Prendre soin de sa peau selon les saisons — A practical, year‑round skin care guide

SQLITE NOT INSTALLED

Seasons change. So should parts of your skin routine. The air, temperature and sunlight that come with each season nudge your skin in different directions: dryness in winter, oil and sweat in summer, allergy flares in spring, and the slow recalibration of fall. This article walks you through why those shifts happen, how to adapt what you use and do, and which ingredients and habits help your skin thrive from January to December. You’ll find morning and evening routines for every season, ingredient explanations, troubleshooting for common conditions, and sensible tips you can actually follow without a cabinet full of products.

Why seasons matter to your skin

Skin is a living organ constantly responding to its environment. Temperature, humidity, ultraviolet rays, wind and indoor climate all change the way skin behaves. Cold, dry air strips moisture and tightens the barrier. Heat and humidity increase sweat and sebum production. UV intensity varies by season and influences pigmentation and aging. Even the way you dress and exercise shifts with the weather, altering friction and exposure. Understanding these forces lets you make simple, targeted adjustments rather than treat every day like the same skincare problem.

Think of your routine as a wardrobe: you don’t wear the same coat in July and January. Base layers—gentle cleansing, sun protection, nourishing moisturizers—remain useful year‑round. The top layers—textures, actives, occlusives—change based on season, skin type and activity. Done well, seasonal adjustments prevent irritation, reduce breakouts, and leave skin comfortable and more resilient.

Know your skin type before changing anything

Before you tweak a routine for winter or swap serums for summer, know whether your skin is dry, oily, combination, normal or sensitive. These categories guide choices: a dry skin needs richer oils and occlusives in cold months; oily skin benefits from lighter gels and oil‑control strategies in hot months. Sensitive skin requires extra caution with exfoliants and fragranced products no matter the season. If you aren’t sure, a few simple observations help: does your face flake and feel tight after washing? That suggests dryness. Does it shine and need blotting midday? That leans toward oiliness. If redness appears easily after products or heat, treat skin as sensitive.

Quick checklist to identify skin type

Dry: flaky texture, tightness after washing, possible rough patches.
Oily: visible shine, enlarged pores, frequent breakouts.
Combination: oily in the T‑zone, normal or dry on cheeks.
Normal: balanced oil and hydration, few problem areas.
Sensitive: stinging or redness with new products, reacts to perfumes or harsh cleansers.

Basic building blocks of any routine

Some elements belong in every routine, across seasons. These are the pillars to maintain before you add seasonal flare-ups:

Gentle cleansing (morning and night as needed): removes sweat, oil and pollutants without stripping the barrier.
Daily sun protection: broad‑spectrum SPF 30 or higher applied every morning and reapplied during prolonged sun exposure.
Hydration: humectants like hyaluronic acid draw moisture in; occlusives seal it.
Barrier support: ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids help repair and maintain the skin’s protective layer.
Avoiding over‑exfoliation: seasonal changes can make exfoliation more or less tolerated.

These elements form a base; the order and textures change with the weather. In the morning, think protect and hydrate. At night, focus on repair and targeted treatment.

Winter: fight dryness and barrier breakdown

Winter is the season of low humidity, indoor heating and cold winds—all of which sap moisture and damage the skin barrier. You may notice flakiness, increased sensitivity, eczema flares, cracked lips and hands that need constant attention. Here the priority is restoring and protecting the barrier and preventing transepidermal water loss.

Morning winter routine (simple and protective)

Start with lukewarm water and a cream or oil‑based gentle cleanser. Skip hot showers that strip oils. After cleansing, apply a hydrating serum containing a humectant such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin—these attract water into the skin. Next, layer a richer moisturizer with occlusive ingredients: petrolatum, squalane, niacinamide, ceramides or shea butter work well. Finish with a broad‑spectrum SPF; even in winter UV penetrates clouds and reflects off snow.

