How Seasonal Changes Impact Your Skin Health 

Last updated on February 3rd, 2025 at 10:05 pm

As the weather changes, you may start to notice that it isn’t the only thing that is acting a little differently. With the changes in the season, your skin’s needs can change as well and you may find that you need to make a few tweaks to your skincare routine to meet these needs. It shouldn’t be necessary to change your entire skincare routine every time the weather changes – a relief when the weather is as unpredictable as it can be in the UK. However, it is important to understand your skin.

If you want to ensure that you maintain a healthy glow all year round, then you need to know how your skin reacts to the seasons. Then you can make subtle but effective changes to incorporate your daily routine.

Let’s take a look at what the seasons can do to your skin to better understand this.

How does the cold weather affect your skin?

As the temperature drops there is also a drop in the amount of moisture in the air, although with an increase in the amount of rain, it can be difficult to believe this. When the air is drier it makes it much harder for your skin to stay hydrated. Skin that isn’t well hydrated can feel tight, dry and more sensitive than normal. When this happens, it is important to adopt a good dry skincare routine with moisturisers that will help your skin to remain supple, soft and radiant throughout the winter.

The right protection for lips and skin

The skin on your lips is incredibly delicate and the cold weather can be particularly difficult for them. There are no oil glands in the lips, which means they are more likely to become dry and cracked. Make sure that you don’t forget to take care of your lips as part of any skincare routine. There are a whole host of natural products that can help with this – beeswax is a great option as a natural base for a lip salve.

Your skin does have oil glands that offer some natural relief, however, it still needs a bit of TLC. Extra nourishment is the key to great skincare during the cold weather so invest in the right moisturiser. Your whole body will benefit from additional treatment, but it’s usually wise to source want two different products; one for your body and one for your face. Optionally, look for a product that incorporates vitamin E, which can help to calm and nourish your skin. 

The ageing effect of the cold

Dryness and dullness in your skin can have an ageing effect as well as being incredibly uncomfortable. As you get older it may be a good idea to look for a facial moisture treatment that advertises the ability to reduce the ageing effects that the cold can have on the skin. Whilst this type of moisturiser cannot stop the ageing process, it helps the skin to age gracefully and look visibly younger by adding a certain dewiness.

Cold isn’t the only problem

Whilst the colder weather can play havoc with your skin, so too can the warmer parts of winter – whether sitting in front of a warm fire or living with the heating on full pelt. Warmth, like the cold, can also leave your skin feeling dehydrated, and also clog the pores, which may result in breakouts. Hydration is key to combatting these effects. 

You should also ensure that you are using a good sun protection with the right SPF, when you’re out and about – even in winter, as the sun can still peek through at some points. 

Conclusion

No matter what the season, your skin can suffer if you do not take care of it. Drink plenty of water and invest in good products to help keep your skin healthy and at its best.