Seasonal Skincare Shift: How to Transition Your Routine from Winter to Summer for Glowing Skin

Mar 06, 2025

Changing seasons means changing skincare needs. As Winter fades into spring and summer, your skin adapts to rising temperatures, increased humidity, and stronger UV rays. Without adjusting your routine, you might experience dry patches, excess oil, breakouts, or sun damage.

In this guide, we'll break down: 

Your legs need some loving too
  • Why your skin changes with the seasons;
  • The best skincare swaps for your face and body;
  • Top-rated products for a smooth transition;
  • Expert and personal tips for radiant, healthy skin year-round.

Why Your Skin Changes with the Seasons

The environment constantly influences your skin. Here's what happens as you transition from cold, dry winter months to warm, humid summer days.

Winter:

  • Cold air and indoor heating strip moisture, causing dryness and sensitivity;
  • The skin barrier weakens, leading to redness and irritation;
  • Heavy creams and oils are essential for hydration.
Young Woman Applying Moisturizer On Her Face In The Living Room

Spring & Summer:

  • Increased humidity stimulates oil production, often causing breakouts;
  • Stronger UV exposure increases the risk of sun damage and hyperpigmentation;
  • Heavy products feel suffocating, requiring lighter, breathable formulas.

💡 Personal Experience: I used to keep my skincare routine the same year-round, but every summer, I'd notice greasy skin, clogged pores, and breakouts—while Winter left my skin dry and irritated. Adjusting my products seasonally changed everything!

How to Transition Your Skincare for Warmer Weather

As temperatures rise and humidity levels change, your skin’s needs shift, too! What worked in the winter—rich, heavy creams and thick cleansers—might feel too heavy or clog pores in the warmer months. Transitioning your skincare routine ensures your skin stays balanced, fresh, and protected through spring and summer.

From switching to lightweight products to boosting sun protection, here’s how to adjust your skincare for the season and keep your complexion glowing all summer. 

Let’s start with the essentials for your face:

1. Switch to a Lightweight Cleanser.

❌ Winter: Creamy, oil-based cleansers.

âś… Spring/Summer: Gentle foaming or gel cleansers.

Studio portrait of an attractive young woman washing her face against a pink background

Recommended Products:

2. Exfoliate More Often (But Gently!).

❌ Winter: Exfoliate 1x a week to avoid irritation.

âś… Spring/Summer: Exfoliate 2-3x a week to unclog pores.

Face scrub for glowing skin.

Recommended Products:

3. Swap Thick Moisturizers for Lightweight Hydration.

❌ Winter: Heavy creams, oil-based moisturizers.

âś… Spring/Summer: Lightweight, water-based gels.

Studio shot of a beautiful young woman applying moisturiser to her face

Recommended Products:

4. Prioritize Sun Protection (SPF is Non-Negotiable!).

❌ Winter: Sunscreen mostly only when outside.

âś… Spring/Summer: Daily SPF 30-50, reapplying every 2 hours.

Sun Cream in the Sand with Sunglasses on a Beach

Recommended Products:

While we focus on adjusting our facial skincare, our body needs a seasonal refresh too! From switching to breathable lotions to keeping feet sandal-ready, here’s how to transition your body care routine for spring and summer.

1. Exfoliate Regularly to Maintain Smooth Skin.

Use body scrubs 2-3x a week to slough off dead skin cells and improve texture.

Improved circulation gives skin a natural glow

Recommended Products:

2. Switch to Lightweight Body Lotions.

Heavy body butters can feel greasy in the heat, so opt for fast-absorbing lotions.

Get ready for shorts season

Recommended Products:

3. Use SPF on Exposed Skin.

Arms, chest, and legs need sunscreen too! Reapply every 2 hours when outdoors.

Applying Suntan Lotion

Recommended Products:

Healthy Lifestyle Tips for Better Skin Year-Round 

1. Boost Skin Health with Professional Cosmetology Treatments.

Professional skincare treatments can help target specific skin concerns and keep your complexion radiant throughout seasonal changes.

Rf lifting procedure in a beauty salon

Recommended Treatments:

  • Hydrating Facials – Replenish lost moisture and soothe irritated skin, perfect for transitioning from Winter to spring.
  • Chemical Peels – Remove dead skin cells, brighten dull skin, and prep your face for increased sun exposure.
  • Microneedling – Boost collagen production and improve skin texture.
  • Laser Treatments – Reduce hyperpigmentation and sun damage accumulated from previous seasons.

⚠️ Post-Treatment Sun Protection
After chemical peels, microneedling, and laser treatments, skin is more sensitive to UV rays, increasing the risk of hyperpigmentation and irritation.

  • Avoid direct sun exposure for 7–14 days.
  • Use SPF 30-50 daily and reapply every 2 hours.
  • Wear a hat & sunglasses for extra protection.
  • Skip harsh exfoliants and focus on gentle, hydrating skincare.

Pro Tip: Choose a zinc oxide-based sunscreen for the best post-treatment protection!

Recommended Products for At-Home Maintenance:

Headshot of woman with light therapy facial mask

Beauty Tools & Accessories:

Pro Tip: Seasonal changes can stress your skin, but regular treatments help maintain its resilience and glow.