Evening winter routine (repair and replenish)

Use a gentle cleanser again. Night is the time for more intensive repair: apply serums with barrier‑supporting ingredients (ceramides, cholesterol) and a richer night cream. If your skin tolerates it, a gentle layer of petrolatum or balm on drier zones (nose, cheeks) before bed can stop moisture loss overnight. If you use a retinoid, continue it cautiously—retinoids can increase dryness and irritation, so reduce frequency or pause during severe flares.

Weekly treatments and extras for winter

Humidifier: place one in bedrooms and workspaces to raise indoor humidity toward 40–50%.
Hydrating masks: weekly sheet masks or thick overnight masks can give a moisture boost.
Gentle exfoliation: once every 7–14 days with a mild chemical exfoliant (low‑concentration lactic acid) to prevent buildup of flaky skin, but be conservative.
Hand care: carry a rich hand cream and use a barrier ointment at night on hands and cuticles.
Lips: use lip balms with occlusives like petrolatum or lanolin; avoid flavored or mentholated sticks that can irritate.

Winter mistakes to avoid: harsh foaming cleansers, frequent hot showers, and skipping SPF. While cold weather makes sun feel distant, ultraviolet damage continues outside and indoors.

Spring: manage sensitivity, pollen and the transition

Spring brings rising temperatures, fluctuating humidity and, for many people, seasonal allergies. Pollen can sit on skin and trigger irritation. The skin may still be recovering from winter dryness, and the increasing sun exposure begins to interact with any winter retinoid or glycolic use—making sensitivity more likely. This season calls for a gentle transition: lighten textures where needed, protect against allergens, and reintroduce brightening actives carefully.

Morning spring routine

Switch to a lighter cleanser if the skin is less dry now. Continue daily SPF and consider physical blockers like zinc oxide if you spend time outside; they tend to be less irritating for sensitive skin. A vitamin C antioxidant in the morning helps protect against free radical damage from increasing sunlight and can fade residual pigmentation from winter sun exposure. Follow with a lightweight moisturizer and oil‑free sunscreen if you’re prone to shine.

Evening spring routine

Nighttime is when you can gradually reintroduce actives skipped in winter—low‑strength AHAs or retinoids—if your skin tolerates them. Start slowly: use them once or twice a week and increase only if there’s no redness or flaking. Maintain barrier support with ceramides and soothing ingredients like panthenol. If you experience seasonal allergy swelling or redness, keep a fragrance‑free, anti‑irritant balm on hand and avoid aggressive exfoliation.

Weekly spring treatments and habits

Salt water and pollen: rinse your face after being outdoors to remove pollen and reduce irritation.
Calming masks: oatmeal or aloe vera masks soothe redness after pollen exposure.
Introduce chemical exfoliation slowly: a low‑percentage AHA once a week can help fade dullness from winter.
Patch test new actives: spring is not the time to start high‑strength retinoids or peels without testing.

Spring is a balancing act. Keep protection first, then test actives gently. If allergies cause significant skin changes, consult a healthcare professional rather than self‑treating aggressively.

Summer: control oil, sweat and sun

Summer brings strong sunlight, higher temperatures and humidity. Skin commonly becomes oilier, pores may appear larger, and sweat can trap dirt and bacteria, increasing breakout risk. Sun protection becomes more than a daily habit—it’s a performance piece. Focus on light textures, oil control, and rigorous SPF application.

Morning summer routine

Start with a gentle gel or foaming cleanser to remove overnight oils without over‑stripping. Apply a vitamin C or antioxidant serum in the morning to protect against UV‑related oxidative stress. Opt for a lightweight, non‑comedogenic moisturizer—water‑gel formulas feel cooling and hydrate without heaviness. Finish with a broad‑spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or higher; consider a mattifying or mineral sunscreen if you’re oily, and reapply every two hours when exposed to sun and sweat. If you exercise or sweat, carry powder blotting papers or a mineral powder for touch‑ups.

