How I “Winterize” My Skincare Routine: A Complete Overhaul Guide
From Lightweight Lotions to Heavy-Duty Heroes
My skin felt fine in October, then the first real cold snap hit. Suddenly my face felt tight, dry, and looked dull. My usual lightweight moisturizer wasn’t cutting it against the radiator’s dry heat. I had to “winterize” my routine. I swapped my foaming cleanser for a creamy, hydrating one, introduced a hyaluronic acid serum for an extra layer of moisture, and upgraded to a thick ceramide cream that cost about $25. It was like giving my skin a warm winter coat, protecting it from the harsh elements while keeping it comfortable and plump.
The Ultimate “Summer-to-Fall” Skincare Transition Plan
Trading in Glow for Repair Mode
I love my lightweight summer routine, but by mid-September, my skin starts to feel the effects of a season spent in the sun and A/C. It’s a little dehydrated and some sunspots look darker. My transition plan focuses on repair. I gently re-introduce a chemical exfoliant like glycolic acid to slough off summer dullness and help fade hyperpigmentation. I also swap my gel moisturizer for a richer lotion to prepare for the drier air ahead. It’s about addressing summer’s impact while prepping for winter’s challenges.
I Used the Same Routine All Year. My Skin Paid the Price.
My Face Was an Oily Mess in Summer and a Desert in Winter
For years, I used the same three products year-round, thinking I was being efficient. In reality, my skin was miserable. In July, my rich moisturizer turned my face into a greasy oil slick, causing breakouts. In January, that same cream felt like it was doing nothing, leaving my skin tight, flaky, and red. I finally learned my skin has different needs depending on the humidity and temperature. Now, I have a small “wardrobe” of products and I listen to what my skin needs season by season.
The “Spring Clean” for Your Face: How to Shed Winter Dullness
Waking Up My Skin After Its Winter Hibernation
After a long winter of dry indoor heat and cold winds, my skin looks… blah. It’s dull, a little flaky, and lacks that healthy vitality. My “spring clean” routine is all about renewal and brightening. I bring back a daily Vitamin C serum in the morning to tackle dullness and protect against increasing sun exposure. I also use a mild exfoliating mask once a week to slough off those dead winter skin cells. It’s like opening the windows after a long winter to let the fresh air and sunshine in.
My “Summer Friday” Routine: The Lightweight Swaps I Make for Hot, Humid Weather
How I Avoid a Melty, Greasy Face by 3:00 PM
The moment the weather gets sticky and humid, my regular moisturizer feels like a heavy wool blanket. By midday, my face is a melty mess. That’s when I switch to my “Summer Friday” routine. I swap my cream cleanser for a light foaming one and trade my lotion for an oil-free gel moisturizer that feels weightless. My foundation gets switched for a tinted sunscreen. The whole routine is designed to feel refreshing and light, controlling shine and preventing clogged pores without sacrificing hydration.
The One Product I Always Add to My Routine When the Heat Kicks On
The Secret Weapon Against Summer Sweat and Shine
As soon as the temperature consistently hits 80 degrees, my T-zone becomes an oil field. Hand cream and heavy moisturizers get put away, but there’s one product I always add: a niacinamide serum. I started using one a few summers ago, and it was a game-changer. It helps regulate my skin’s oil production, so I’m less greasy throughout the day. It also helps minimize the appearance of my pores, which seem more prominent when I’m sweaty. It’s my number one tool for managing summer shine.
How to Deal with the “Transitional Skin” Freak-Outs Between Seasons
When Your Skin is as Confused as the Weather
You know those few weeks in October or April where it’s cold in the morning and warm in the afternoon? My skin hates that. It gets confused and throws a tantrum—a little dry here, an oily T-zone there, with a random breakout for good measure. During these “transitional” periods, I simplify everything. I go back to a super-gentle cleanser and a basic, no-frills moisturizer. I pause my strong actives like retinol. It’s like putting my skin on a simple diet until it acclimates to the new season.
