Your skin is your body’s largest organ and is dynamic in nature as it responds to the many environmental, hormonal and internal factors it is faced with day-to-day. This includes seasonal changes, which can differ from your skin type. Throughout the year, seasonal changes affect your skin’s moisture levels, texture, and overall health.
endota National Educator Cindy Green shares how the skin behaves across different seasons, including seasonal skin concerns and how to best manage these changes to keep your skin feeling calm, balanced and happy.
seasonal skin concerns
While there are a multitude of changes your skin can undergo seasonally, there are some key telltale signs your skin is undergoing change. These can include:
- dehydration
Usually occurs in winter, where your skin loses moisture due to dry air, heating, and cold temperatures. This can lead to flaky, tight skin. Switching to hydrating, creamy cleansers and using rich moisturisers can help combat this change. - oiliness and acne
In summer and spring, higher humidity and sweat can trigger oiliness and clogged pores. Use gel-based cleansers and oil-free moisturisers to minimise the effects. - sensitivity and redness
Changes in season, especially during spring with high pollen content in the air and autumn’s generally windier conditions, can exacerbate skin sensitivities. Try using calming products containing ingredients such as chamomile, aloe vera, oat, and opt for gentle, non-stripping cleansers.
seasonal skin concerns
While there are a multitude of changes your skin can undergo seasonally, there are some key telltale signs your skin is undergoing change. These can include:
- dehydration
Usually occurs in winter, where your skin loses moisture due to dry air, heating, and cold temperatures. This can lead to flaky, tight skin. Switching to hydrating, creamy cleansers and using rich moisturisers can help combat this change. - oiliness and acne
In summer and spring, higher humidity and sweat can trigger oiliness and clogged pores. Use gel-based cleansers and oil-free moisturisers to minimise the effects. - sensitivity and redness
Changes in season, especially during spring with high pollen content in the air and autumn’s generally windier conditions, can exacerbate skin sensitivities. Try using calming products containing ingredients such as chamomile, aloe vera, oat, and opt for gentle, non-stripping cleansers.
summer seasonal changes in the skin
In summer skin becomes naturally oilier due to higher temperatures, increased sweat levels, and increased sebum production. The excessive oil can contribute to acne breakouts, irritation, and clogged pores, particularly when combined with sunscreen and sweat. With higher UV levels and increased sun exposure, sunburn is also more prevalent.
summer skincare solutions
cleanser
Foaming or gel-based cleansers help to deeply cleanse and remove excess oil and sweat from your skin. Cindy suggests using the Purifying Cleansing Gel, Glycolic Exfoliating Cleanser or AHA Renewal Cleansing Gel to thoroughly cleanse the skin of impurities.
face mist
Cooling mists can help refresh your skin and rehydrate without adding extra oil. Cindy suggests using the Balancing Face Mist or Hydrate Me Mist to add moisture into your skin and keep you feeling cool.
serums and oils
Look for lightweight, hydrating serums that don’t clog pores, those that include niacinamide or hyaluronic acid are usually good options. Cindy suggests the Vitamin Treatment Oil as a lightweight oil to press into your skin for added hydration.
moisturiser
Hydrate while controlling skin’s oil production with oil-free or gel-based moisturisers. Cindy suggests the Balancing Face Moisturiser or Ultra Lite Oil-Free Moisturiser to mattify the skin, or the Peptide Firming Moisturiser if fine lines are also a concern.
autumn seasonal changes in the skin
As the temperature begins to cool down and humidity levels drop, skin can start to lose moisture retention, leading to dryness and increased skin sensitivity. This can lead to skin feeling tight and a duller skin tone.
autumn skincare solutions
cleanser
Switch to a cream-based cleanser to gently cleanse and replenish skin’s moisture levels. Cindy suggests the Moisture Restore Cleansing Milk or Deep Cleansing Cream to nourish skin with a hydrating cleanse, or the Sensitive Cleansing Milk if sensitivity is more of a concern.
serums and oils
Use nourishing serums with antioxidants and peptides to restore radiance and protect your skin barrier. Cindy suggests the Vitamin Treatment Oil for a boost of moisture to revitalise a dull complexion.
moisturiser
Lock in much-needed hydration with rich moisturisers that contain emollients, such as shea butter or squalane. Cindy suggests introducing either the Deep Hydration Moisturiser, Advanced Hydration Cream, Cellular Repair Face Cream as the weather cools down.
winter seasonal changes in the skin
Winter brings cold temperatures, low humidity, and central heating, which dry out the skin, leading to feelings of dehydration and irritation. This can show in your skin with dryness, tightness, flakiness, increased redness (especially for genetically sensitive skin types), and potential eczema flare-ups.
winter skincare solutions
cleanser
Switch from foaming cleansers to cream-based cleansers, which are more hydrating and gentler on dry skin. Cindy suggests incorporating either the Moisture Restore Cleansing Milk, Deep Cleansing Cream or Sensitive Cleansing Milk to your skincare routine.
serums and oils
Use hydrating serums with ingredients including hyaluronic acid, glycerine, or ceramides to lock in moisture. Cindy recommends using the Vitamin Treatment Oil to nourish your skin.
moisturiser
Replenish skin’s moisture levels with rich creams to help form a barrier and lock moisture in. Cindy suggests applying either the Deep Hydration Moisturiser, Advanced Hydration Cream, Cellular Repair Face Cream or Sensitive Repair Moisturiser as the last step in your skincare routine.
spring seasonal changes in the skin
During spring the more moderate temperatures and increasing humidity allows your skin to adjust to the warmer conditions. Your skin can become oilier as sweat production increases due to temperature levels. This can mean your skin has increased acne flare-ups, allergic reactions to pollen, and sensitivity to the changing weather.
spring skincare solutions
cleanser
A gentle foaming or gel cleanser to control oil production without stripping the skin. Cindy suggests using the Purifying Cleansing Gel, Glycolic Exfoliating Cleanser or AHA Renewal Cleansing Gel to help cleanse and refresh your skin.
face mist
Integrate a refreshing facial mist to your skincare routine to calm irritation and provide hydration. Depending on your skin type or condition, Cindy recommends having the Balancing Face Mist or Hydrate Me Mist on hand to refresh your complexion as the days warm up.
serums and oils
Lightweight, hydrating serums with vitamin C help to brighten and protect skin from environmental damage. Either the Radiance Boost Serum or Vitamin Treatment Oil would be a good option to brighten and protect.
moisturiser
Opt for lighter formulations, like gel-based moisturisers, to hydrate without feeling too heavy as the weather gets warmer. Cindy suggests the Balancing Face Moisturiser or Ultra Lite Oil-Free Moisturiser as more lightweight options, or the Peptide Firming Moisturiser if your oil flow is less of a concern.
adapting to seasonal skin changes
The key to managing seasonal changes in skin lies in adjusting product consistency and ingredients to meet your skin’s evolving needs with each season and each skin concern. Regular changes to your skincare routine including adjusting cleansers, moisturisers, and serums are key to keeping your skin feeling balanced, as well as protecting your skin year-round with regular sunscreen application.
