Summer: December to March
Humidity slows surface water loss, so heavier products sit rather than absorb, and sweat mixes with sunscreen. Congestion-prone skin tends to behave worse, and strong exfoliation combined with heat is a reliable route to irritation.
- Switch to lighter gel or lotion moisturisers
- Reapply sunscreen more often, properly rather than over sweat
- Ease off strong exfoliation
- Watch for dehydration presenting as oiliness
Autumn and winter: April to August
Drier air raises transepidermal water loss, and skin that felt balanced in January can feel tight in June. This is also the better window to introduce or increase actives, and to plan resurfacing work.
- Move to richer moisturisers, and add an occlusive if needed
- Introduce or step up retinoids gradually
- Plan in-clinic resurfacing for the cooler months
- Keep sun protection unchanged — UV stays high on cool days
Spring: September to November
Wind, pollen and rising UV. If your skin flushes or reacts seasonally, this is the time to simplify rather than experiment, and to make sure sun protection habits are back in place before summer arrives.
The routines article sets out morning and evening order in detail, and a skin health support appointment is the practical way to have those adjustments made for your skin.