dryness, while heat and humidity can lead to excess sweat, congestion, and breakouts. Transitional seasons like spring and fall also tend to increase skin reactivity because the skin is adjusting to rapid changes in climate and allergens, etc.

How Does Weather Affect Your Skin?

Cold weather

Reduces natural oil production and increases dryness, tightness, and flaking

Heat and humidity

Lead to excess sweat, oil buildup, and clogged pores

Wind exposure

Weakens the skin barrier and triggers redness or irritation

Indoor heating and air conditioning

Dehydrate skin and worsen sensitivity

UV exposure

Contributes to pigmentation, collagen breakdown, and premature aging year-round

Should You Change Your Skincare Seasonally?

A complete overhaul is not necessary but seasonal skincare adjustments will help maintain balance as environmental conditions shift throughout the year. Look at making gradual product texture and ingredient adjustments based on changes in hydration, oil production, and sensitivity. What you add or remove from your skincare routine will often depend on your skin type but there are some generalized tips that can be helpful to anyone.

Skincare Tips For Seasonal Changes

Spring Skin Care Tips

Temperatures can fluctuate rapidly during the spring season so this is the time to identify which products you want to switch out. Are there products that you use regularly in winter that may feel too heavy for summer? Also seasonal allergies are a huge issue in the spring so adding in any products that can help to reduce irritation or sensitivity could help.

Summer Skin Care Tips

Once the heat and humidity set in, switch to a lighter moisturizer. Focus on products that have lighter textures and offer tons of hydration. Sun protection is the main priority in the summer months because we spend more time outdoors. Choose wide brimmed hats when you go outside, wear protective clothing when possible and don’t forget to apply a broad spectrum sunscreen every single day. Many people cite skin cancer as one of the main reasons to proactively protect your skin but that is only one issue that can come from prolonged sun exposure. Other skin problems like hyperpigmentation, increased aging due to sun damage and intense dehydration can occur if you aren’t properly protecting your skin.

Fall Skin Care Tips

Much like in spring, fall is a time of transition so you can begin to identify what products in your routine need to change for the upcoming colder weather.

Winter Skin Care Tips

Both summer and winter bring extreme weather so focus on changing some of the more important parts of your skincare routine. Rich, barrier strengthening moisturizers are key for helping fight dry skin. Using a humidifier at home and taking lukewarm showers are all things that can help keep your skin healthy and hydrated despite the freezing temperatures.

How To Transition Skincare Routine Between Seasons

Evaluate changes in hydration, oil production, and sensitivity

Depending on your skin type, you could experience more or less oil production throughout the year. Sensitivity will fluctuate due to the extreme temperature changes so don’t switch over your entire routine at one time.

Adjust cleanser texture first

Start by changing your cleanser in the transition seasons (spring/fall). Opt for something like a gel in the spring/summer and a cream/milk in the fall/winter.

A few summer cleanser recommendations: Dieux Baptism Cleanser and OneSkin Prep Cleanser (code: MAREE15)

For more hydrating formulas, here are my winter cleanser recommendations: Tatcha Rice Wash and La Roche Posay Gentle Hydrating Cleanser.

Gradually increase or reduce the moisturizer weight

The other product category that is essential to change throughout the seasons is your moisturizer. Lighter weight formulas are best in the warmer months (even for dry skin types). Heavier moisturizers can help with dryness in the cold weather but find one that suits your specific skin type.

Summer moisturizer favorites: OneSkin OS-01 Face Topical Supplement (code: MAREE15), Cocokind Electrolyte Water Cream

My must have winter moisturizers: Dieux Instant Angel, INNBEAUTY Extreme Cream and Experiment Beauty Molecular Mesh (code: MAREE15)

Modify exfoliation frequency based on irritation levels

Because we tend to be outside in the sun more often during the spring/summer, it’s best to reduce your exfoliation frequency. Exfoliation can make your skin more sensitive to the sun and allow for further damage so lessen your use of your favorite exfoliating products during the warmer months. I often will then increase my exfoliation use in the winter to help with any dryness that occurs from the colder weather.

Introduce stronger active ingredients slowly

If you find that your skin does react when the seasons change, the best way to combat this is to pare down your skincare routine to only the basics. Cleanse, moisturize and protect (SPF). Once your skin is balanced and responding well to the season change, you can begin to introduce your active ingredients again.

Frequently Asked Questions About Seasonal Skin Care

How often often to update skincare for changing seasons?

It’s only necessary to update your skincare twice a year. Having a set routine for the warmer months versus the colder months is the best way to determine when to switch things up.

Why does skin complexion change with the seasons?

Our skin is often the first line of defense against the elements so it will always change when the seasons do.

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Affordable Skincare Products For Mature Skin

Exfoliation is always important for healthy skin but becomes even more so as we get older. Dead skin buildup happens more frequently as we age so it’s necessary to ensure you are exfoliating regularly. If you face looks dull, rough, or uneven, it could be from the presence of dead skin cells. Excess buildup of them can often prevent skincare products from working effectively, as well as clogged pores and texture issues. I’m going to share some of the best ways to remove dead skin from the face and the products I would recommend.

How To Remove Dead Skin From the Face

The skin naturally sheds dead cells, but this process can slow down due to age, environment, or improper skincare. Dead skin accumulation can block pores, cause breakouts, and create a dull appearance. Properly removing them is important but using the wrong method or frequency can damage the skin barrier. Understanding proper removal techniques is essential for long-term skin health.

What Are Dead Skin Cells on the Face?