My Capsule Skincare Wardrobe: The Core Products I Use Year-Round
The All-Stars That Never Leave My Shelf
While I swap out my moisturizers and exfoliants seasonally, I have a “capsule wardrobe” of four core products that are my ride-or-dies all year. These are the basics that form my routine’s foundation: a gentle, hydrating cleanser that doesn’t strip my skin; a hydrating toner to prep my face; a Vitamin C serum for antioxidant protection; and, most importantly, an SPF 50 sunscreen. These staples work in any weather, and I just build upon them with seasonal extras, which saves money and simplifies my routine.
The Best Way to Re-Introduce Retinol in the Fall After a Summer Break
Going Low and Slow to Avoid the Dreaded “Retinol Uglies”
I usually take a break from my strong retinol during the summer when my sun exposure is higher. Come fall, I’m excited to get back to its smoothing, clearing benefits. But I learned the hard way that you can’t just jump back in where you left off. To avoid a red, flaky mess, I re-introduce it slowly. I start by using it only twice a week for the first two weeks, then every other night, before going back to my regular schedule. This “low and slow” approach lets my skin re-acclimate without irritation.
My “Autumnal” Skincare Routine: Focusing on Repair and Richness
Like a Cozy Sweater for Your Face
Autumn is my favorite season, and my skincare routine reflects that cozy, comforting vibe. After a summer of lightweight gels, I switch to richer, more nourishing products. My fall routine is all about repairing any summer sun damage and adding hydration. I bring in a moisturizer with ceramides and shea butter that feels like a hug for my face. It’s also when I love using products with pumpkin enzymes for a gentle exfoliation. The goal is a plump, hydrated, and resilient complexion ready for the cold weather ahead.
How to Adjust Your Cleanser for Each Season
Your Face Wash Shouldn’t Be a One-Size-Fits-All Product
I used to use the same foaming cleanser year-round, wondering why my skin felt tight and squeaky in winter. A cleanser’s job is to clean, but it shouldn’t strip your skin. Now I have a two-cleanser system. In the hot, sweaty summer, I use a light gel or foam cleanser that effectively removes oil and sunscreen. Once the heat turns on in the fall, I switch to a much gentler, cream-based or milky cleanser that cleans my skin without stripping its precious moisture barrier. It’s a simple swap that makes a huge difference.
The Best Hydrating Mists for Surviving an Office with Dry Winter Air
My 3:00 PM Desk-Side Skin Refresher
My office in the winter feels as dry as an airplane. The blasting heat sucks all the moisture out of the air and my skin. By 3:00 PM, my face feels tight and looks dull. My secret weapon is a hydrating facial mist I keep on my desk. I look for ones with ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid, not just water. A quick spritz over my face gives me an instant boost of hydration, revives my makeup, and makes me feel more awake. It’s a mini-spa moment during the afternoon slump.
My “Allergy Season” Skincare Guide for Itchy Eyes and Red Noses
How to Calm Your Face When Pollen Wages War
Every spring, my allergies go wild. My eyes are puffy and itchy, and my nose is red and raw from constant rubbing and blowing. During this time, my skincare goes into full “calm-down” mode. I stop all my harsh actives and exfoliants. I keep my eye cream in the fridge for a cooling, de-puffing effect. The hero product is a thick, cica-based healing balm. I apply it around my irritated nostrils and under my eyes before bed to soothe the redness and repair my skin barrier.
The Best Exfoliants for Each Season (Gentle in Winter, Stronger in Summer)
Matching Your Exfoliation to the Elements
Exfoliation is key for glowy skin, but I learned that my approach needs to change with the seasons. In the summer, when my skin is oilier and more resilient, I can handle a stronger glycolic acid toner a few times a week to keep pores clear. But using that same product in the dead of winter would be a disaster for my dry, sensitive skin. In winter, I switch to a much gentler lactic acid serum or a mild enzyme cleanser just once a week to gently lift away flakes without causing irritation.