Evening summer routine

Wash away sunscreen, sweat and pollution with a double cleanse if you wear heavy sunscreen or heavy makeup: an oil or balm cleanser first, then a gentle water‑based cleanser. At night, prioritize niacinamide to regulate oil production, hydrating serums if needed, and non‑comedogenic moisturizers. Professional exfoliation can be helpful in fall, but in high sun months be cautious with strong retinoids and chemical peels due to increased photosensitivity.

Weekly summer care and extras

Reapply sunscreen often: every two hours during sun exposure and immediately after towel drying or heavy sweating.
Use oil‑control ingredients: niacinamide, zinc, and lightweight niacinamide serums help reduce shine and pore congestion.
Clay masks: once a week, a clay mask can absorb excess oil without drying the barrier when used infrequently.
Avoid heavy oils near the hairline: scalp oil and sweat can clog pores along the forehead.

Summer mistakes include skipping SPF on cloudy days, over‑washing which triggers rebound oiliness, and layering heavy creams. Keep things breathable and protective.

Autumn (Fall): repair after sun and prepare for winter

Fall is a transition season. The sun’s power wanes, humidity falls, and the skin often needs repair after summer sun exposure. It’s a good time to safely resume active ingredients used more cautiously in summer—higher strength exfoliation, retinoids and pigmentation treatments—while starting to increase moisturization to prepare for the coming cold.

Morning autumn routine

Continue antioxidant protection with vitamin C, and maintain daily SPF. If you’ve accumulated sunspots over the summer, this is an excellent season to add targeted pigment‑fading ingredients like niacinamide, azelaic acid or gentle AHAs. Moisturizers can be slightly richer than in summer but still comfortable for the cooling weather.

Evening autumn routine

Autumn nights are ideal for reintroducing or ramping up retinoids and regular chemical exfoliation, since UV exposure decreases and the risk of photosensitivity is lower—though you still need daytime SPF. Use a retinoid regimen that builds tolerance and pair it with ceramide‑rich moisturizers to maintain barrier health as you increase potency.

Weekly autumn treatments and habits

Professional peel or exfoliation: consider supervised treatments to target pigmentation or texture issues after summer, timed with lower sun exposure.
Hydrating and repair masks: switch between exfoliation days and deep hydration days to balance renewal with barrier strengthening.
Skincare inventory check: replace sunscreens past their open‑jar date and clear out products you tolerated poorly over summer.

Autumn preparation makes the winter switch smoother. Repair sun damage now, and prepare the skin barrier for colder months ahead.

Seasonal routines by skin type (detailed)

Different skin types need tailored seasonal adjustments. Below are practical morning and night routines across the four most common types, with products and ingredient suggestions that change with the weather.

Dry skin — what to emphasize

Core goals: restore barrier lipids, prevent water loss, and avoid irritants. In winter, shift to oil‑rich creams and occlusives; in summer choose hydrating gels that won’t sit heavy but still protect.

Winter morning: creamy cleanser → hyaluronic acid serum → ceramide‑rich cream → SPF.
Winter night: gentle oil cleanser → barrier serum (ceramides, cholesterol) → thick night cream → occlusive on very dry patches.
Summer morning: mild cream cleanser → lightweight hydrating serum → light emollient moisturizer → SPF.
Summer night: gentle cleansing → niacinamide or reparative serum → lightweight night cream (with squalane).

Oily skin — what to emphasize

Control shine and prevent pore congestion while keeping the barrier intact. Avoid harsh alcohol‑based astringents that trigger more oil production.

Winter morning: gentle foaming cleanser → hydrating toner with glycerin → light non‑comedogenic moisturizer → SPF (gel or fluid).
Winter night: double cleanse if wearing sunscreen → niacinamide serum → non‑comedogenic balm on dry spots only.
Summer morning: gel cleanser → antioxidant serum (vitamin C) → mattifying SPF → blotting papers as needed.
Summer night: cleanse thoroughly → topical treatments for acne as prescribed → oil‑free hydrating gel.