Dead skin cells are the outermost layer of skin that naturally shed as part of the renewal cycle. This process typically occurs every 28 to 40 days, depending on age and skin condition. As we age, these cells remain on the surface because shedding slows down which can lead to buildup when not removed.

What Causes Dead Skin on the Face?

• Slower cell turnover due to aging
• Dry or dehydrated skin
• Harsh skincare products
• Environmental factors like sun exposure and pollution
• Lack of proper exfoliation

What Do Dead Skin Cells Look Like on the Face?

Flaky or peeling patches

Some flakiness or peeling can be caused from dryness but often times it can be from the buildup of dead skin cells.

Rough or uneven texture

If you struggle with rough texture on the face, adding in a regular exfoliant can help to address that almost immediately.

Dull or ashy appearance

If you are struggling with how to get a glow on your face naturally and without makeup, it may be a good idea to begin exfoliating to reduce that dullness.

Breakouts and blemishes

Excess sebum can build up on the skin clogging pores and causing breakouts.

Makeup sitting unevenly on the skin

One of the reasons that makeup may no longer be looking the same on your skin as it did years ago is because of excess dead skin buildup.

What Can Remove Dead Skin on the Face?

Physical Exfoliants

One of the most popular ways to exfoliate your skin is with physical exfoliants such as scrubs or products with a gritty texture. I am always hesitant to recommend these types of exfoliants to those with mature skin because it can easily damage the skin barrier. Even though your skin may immediately feel smooth after using a strong face scrub, it can cause more issues if done regularly. It’s important to choose a physical exfoliant that is gentle and always do a patch test first to see if your skin can tolerate it. The physical exfoliant I recommend that most is a washcloth. Using a damp washcloth when cleansing your face each night can be the best way to get that gentle manual exfoliation but in a way that won’t cause damage to the skin barrier.

Chemical Exfoliants

Chemical exfoliants are my preferred method of exfoliation especially for mature skin. It’s important to find an acid or formula that your skin prefers which can take some trial and error. When using any type of chemical exfoliant, start small and build up as needed. Some of my favorite chemical exfoliant options are exfoliating toners, peel pads and serums with an acid complex to address specific needs.

Enzyme exfoliants

If chemical or physical exfoliants are too harsh, enzyme exfoliants are a great alternative for sensitive skin. They formulations often use fruit-derived enzymes to help give a gentle exfoliation for the skin.

Professional treatments

If you are not sure where to start or need more aggressive treatments, it’s best to go to a professional and get a consultation on what procedures would suit your needs.

How To Get Rid Of Dead Skin From the Face

Cleanse with a gentle face wash

Ensure you are properly washing your face each night which should include double cleansing if you are wearing makeup or sunscreen. A nourishing cleansing balm is a great first step and be sure to follow it up with a gentle face wash tailored to your skin type.

My favorite cleansing balms that I always have on hand: Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm (use code: MAREE20 to save), Remedy Derm Dissolve Cleansing Balm and Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm (use code: MAREE10 to save)

I have a handful of cleansers that I like to use as my second cleanse that really give the skin a deep cleanse without stripping it. Here are my favorites: OneSkin Prep Facial Cleanser (use code: MAREE15 to save), Dieux Baptism Gentle Foaming Gel Cleanser and Experiment Beauty Plasma Wash (use code: MAREE15 to save)

Apply exfoliant based on skin type

Choosing an exfoliation method may take some trial and error. Not all exfoliants are suitable for all skin types so be sure to find formulations that work with your concerns. Some ingredients are best for oily skin or combination skin (typically beta hydroxy acids) while others are more suitable for dry skin. The most popular acids that are found in chemical exfoliants are lactic acid, salicylic acid, glycolic acid and mandelic acid.

Here are my recommendations for my favorite exfoliating toners: Pixi Glow Tonic Exfoliating Toner, Paula’s Choice BHA 2% Skin Perfecting Liquid and Eadem Cashmere Peel Liquid Exfoliant.

Peel pads are a great option that can deliver stronger results – here are some of my favorite: YSE Beauty Your Favorite Ex Exfoliating Pads (use code: MAREE30 to save), Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Pads (use code: MAREE20 to save)

Exfoliating serums are another great way to use exfoliants in your routine though you should only use one exfoliant in your routine at a time. Here are three exfoliating serum recommendations to try: Versed Gentle Pore Clearing Serum, Dr. Whitney Bowe Exfoliation Night Serum and Shani Darden Lactic Acid Exfoliating Serum.

Avoid over-exfoliating sensitive areas

It’s always best to start small using an exfoliant one day a week to see how your skin will respond. You can slowly build up the frequency in your skincare routine but avoid over-exfoliating especially on any sensitive areas of the face. Try to avoid the eye area and parts of the face that begin to show irritation. If any redness, peeling or irritation develops, stop using all exfoliating products and allow your skin time to calm down by using only nourishing and hydrating products.

Follow with hydrating products

It’s important to use hydrating products when exfoliating so you can help keep the skin balanced. This could be in the form of a moisturizer or hydrating serum used in the same routine as your exfoliants.

These are three moisturizers I swear by to help nourish my skin: Dieux Instant Angel Lipid-Rich Firming Moisturizer, Experiment Beauty Molecular Mesh (use code: MAREE15 to save) and Mother Science Molecular Genesis Barrier Repair Moisturizer (use code: MAREESYE to save).

Here are three hydrating serums I regularly use and love: Experiment Beauty Super Saturated Serum (use code: MAREE15 to save), Dieux Deliverance 3-in-1 Repair Serum and Prequel Multi-Quench Plumping Hydration Serum.

Use sunscreen daily to protect new skin

Daily sunscreen use is always necessary but especially when you are regularly using exfoliating products.