Seasonal Skin Science: Adapting to Weather Shifts

Have beautiful skin in winter, but dealing with breakouts in summer? Or perhaps you’re glowing when the sun’s out but struggling with dryness in chilly weather? Just like swapping linen for knits and sandals for boots, your skincare needs to shift with the weather. That’s the secret to dewy, radiant skin all year round.

Here’s how you can tweak your routine from sweaty summers to wind-whipped winters.

Sneak Peek

• Your skin changes with the weather, and your skincare should too.
• In summer, go for light, breathable, non-clogging formulas and don’t skip sunscreen.
• Winter calls for richer moisturisers, humectants and barrier-loving layers.
• During spring and autumn, focus on balance with gentle formulas and antioxidants.
• Staying consistent is key, but switching up your products seasonally helps skin stay calm and radiant.

Summer Skin: Lighten Up & Lock in Protection

The season of high heat and high shine, from December to February, you’re dealing with long, UV-heavy days and humidity that doesn’t quit. 

For your skin, this could mean clogged pores, breakouts and increased oiliness. The sunny weather also heightens the risk of hyperpigmentation, flare-ups and sun damage. Not ideal, we know.

Your skincare heroes during this time include:

• Lightweight, hydrating formulas, especially gel-based cleansers and water-light serums.
• Adding a few drops of vitamin C to your morning skincare routine does wonders to even out your skin tone.
• Sunscreen is a huge must, even if you’re indoors or on cloudier mornings.
• For some self-care time before bed or a post-beach refresh, reach for calming face masks.
• Sun exposure can dry and damage your lips’ delicate skin, so keep a nourishing lip balm on hand.
• Breakout-busting products with salicylic acid or tea tree oil are your summer besties.

Other than keeping your barrier strong and irritation-free, this also gives your makeup a smoother base, helping it last longer in the heat.

Rich, Repairing & Resilient Routines in Winter

With cold air, indoor heating and chilly winds, moisture gets zapped from your skin quicker than the sun sets. This results in dullness, tightness, flakiness and sensitivity as your skin barrier is compromised. Eczema and windburn also tend to flare up during this time. 

Your skincare edit should focus on:

• Nourishing face moisturisers packed with ingredients like ceramides to protect against the elements.
• Humectants, like hyaluronic acid, glycerin or panthenol, to draw moisture back into the skin.
• Gentle exfoliants with AHAs and BHAs (once or twice a week) to deal with dead skin cells.
• Swap foaming cleansers for creamier versions that don’t strip your natural oils.
• Layer nourishing oils over your routine to lock in moisture and boost comfort.
• Sleeping masks to soothe, smooth and soften as you sleep.

Spring & Autumn: Balance Between Transition Season

One day it’s hot, the next it’s crisp. Temperature isn’t constant, pollen levels are on the rise, and humidity flips its switch more often than not. It’s a time of flux. Your day-to-day might involve oil imbalance, sudden dryness, reactive skin, congestion or even redness with allergies.

Here’s what you need to do:

• Start layering antioxidants like vitamin E and ferulic acid to calm reactivity and support barrier function.
• Use toners to rebalance your skin’s pH, moisture and oil levels.
• Reintroduce exfoliants slowly to smooth and reset skin, remember to keep it ultra gentle!
• Try the skin cycling method. Rotate active and recovery nights to keep your skin in sync with the weather without overdoing it.

BeautyWorks Tip: Have one or two buffer products (calming serums or barrier creams work perfectly!) to fall back on when your skin gets unpredictable.

Skincare by Climate, Personalised to Where You Are

Even in the same season, Australia’s climate is far from a one-size-fits-all. Depending on where you live, your skincare fix changes:

• Tropical: High humidity often leads to sweat-induced breakouts. Go for lightweight cleansers and non-comedogenic serums.
• Coastal: Salt, wind, and sun are good for the soul, but not so much for the skin. It can cause dryness and pigmentation, calling for hydration and daily sunscreen.
• Dry Zones: Skin dries faster in lower humidity. Layer humectant-rich moisturisers to lock in the goodness.

It’s All About Skincare That Moves with You

Adjusting your skincare staples helps keep your complexion calm, balanced, and radiant no matter the time of the year. 

Need help building a routine that flexes with the forecast? Our beauty insiders are always ready to help you find your seasonal skincare match. Whether you’re swapping serums, upgrading moisturisers, or looking for a non-stripping cleanser, we’ve got something for every skin story.