Combination skin — what to emphasize

Balance oil control in the T‑zone and hydration on the cheeks. Consider using different products for different face areas or choose adaptively hydrating formulas.

Winter: richer cream on cheeks, lighter lotion on T‑zone; layer ceramides and occlusives on dry zones.
Summer: water‑based moisturizers overall; targeted treatments for congested zones; regular cleansing after sweating.

Sensitive skin — what to emphasize

Minimize fragrance and harsh actives. Use barrier‑supporting ingredients and perform patch tests when introducing seasonal switches.

All seasons: fragrance‑free products, low pH cleansers, fragrance‑free SPF with physical blockers, and minimal active rotations.
When in doubt, reduce frequency of actives and prioritize soothing agents like madecassoside, panthenol and colloidal oatmeal.

Key skincare ingredients and when to use them

Understanding ingredient categories helps you pick what to add or remove each season. Below is a practical table mapping roles to common ingredients, plus seasonal recommendations.

Function	Common ingredients	Seasonal use notes
Humectants (draw water into skin)	Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, urea	Useful year‑round; pair with occlusive in winter to prevent water loss from surface evaporation.
Occlusives (seal in moisture)	PETROLATUM, dimethicone, lanolin, beeswax	Essential in winter for dry skin and hands; use sparingly in summer on oily areas.
Emollients (smooth and soften)	Squalane, jojoba oil, fatty acids, shea butter	Excellent year‑round; choose lighter emollients in summer and heavier ones in winter.
Barrier repair	Ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids	Use consistently, especially when transitioning seasons or after exfoliation.
Antioxidants	Vitamin C, vitamin E, niacinamide	Morning use ideal year‑round to neutralize sun and pollution damage.
Exfoliants	AHA (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic), enzymes	Use gently; increase in autumn when sun is lower, reduce in winter for sensitive skin and in spring if allergies or irritation.
Retinoids	Retinol, tretinoin	Effective year‑round but increase SPF vigilance; often best introduced in fall and used less on sunny vacation days.
Sunscreens	Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, avobenzone, octocrylene	Daily use required all seasons; broad‑spectrum protection is non‑negotiable.
Anti‑inflammatories	Azelaic acid, colchicine? (medical), madecassoside	Azelaic acid helps rosacea and pigmentation and is safe year‑round; consult professionals for prescription agents.

Note on petrolatum: despite misconceptions, petrolatum is one of the most effective occlusives and is generally safe. It’s especially useful in cold months for severely dry skin and on cracked hands and lips. For those who prefer plant‑based ingredients, shea butter and squalane are excellent emollients though slightly less occlusive.

Common seasonal skin problems and how to handle them

Some skin conditions change character with the calendar. Recognizing seasonal patterns can speed recovery and prevent missteps.

Eczema and atopic dermatitis

Eczema frequently worsens in winter because of low humidity and indoor heating. Use gentle, fragrance‑free cleansers. Emphasize thicker emollients and ointments and consider overnight occlusion on severely dry patches. If topical steroids or prescription treatments are part of your plan, continue under medical guidance. Avoid sudden changes in routine that strip the barrier.

Rosacea

Rosacea may flare with cold wind, heat, spicy foods and sun. Protect skin from sun and wind with physical barriers—broad‑spectrum SPF, scarves and hats. Reduce irritating ingredients: strong acids, alcohol and fragrances. Azelaic acid and topical metronidazole are common prescriptions that help. For persistent or severe rosacea, see a dermatologist for tailored treatment.

Acne

Acne behavior shifts: winter dryness can mask oiliness but also trap pockets of dead skin, while summer sweat and humidity increase clogging. Maintain a balanced routine: gentle cleansing, non‑comedogenic moisturizers, and acne treatments (benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid) as prescribed. Avoid over‑drying the skin, which can trigger more sebum production and worsen acne.