How I Keep My “Summer Glow” Going Deep into the Fall
Don’t Let Your Tan Fade Into Dullness
I love the healthy, sun-kissed look of my skin at the end of summer. The worst part is watching it fade into dullness as fall begins. To prolong my glow, I have a two-part strategy. First, exfoliation is key to prevent the fading tan from looking patchy; I use a gentle AHA serum. Second, hydration is everything. I use a serum with hyaluronic acid to keep my skin plump and dewy. This combination of removing dull skin cells and adding hydration helps me hold onto that radiant, healthy look for weeks longer.
The Best “Winter Barrier Repair” Moisturizers and Balms
Your Skin’s Last Line of Defense Against the Cold
That first week the radiator kicks on, my skin barrier waves a white flag. It becomes dry, red, and sensitive. This is when I bring out the heavy hitters: barrier repair creams. I stop looking for lightweight lotions and seek out thick moisturizers packed with ceramides, shea butter, and peptides. These ingredients mimic the skin’s natural lipids, helping to patch up the cracks in a compromised barrier. At night, I’ll even add a layer of a healing balm like Aquaphor on top to seal it all in.
My “Spring Awakening” Routine: Brightening and Prepping for More Sun
Time to Come Out of Skincare Hibernation
Spring feels like a fresh start, and I treat my skincare the same way. After months of focusing on heavy-duty hydration, my “spring awakening” routine is about brightening and prepping for more sun. I re-introduce a daily Vitamin C serum to combat any lingering winter dullness and add antioxidant protection. I also get much more diligent with my sunscreen application, switching to a lighter formula that I don’t mind reapplying. It’s a shift from the defensive posture of winter to a brighter, more outward-facing routine.
How to Adjust Your Sunscreen for Winter vs. Summer
Yes, You Still Need SPF When It’s Snowing
I used to think sunscreen was just for beach days. Big mistake. UV rays are present year-round. However, the formula I use changes. In the humid summer, I need a super lightweight, non-greasy, sweat-resistant SPF 50 that won’t clog my pores. In the winter, when my skin is drier, I can opt for a more moisturizing sunscreen, often around SPF 30, that can double as my daytime lotion. The key is to wear it every single day, just adjusting the texture to match your skin’s seasonal needs.
The Best Body Lotions for Each Season
Your Face Isn’t the Only Skin That Notices the Weather
I used to be great about my face but neglected the skin on my body. My legs would get dry and scaly in winter, and heavy lotions felt sticky in summer. Now I have a seasonal body care system. For summer, I use a lightweight, fast-absorbing lotion with a gel-like texture that hydrates without feeling heavy. For winter, I upgrade to a thick body butter or cream with ingredients like shea or cocoa butter to combat the dry, itchy feeling from cold air and indoor heating.
My “Seasonal Skincare Box”: How I Store My Off-Season Products
The “Goodbye for Now” Box That Declutters My Counter
My bathroom counter used to be a cluttered mess of products for every season. It was overwhelming. Now, I have a “seasonal skincare box.” When I transition my routine for fall, all my lightweight summer gel creams and oil-control products go into a labeled shoebox that I keep in a cool, dark closet. This keeps my daily routine streamlined and my counter tidy. It also helps me keep track of what I have so I don’t re-buy something I already own. When summer rolls around, it’s like shopping my own stash.
The Surprising Way Daylight Saving Time Affects Your Skin
It’s Not Just Your Sleep Schedule That’s Thrown Off
Every time we “spring forward” or “fall back,” I feel out of sorts for a week. I noticed my skin does too. The shift in my sleep-wake cycle, even by an hour, disrupts my body’s natural circadian rhythm. This can increase cortisol (the stress hormone), leading to inflammation and breakouts. During that transition week, I’m extra gentle with my skin. I focus on calming and hydrating products and make a special effort to get to bed at a decent time to help my body—and my skin—adjust.
