Summer’s almost over (wild, right?), and your skin is about to switch gears. You won’t be as sweaty or sunburnt, but the colder weather brings about its own conditions that demand specific skincare tips. Some steps are year-round musts, others need a seasonal refresh. Here’s your skincare tips checklist for a skin glow across all seasons.
“Your skin doesn’t recognize the calendar, but it does respond to changes in temperature, humidity, and sun exposure,” notes Dr. Omer Ibrahim, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Salmalita Cosmetics. ”It’s obviously a case-by-case basis as we all respond differently to our environments, but from my experience, the following issues are timeless and are worth reminding.”
1. Moisturize a lot. But also differently.
Cooler, drier air can pull moisture from your skin, leaving it tight or flaky. To remain properly moisturized, trade harsh foaming cleansers for gentle, creamy formulas, add richer layers of hydration, and prioritize barrier-strengthening ingredients to lock it all in.
2. Avoid these ingredients.
Harsh sulphates, high alcohol content, and excessive acids or retinoids without balance can worsen dryness during the season. If you have staples in your skincare routine that contain these ingredients, don’t avoid them completely. Make sure to pair them with barrier-repairing products to keep your skin moisturized.
3. Switch textures
As conditions get colder and dryer, switch from a lightweight gel moisturizer to a richer cream. If your skin feels tight right after moisturizing or makeup starts clinging to dry patches, it’s a sign your routine needs to adapt. Switching to a richer cream helps prevent irritation and maintains a strong skin barrier.
4. Add ceramides.
Ceramides act like the “glue” that holds your skin barrier together. They help repair tiny cracks, calm irritation, and keep skin strong and resilient. For best results, look for them in daily moisturizers or serums.
5. Go easy on exfoliation.
We all love the brighter, smoother results of exfoliation, but keep it in moderation during colder temperatures. Stick to once or twice weekly with gentle chemical exfoliants. Going overboard will strip the barrier when it’s already stressed.
6. Protect during illness.
Seasonal illnesses ultimately impact skin health. Cold/flu season brings a myriad of issues to your skin: tissue friction, dehydration from meds/fever, redness and peeling. You should always go back to the basics: ointment around the nose, plus hydration inside and out.
7. Prevent cracked skin.
Prioritize avoiding triggers as much as you can by frequently using thick creams and ointments. As for existing cracks, apply healing ointment and cover to promote faster repair. Once the skin is red and inflamed, it will need an anti-inflammatory cream like a topical corticosteroid cream to calm the inflamed skin.
8. Care for lips.
Stock up on simple balms with petrolatum or shea butter and make sure to apply heavily before bed and reapply frequently during the day. You are more prone to have dry, cracked lips during colder weather, and licking them constantly can be counterproductive.
9. Mask mindfully.
“I won’t necessarily advise against wearing masks as they minimize illnesses, but they cause acne, dryness, and friction,” notes Dr. Ibrahim. “I suggest choosing breathable fabrics, using clean masks (don’t slack on washing or replacing them), and apply light moisturizer underneath. That should minimize acne breakouts, but do spot-treat if needed.”
10. Rethink cleansers: Gel vs. cream vs. oil-based
Gel cleansers are ideal for summer but can be too drying for fall/winter. Switch to cream or oil-based cleansers as they help retain hydration. Skin should ultimately feel comfortable, never squeaky or “tight-feeling” clean.
11. Sunscreen actually has little to do with the sun.
At this point, we can agree that “sunscreen” is a misnomer. UVA and UVB rays, which sunscreen essentially protects you from, remain constant all year, even in cold or short days. They cause aging and skin cancer. “The way you brush your teeth every day, apply sunscreen the same way. It shouldn’t be treated as an add-on,” says Dr. Ibrahim.
12. Broad-spectrum sunscreen is a must.
UVA rays penetrate clouds and glass, so you still need protection from them in colder conditions. Though UVB is weaker in cold months, it is still present, especially at altitude. So you need broad-spectrum sunscreen that defends against both types of radiation.
13. Even when it’s not sunny, your skin needs protection.
Snow or cloudy weather does not automatically mean your skin is catching a break. Snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays, meaning the exposure is now twofold in snowy conditions. And clouds only block a small amount of UVA. This is exactly why people get burned skiing or on overcast days.
14. Always stick with at least SPF 30.
SPF 30 minimum is still non-negotiable. In summer, we typically go for water-resistant formulas to withstand sweat and swimming. In winter, switch to richer, moisturizing textures for added comfort.
15. Darker skin tones are not immune to sun damage.
Melanin only offers partial protection from the sun, so sadly, that doesn’t exempt darker tones from sunscreen. People with more melanated skin can develop hyperpigmentation and can still get skin cancer. Sunscreen prevents both.
16. Indoors ≠ protection.
We are obviously exposed to the sun more in the summer due to all the outdoor activities, but the great indoors don’t shield you completely. UVA rays can still pass through windows, so sitting by glass still counts as exposure. And if we indulge in the occasional bout of bedrotting, blue light from screens may contribute to pigmentation. A daily SPF layer is crucial to cover both risks.
17. SPF in makeup and moisturizers is not enough.
SPF in your moisturizer works if you use about half a teaspoon for your face and neck (and don’t forget your ears). Makeup with SPF is rarely enough, since most people apply too little for full protection. A dedicated sunscreen ensures consistent coverage, so think of SPF in makeup as a helpful bonus, not your main defense.
The best skincare tips are the simple ones. Don’t skip SPF just because it’s cloudy or cold, and don’t rely only on the little bit in your makeup. Find one sunscreen that feels good on your skin and fits your routine. That way, wearing it every day becomes easy. Consistency beats perfection when it comes to keeping your skin healthy and protected year-round.