Hyperpigmentation and sunspots

Pigmentation often darkens in summer under strong UV exposure. Using sunscreen daily and incorporating vitamin C and niacinamide in the morning helps minimize progression. For active treatment, autumn and winter are safer seasons for procedures like chemical peels and stronger topical retinoids, given the reduced sun intensity—but continue to use sunscreen afterwards.

Sun protection: year‑round rules

We cannot overstate this: broad‑spectrum sun protection is the single most important anti‑aging and health measure for skin. UV rays do not disappear in winter. Clouds, glass and even reflective snow let through UVA and UVB. You should apply a broad‑spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 every morning to the face and any exposed areas, reapply every two hours during prolonged exposure, and more often if swimming or sweating.

Choosing and using sunscreen

Pick a formula you’ll actually wear: mineral for sensitive skin, chemical for light textures, or tinted mineral if you want subtle coverage.
Apply generously: many people underapply. A general rule is about a teaspoon for the face and a shot glass for the body.
Reapply every two hours outdoors and immediately after towel drying or heavy sweating.
Use a separate lip balm with SPF and protect the hands and décolleté, which show sun damage.

Sunscreen remains the primary defense. Combine it with hats, sunglasses and clothing when possible for the best protection.

Hands, lips and neck — areas often neglected

Hands and lips are exposed more than you might assume; they show early signs of aging and are prone to dryness. Use a dedicated hand cream with SPF in daytime and a richer ointment at night. For lips, use an SPF lip balm during the day and a thicker balm at night. The neck and décolleté have thinner skin; include these areas in your cleansing, moisturizing and sun protection routine to prevent accelerated aging.

Makeup and seasonal adjustments

Adjusting your makeup to the seasons reduces skin stress. Heavy, oil‑based foundations in hot, humid months trap sweat and can worsen breakouts; use lightweight, non‑comedogenic BB creams or tinted sunscreens. In winter, a cream foundation can add comfort to dry skin but remove makeup thoroughly at night to prevent irritation. Mineral powders work well for touch‑ups in summer, especially over sunscreen. Never sleep in makeup—regardless of season.

Diet, sleep and lifestyle tips across seasons

Skincare isn’t just topical. Nutrition, hydration, sleep and stress all influence how your skin looks and repairs itself. Seasonal habits matter: winter tends to bring heavier comfort foods and less daylight, potentially affecting sleep and mood; summer may increase alcohol intake and outdoor activity. Aim for consistent sleep, adequate water intake, a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and omega‑3 fats, and moderate alcohol and sugar consumption to support skin health year‑round.

Practical lifestyle checklist

Hydration: drink water throughout the day; rely on foods like fruits and vegetables for additional hydration.
Diet: include colorful vegetables, oily fish or plant omega‑3 sources, and vitamin C‑rich foods.
Sleep: aim for regular sleep patterns to support repair processes that occur overnight.
Stress: practice manageable stress relief—walks, short meditations, or social time—as stress hormones can worsen acne and inflammatory conditions.

Tools and environmental aids

Small tools make big differences seasonally. A humidifier in winter reduces dryness in living spaces. A gentle humidifying face mist can revive skin during long flights or dry commutes. Blotting papers, mineral powders and cooling gels are summer essentials for managing shine without removing sunscreen. A soft washcloth and silicone face scrubbers help with gentle cleansing; avoid abrasive tools that damage the barrier.

Safe at‑home treatments and masks

Home treatments can be comforting and supportive when chosen carefully. Simple, calming options include oatmeal masks for soothing and gentle hydration with honey and yogurt. However, avoid abrasive scrubs or strong at‑home peels during high sun exposure or if you have active irritation or eczema. Always patch test a new mixture on the inner arm and avoid applying citrus or strong essential oils undiluted to the face.

Easy calming mask (oatmeal and yogurt)

1 tablespoon colloidal oatmeal mixed with 1 tablespoon plain yogurt until paste forms.
Apply to clean skin for 10–15 minutes, rinse with lukewarm water.
Use once a week for hydration and mild soothing.