How to Manage a “Sweaty” Summer Face Without Clogging Pores
Staying Fresh When It Feels Like a Sauna Outside
My biggest summer skin complaint is feeling like a sweaty, sticky mess by noon. My instinct used to be to wash my face multiple times a day, but that just stripped my skin. Now, my strategy is about managing sweat and oil smartly. I use a salicylic acid cleanser in the morning to keep pores clear. During the day, instead of washing, I use oil-blotting sheets to absorb excess shine without disturbing my makeup or sunscreen. It’s a simple trick that keeps me feeling fresh.
The Best Face Masks for Each Season’s Needs
My Weekly Masking Ritual, Tailored to the Temperature
A weekly face mask is my favorite self-care ritual. I tailor the type of mask to the season. In the summer, when my skin is oilier, I’ll reach for a clay or charcoal mask to deep clean my pores and absorb excess sebum. In the dead of winter, when my face is dry and begging for moisture, I’ll use a super-rich, creamy overnight sleeping mask or a hydrating sheet mask packed with hyaluronic acid. In the spring and fall, a gentle enzyme mask helps to brighten and exfoliate.
My “Harvest” Skincare Ingredients: Loving Pumpkin and Cranberry Enzymes in the Fall
Like a Pumpkin Spice Latte for Your Face
I fully embrace the fall aesthetic, and that extends to my skincare. As soon as September hits, I love incorporating products with “harvest” ingredients. Pumpkin, cranberry, and apple enzymes are fantastic, gentle exfoliants. They are packed with AHAs and antioxidants that help to slough off dead summer skin and repair damage. Using a pumpkin enzyme mask feels like the skincare equivalent of putting on a cozy sweater. It’s a fun, seasonal way to get my skin glowing and ready for the new season.
How to Prepare Your Skin for the Shock of Central Heating
The Day the Heat Kicks On, Your Skin Cries Out for Help
I can tell the exact day my building turns on the central heat for the winter. I wake up and my skin feels tight, my lips are chapped, and my nose feels dry. That dry, recycled air is brutal on the skin’s moisture barrier. To prepare, I do two things. First, I buy a small, inexpensive humidifier for my bedroom—it was about $30 and made a world of difference. Second, I switch to a richer, ceramide-packed nighttime moisturizer to help my skin hold onto hydration while I sleep.
The Best Lightweight Moisturizers for a “No-Makeup” Summer
Hydration Without the Heavy, Greasy Feeling
In the summer, my goal is to wear as little makeup as possible. But to feel confident doing that, my skin needs to be hydrated and plump, not greasy. Heavy creams are out of the question. I live by lightweight gel-creams and water-based lotions. They are packed with humectants like hyaluronic acid that provide tons of hydration but absorb instantly and feel like nothing on the skin. They create a smooth, fresh canvas that doesn’t need to be covered up.
How to Deal with Sunspots That Appear at the End of Summer
The Unwanted Souvenirs from Your Summer Vacation
Even with diligent sunscreen use, I sometimes end the summer with a few new, faint sunspots on my cheeks. My post-summer plan focuses on fading these unwanted souvenirs. Come September, I get very consistent with a Vitamin C serum in the morning to brighten and inhibit pigment production. I also re-introduce a gentle AHA or retinol at night to increase cell turnover and help lift the spots. It’s a one-two punch of brightening and exfoliating that helps even out my skin tone over the fall months.
My “Cozy” Winter Nighttime Skincare Ritual
The Perfect Way to Wind Down on a Cold Night
On a freezing winter night, my skincare routine becomes a cozy, comforting ritual. I take my time, starting with a warm cloth to remove my cleansing balm. I love using rich, nourishing products that feel decadent. The star of the show is a thick, buttery night cream or a facial oil with a calming scent like lavender. Massaging it in feels like a mini spa treatment. The whole process is a signal to my body to relax and unwind before getting into a warm bed.