2. Enhance Glow with Facial & Body Massage.

Massages stimulate circulation, improve lymphatic drainage, and help relieve stress, which directly impacts skin health. Regular facial massages can lift and sculpt your face, while body massages reduce tension and support detoxification.

Happy woman receiving a beauty treatment

Recommended Techniques:

  • Gua Sha & Jade Roller Massage – Reduce puffiness and promote lymphatic drainage.
  • Scalp Massages – Stimulate hair growth and reduce tension headaches.
  • Dry Brushing – Exfoliates dead skin and improves circulation for a radiant glow.

Recommended Massage Tools & Oils:

Pro Tip: Incorporate a 5-minute facial massage into your nightly routine to boost skin elasticity and reduce puffiness.

Regular facial massages help increase circulation, reduce puffiness, and promote a youthful glow. Body massages improve lymphatic drainage, helping flush toxins and improve skin elasticity.

3. Stay Active with Outdoor Sports for Healthy Skin.

Regular exercise boosts circulation, helping deliver oxygen and nutrients to the skin while flushing out toxins. Outdoor workouts also provide much-needed vitamin D, which supports skin health and immunity.

Shot of two women taking a selfie while out for a run
together

Best Outdoor Activities for Skin Health:

  • Jogging or Running – Enhances circulation and promotes a healthy glow.
  • Yoga & Pilates – Reduces stress, improving skin conditions like acne and eczema.
  • Swimming – Refreshing and gentle on joints, but always apply waterproof SPF!

Recommended Workout-Friendly Skincare:

Engaging in outdoor activities like jogging, yoga, or cycling increases circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to your skin and making it appear more radiant.

4. Eat a Skin-Loving Diet for a Natural Glow.

What you eat directly affects your skin's clarity, hydration, and elasticity. A balanced diet of vitamins and healthy fats helps maintain a youthful, radiant complexion. 

fitness woman eating an healthy salad and smiling

Essential Nutrients for Healthy Skin:

  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Hydrate skin and reduce inflammation (found in salmon, walnuts, flaxseeds).
  • Vitamin C – Boosts collagen production and brightens skin (found in citrus fruits, strawberries, and bell peppers).
  • Antioxidants – Protects skin from free radicals and premature aging (found in green tea, dark chocolate, and blueberries).

Recommended Skin-Boosting Supplements:

Pro Tip: Stay hydrated—drinking enough water helps flush out toxins and keeps your skin looking plump and fresh.

Composition healthy food arranged in a row on dark background

What you eat directly impacts your skin's health. Incorporate:

  • Omega-3 fatty acids (found in salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts) keep skin hydrated.
  • Vitamin C-rich foods (like oranges, berries, and bell peppers) boost collagen production.
  • Green leafy vegetables for antioxidants to fight free radical damage.

If you're looking for a healthy, Mediterranean-inspired approach to radiant skin, check out my Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Beginners—packed with delicious, nutrient-rich recipes to help you glow from the inside out!

Conclusion: Glow Year-Round by Adjusting Your Skincare

Adjusting your face and body care routine with the seasons is key to glowing, healthy skin year-round. By swapping heavy products for lightweight hydration, increasing exfoliation, and prioritizing sunscreen, your skin will stay balanced and radiant from Winter to summer.

Maintaining a holistic approach by incorporating professional skincare treatments, facial and body massage, regular physical activity, and a nutrient-rich diet ensures your skin is nourished inside and out.

Consistency is key; making minor but effective adjustments every season will help you achieve the best possible skin health. Listen to your skin's needs, choose high-quality skincare products, and prioritize self-care for long-term beauty and wellness.

FAQs: Seasonal Skincare Transitions

1. How often should I change my skincare routine for the seasons?
It's best to adjust your skincare routine with each significant season change—Winter, spring, summer, and fall. However, monitor your skin's needs and tweak your routine accordingly.

2. What ingredients should I avoid in the summer?
If you have oily skin, avoid heavy occlusives (like petrolatum-based moisturizers), and be cautious with retinol and strong exfoliants, as they can increase sun sensitivity. Always pair active ingredients with sunscreen.

3. Can I still use facial oils in warm weather?
Yes! Opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic oils like squalane or rosehip oil, which hydrate without clogging pores.

4. How can I prevent summer breakouts?
Switch to lightweight, oil-free moisturizers, use a salicylic acid-based exfoliant, and cleanse your skin after sweating. Don't forget to reapply sunscreen, as some formulas can be pore-clogging.

5. Do I need a different sunscreen in Winter and summer?
Not necessarily, but in summer, you may prefer lightweight, sweat-resistant formulas with broad-spectrum SPF 50, while winter sunscreens may be more hydrating with added skin-conditioning benefits.

6. Should I change my diet with the seasons for better skin?
Yes! Eat water-rich fruits and vegetables in warmer months to keep your skin hydrated. In colder months, focus on healthy fats (like avocado and nuts) to maintain your skin barrier.

7. What's the best way to keep skin glowing year-round?
Maintain hydration, sun protection, and a balanced diet while incorporating facial massage, gentle exfoliation, and seasonal skincare swaps to ensure your skin remains radiant through every season.

Adjusting your face and body care routine with the seasons is key to glowing, healthy skin year-round. By swapping heavy products for lightweight hydration, increasing exfoliation, and prioritizing sunscreen, your skin will stay balanced and radiant from winter to summer.




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