Note: This is a gentle, traditional remedy. If you have active acne, rosacea or eczema, check with a dermatologist before trying new at‑home treatments.

When to see a dermatologist

Seasonal tweaks help most skin problems, but professional input is needed when conditions persist or worsen. Book a visit if you experience severe or spreading rashes, suspicious moles, flares not improved by basic barrier repair, persistent acne that over‑the‑counter options can’t control, or if you’re considering strong topical or procedural treatments. A dermatologist can tailor prescriptions safely across seasons and advise on timing for in‑office peels or lasers to minimize sun‑related risks.

Travel and seasonal adjustments

Travel throws a wrench into routines: different climates, time zones and water hardness can upset the skin. Pack travel sizes of your core items—gentle cleanser, hydrating serum, moisturizer, and SPF—and add a small barrier ointment if you expect cold or dry conditions. For long flights, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol and use a hydrating mist and occlusive balm overnight to counteract cabin dryness.

Mistakes people make when adjusting by season

Some common errors sabotage otherwise thoughtful routines. First, people switch too many products at once and cannot tell which change helped or harmed. Second, abandoning sunscreen in “non‑sunny” seasons invites cumulative damage. Third, over‑exfoliating in summer or winter while chasing quick fixes harms the barrier. Finally, assuming natural or “clean” equals non‑irritating leads to reactions—essential oils and plant extracts can aggravate sensitive skin. Keep changes incremental and observe for a few weeks before making another adjustment.

Summary: a practical cheat‑sheet by season

The following table compresses the main actions to take in each season. Treat it as a short checklist you can pin to your bathroom mirror.

Season	Main concerns	Core adjustments
Winter	Low humidity, dry air, indoor heating, wind	Richer moisturizers, occlusives at night, humidifier, gentle cleansing, continue SPF
Spring	Allergies, fluctuating temps, increasing sun	Remove pollen after outdoor time, lighter textures, introduce actives slowly, keep SPF
Summer	Heat, humidity, sweat, strong sun	Lightweight hydrating gels, mattifying SPF, reapply sunscreen, control oil and sweat
Autumn	Transitioning to cooler, lower humidity; after‑sun repair	Repair sun damage, reintroduce retinoids/exfoliation cautiously, start richer moisturizers

Practical product shopping list (seasonal)

Use this shopping list to build a flexible, effective kit. Choose fragrance‑free options if you are sensitive, and select non‑comedogenic labels if you’re acne‑prone.

Gentle, pH‑balanced cleanser (one cream, one gel optional)
Hydrating serum (hyaluronic acid or glycerin‑based)
Ceramide repair cream or moisturizer
Occlusive ointment (petrolatum or lanolin) for winter
Broad‑spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+)—mineral or chemical depending on preference
Niacinamide serum for oil regulation and barrier support
Vitamin C antioxidant for morning use
Low‑concentration AHA or BHA for occasional exfoliation
Overnight hydrating masks for weekly boosts
Humidifier for winter air

Final thoughts: keep observing and adapt

Seasonal skincare is not about rigid rules but careful observation and small, purposeful changes. Keep a mental note of how your skin reacts when you alter texture, frequency of actives, or protection. When you travel across climates or change your daily habits, revisit your routine. If an ingredient causes persistent irritation or a condition worsens despite sensible care, consult a dermatologist rather than trying every new product on a whim.

Skin responds well to consistency and protection. Treat the basics—gentle cleansing, daily sunscreen, hydration and barrier support—as non‑negotiable, then layer seasonally appropriate textures and actives with intention. With a few simple adjustments each season, your skin can look and feel better year‑round: calmer in winter, balanced in spring, protected in summer, and renewed in autumn.

Resources and credits

For evidence‑based guidance on specific treatments or prescription medications, consult a board‑certified dermatologist or trusted professional resource. This guide compiles widely accepted dermatological principles: barrier repair, sun protection, and ingredient functions—for practical daily use.