The Best Lip Care for Every Season
From Summer SPF to Winter Healing Balms
My lips are the first place to show seasonal distress. I learned I can’t use one lip balm year-round. In the summer, my priority is sun protection, so I use a balm with at least SPF 30 to prevent burns and long-term damage. In the dry, cold winter, I need a heavy-duty healing ointment. I look for thick, occlusive balms with ingredients like lanolin or petroleum jelly that I slather on before bed to heal and prevent chapping. It’s a small detail that makes a huge difference in comfort.
How to Transition Your Foundation or Tinted Moisturizer Shade Seasonally
The Telltale Sign of a Foundation That Doesn’t Match Your Tan
I used to have that classic problem: my foundation would be a perfect match in winter, but look ghostly pale against my skin in July. I finally accepted that I’m not one skin tone; I’m at least two. Now, I have a “winter shade” and a “summer shade” of my favorite tinted moisturizer. During the transitional months of spring and fall, I just mix a little of both on the back of my hand to create a custom shade that’s a perfect match. No more awkward foundation lines.
My “Back to School” Fall Skincare Reset
Setting Up My Skin for a Successful Season
For me, September always feels more like a “new year” than January. That “back to school” feeling inspires a total life reset, including my skin. I see it as the perfect time to get my routine in order after a more relaxed summer. I take stock of my products, re-introduce my retinol for the less sunny months, and switch to a more hydrating moisturizer. It’s like setting up a new binder for a class—it gets me organized and prepared for the season ahead.
The Best Vitamin C Serums to Use Year-Round (And Why You Should)
The One “Active” That Never Gets Benched
While I cycle through different exfoliants and moisturizers, my Vitamin C serum is a non-negotiable, 365-days-a-year product. Here’s why: in the summer, its antioxidant properties provide a second layer of defense against sun damage under my sunscreen. In the winter, it’s a brightening powerhouse that combats the dullness from dry air and less sunlight. It’s a true multi-tasker that protects, brightens, and firms, making it the most valuable player on my skincare team regardless of the season.
How to Layer Your Skincare in the Winter Without Feeling Greasy
The “Thinnest to Thickest” Rule for Maximum Hydration
In the winter, my skin needs multiple layers of hydration, but I hate feeling like a greasy mess. The secret is layering products correctly. I follow the “thinnest to thickest” rule. After cleansing, I start with the most watery product, like a hydrating toner or essence. Next comes my thin, water-based serum (like hyaluronic acid). Then, a slightly thicker lotion or cream. Finally, if I’m super dry, I’ll press a few drops of facial oil on top to seal everything in. This method allows each layer to absorb properly without pilling.
The Best “Holiday Season” Skincare for Stressed, Tired Skin
Surviving Late Nights, Rich Food, and Family Gatherings
The holiday season from Thanksgiving to New Year’s is a gauntlet for my skin. Stress, travel, more cocktails, and less sleep leave it looking tired and puffy. My holiday survival kit is all about de-puffing and brightening. I rely on caffeine-infused eye creams or refrigerated eye gels to fake a full night’s sleep. I also use a quick, 5-minute oxygenating or brightening mask before a party to give my dull skin a boost of radiance. It helps me look festive even when I feel exhausted.
How to Soothe Wind-Burned Skin in the Winter
When Your Face Feels Raw After a Windy Day
I went for a run on a particularly cold and windy winter day and came back with bright red, stinging cheeks—classic windburn. It felt like a sunburn. To treat it, I had to be extremely gentle. I skipped my usual cleanser and just rinsed with lukewarm water. I avoided all my active ingredients. The only thing that brought relief was slathering my face in a thick, calming balm containing cica (centella asiatica) and ceramides. It soothed the stinging and helped repair my compromised skin barrier.
My “First Day of Spring” Skincare Refresh
The Ritual That Welcomes a New Season
On the first day it truly feels like spring—the sun is warm, the birds are chirping—I do a little skincare refresh ritual. I put my heavy winter creams and balms into my “off-season” box. I bring my lightweight gel moisturizers and liquid exfoliants to the front of the shelf. I’ll often use a clarifying clay mask to decongest my skin after a winter of heavy products. It’s a small act, but it feels like a definitive goodbye to winter and a hello to the brighter days ahead.
