Are Seasonal Skin Changes Normal?

We have all experienced seasonal skin changes — you’re in a good skincare routine, your skin is looking clear, and you are feeling more confident than ever and then a winter storm blows through leaving you with dry, flaky skin and chapped lips before you know it. Similarly, the summer months can sneak up on you causing unexpected freckling, sun burns, and even sun spots. Knowing how to take care of your skin in any climate wherever (and whenever) you are is essential for maintaining skin that is as healthy as it looks.

Understanding seasonal skin changes can help you have a better grasp on what’s working for your face and what changes to your routine you may need to consider for clear skin all year round.

Seasonal Skin Changes When the Weather is Getting Warmer

Depending where you live, warmer seasons can bring many changes to your environment that impact your skin. You may experience heat waves, spikes in humidity, and more exposure to sweat, dirt, and pollution as you take activities outdoors. Keep all of that in mind when you notice any seasonal skin changes.

Breakouts can happen more frequently if you’re sweating more during regular exercise. When you sweat, your pores are open. If you’re outside, more dirt can get trapped in your pores. If you are prone to acne, be sure to wash your face with a gentle cleanser immediately after exercise.

Humidity can make your face feel oily or greasy during the warmer months. Your instinct may be to dry out or over-exfoliate your skin to get that “tight” feeling however stripping your skin of its natural oils will only exacerbate the problem. Look for a moisturizer with oil-balancing ingredients such as meadowfoam seed oil found in our Moisturizing Balm.

Seasonal Skin Changes When the Weather is Getting Colder

The colder seasons can be a relief from high temperatures but cool, dry air often wreaks havoc on all skin types. Additionally, spending more time indoors can mean dry heat, hot showers, and seasonal lifestyle changes can cause sudden changes in your skin’s equilibrium.

When our skin loses moisture it can get dry, flaky, and itchy. Dry skin can make wrinkles more visible and cause your skin to look dull overall. On the flip side, if you’re prone to acne, any disruption of your skin’s oil balance can cause a breakout. A high-quality moisturizer should be used in the winter to protect the skin from losing excess moisture.

Be cognizant of what you are eating and drinking during the colder months. We often feel less thirsty when it’s cold, making it easier to become dehydrated. Additionally, processed foods and fluctuations to our diet can cause breakouts. An easy way to ensure your skin is getting nourished from the inside out is to incorporate nutrient-rich soups into your winter diet.

Good Skin Year Round

We recommend using SPF 30 or higher year-round. Sun damage is not only dangerous, it can cause skin discoloration and speed up the signs of aging. Using a proper sunscreen every day is even more crucial when you’re spending an excessive amount of time outdoors from sandy beaches to ski slopes. If you’re in the US, you can swap your regular moisturizer for our UV-Defense Moisturizing Balm for daily sun protection with the added bonus of anti-aging nutrients.

Your skin loves consistency which is not always possible but having a consistent skincare routine is a great place to start. You can add in other products in and out of your routine depending on the time of year and climate in your area. We make this incredibly easy for our subscribers — not only do they get the best prices, subscribers can manage and edit their skincare routines at any time. If you want to set up your own custom subscription, contact our Lumin Support Concierge for guidance or start a free trial on any set today.