How to Manage Increased Oil Production in the Summer
Fighting the Shine Without Stripping Your Skin
The heat and humidity of summer used to turn my face into an oil slick. My first instinct was to use harsh, stripping cleansers and mattifying products, which only made my skin produce more oil to compensate. I learned a better way. I switched to a gentle cleanser and incorporated a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to keep my skin hydrated. The real game-changer was adding a clay mask to my routine once a week. It helps absorb excess oil and deep clean pores without disrupting my skin’s balance.
The Best Hand Creams for a Dry, Cold Winter
My Secret Weapon Against Painful “Winter Hands”
Every winter, my hands used to get so dry they would crack and bleed at the knuckles. It was painful. Regular lotion wasn’t enough. I needed something more substantial. I discovered the magic of thick, heavy-duty hand creams, often called “hand salves” or “balms.” I look for formulas with high concentrations of shea butter, glycerin, and lanolin. I keep a tube on my nightstand and slather it on before bed. For an intensive treatment, I’ll put on cotton gloves after applying it. It’s the only thing that saves my hands.
How to Adapt Your “Active” Ingredient Schedule for Each Season
Tuning Your Retinols and Acids to the Weather
My “active” ingredients, like retinol and glycolic acid, are powerful but can be sensitizing. I’ve learned to adjust my usage schedule based on the season. In the fall and winter, when there’s less intense sun and my skin isn’t as irritated by heat, I can use my retinol four to five times a week. But in the summer, when I’m outside more and my skin is more prone to sensitivity, I scale back to just two or three times a week. This flexible approach lets me get the benefits without over-irritating my skin.
The Financial Guide to Seasonal Skincare: What to Buy and When
How to Transition Your Routine Without Going Broke
The idea of buying a whole new routine every season sounds expensive. But it doesn’t have to be. My strategy is to invest in my year-round “actives” (like a good Vitamin C or retinol) and save on the seasonal swaps. A great gentle cleanser or a basic heavy moisturizer for winter doesn’t have to cost more than $15. I wait for end-of-season sales to stock up on sunscreen in the fall or heavy creams in the spring. It’s about being strategic, not buying a whole new shelf of products four times a year.
My “Pre-Ski Trip” Skincare Fortification Plan
Prepping My Face for High Altitudes and Icy Winds
A ski trip is a triple threat to your skin: intense sun reflected off the snow, harsh, cold wind, and dry, high-altitude air. A week before I go, I start “fortifying” my skin. I pause all my harsh exfoliants and focus entirely on hydration and barrier support. I use a moisturizer packed with ceramides and then layer a thick, occlusive balm over it at night. On the slopes, a high-SPF mineral sunscreen stick is my best friend for easy reapplication, especially on my nose and ears.
How to Deal with Dry, Dehydrated Skin in the Spring
When Warmer Weather Doesn’t Equal Hydrated Skin
I used to think as soon as spring arrived, my dry winter skin would disappear. But sometimes it lingers. The fluctuating temperatures and spring allergies can leave my skin feeling dehydrated and flaky, even when it’s warmer. My solution is to focus on humectants. I introduce a hyaluronic acid serum on damp skin before my moisturizer. This powerhouse ingredient draws moisture from the air into my skin, giving it that plump, hydrated feeling it’s been missing, helping it transition smoothly from its winter funk.
The Best After-Sun Care for a Long Summer Day
What to Do After You’ve Washed Off the Sand and SPF
After a long day at the beach, even if I haven’t gotten a sunburn, my skin feels tight and warm from the sun, salt, and wind. My after-sun ritual is all about cooling and calming. After a gentle cleanse to remove all the sunscreen, I apply products with soothing ingredients. Pure aloe vera gel, straight from the fridge, feels incredible. I also love moisturizers with calendula or oat extract to reduce any redness and inflammation. It’s a restorative routine that helps my skin recover overnight.
My Favorite “Cooling” Skincare Products for a Heatwave
The Skincare Equivalent of Standing in Front of an Open Fridge
During a miserable summer heatwave, my skincare becomes a tool for survival. I keep several products in my fridge for an extra cooling kick. My sheet masks, a jade roller, and a facial mist all live in the crisper drawer. There is nothing more refreshing than putting on a chilled sheet mask or rolling a cold jade roller over my puffy, hot face. A spritz of a cold mist with ingredients like cucumber or mint provides instant relief in the middle of a sweltering afternoon.
How to Build a Flexible Routine That Adapts to Daily Weather Changes
Becoming Your Own Skin’s Meteorologist
Some weeks, the weather is all over the place. Monday is cold and rainy, Wednesday is hot and sunny. I stopped following a rigid daily routine and started building a flexible one. I have two moisturizers on my counter: a lightweight gel and a richer cream. Each morning, I check the weather and listen to my skin. Is it humid and oily? I’ll use the gel. Is it dry and windy? I’ll reach for the cream. This “mix and match” approach keeps my skin balanced, whatever the weather throws at it.
The Best “Indoor” Winter Skincare Routine
How to Combat the Dry Air from Your Radiator
In the winter, I spend most of my time indoors, but that presents its own skincare challenge: the incredibly dry air from central heating. My “indoor” routine is all about combating this dehydration. A humidifier in my room is step one. Step two is layering hydrating products. I use a toner, a hyaluronic acid serum, and a ceramide moisturizer. The final, crucial step is a facial oil or an occlusive balm at night to create a seal and prevent all that precious moisture from evaporating into the dry air while I sleep.
My “Monsoon Season” Skincare Guide for High Humidity and Rain
When the Air Feels Like a Wet Blanket
I once spent a summer in a place with a monsoon season. The humidity was unlike anything I’d ever experienced—it felt like the air was 100% water. My skin was constantly damp and prone to fungal acne and breakouts. My routine became extremely minimalist. I used an anti-fungal cleanser, skipped moisturizer entirely on the most humid days (or used the most lightweight gel imaginable), and relied on a waterproof, non-greasy sunscreen. It was all about light layers and keeping my skin as clean and dry as possible.
How to Check Your Skincare Products’ Expiration Dates During a Seasonal Switch-Up
Don’t Put Last Year’s Expired Sunscreen on Your Face
As I was doing my spring skincare swap, I pulled out a half-used bottle of sunscreen from the previous summer. I almost put it on before I noticed the little “period after opening” symbol—a tiny jar with “12M” on it. It meant the product was only good for 12 months after opening. Using expired products, especially sunscreen, is ineffective and can cause irritation. Now, when I open a new product, I write the date on it with a Sharpie. It’s an easy way to ensure I’m using safe, effective skincare.
The One Mistake Everyone Makes When Transitioning Their Summer to Fall Routine
Don’t Put Your Sunscreen Away with Your Swimsuit
The biggest mistake I see my friends make—and one I used to make myself—is packing away their sunscreen once Labor Day passes. They associate SPF with beach days and summer heat. But UVA rays, the ones responsible for aging and skin cancer, are present with consistent intensity year-round. They penetrate clouds and glass. Continuing to wear sunscreen every single day of fall and winter is the most important part of any seasonal routine. It protects the investment you’re making with all your other repair-focused fall products.
How I Learned to “Listen” to My Skin’s Seasonal Needs
My Skin Tells Me What It Needs—I Just Had to Learn the Language
I used to follow skincare routines I saw online with rigid discipline, even if my skin felt irritated. I finally realized my skin was trying to talk to me; I just wasn’t listening. Tightness means it’s dehydrated and needs more moisture. Excess oil means the routine might be too stripping. Redness and stinging mean the barrier is compromised and needs gentle, soothing ingredients. Now, instead of blindly following a plan, I check in with my face each morning. It’s a daily conversation that allows me to give my skin exactly what it needs.