Your skin behaves differently depending on the season. Just as you swap out your wardrobe to adjust to the weather, your skincare routine also needs a seasonal transition. The products and techniques that work wonders in summer may not be effective in winter, and vice versa.
Cold, dry air in winter demands extra hydration and nourishment, while summer’s heat and humidity call for lightweight, breathable skincare to prevent clogged pores. Understanding these seasonal shifts will help you maintain a healthy, glowing complexion all year round.
Let’s break down the key differences between winter and summer skincare, why you need to change your routine, and the best ingredients and products to keep your skin balanced.
How Seasonal Changes Affect Your Skin
Before adjusting your routine, it’s essential to understand how different seasons affect your skin.
Winter
- The cold air and indoor heating strip moisture from your skin, making it dry, flaky, and prone to irritation.
- Your skin’s barrier function weakens, leading to increased sensitivity and redness.
- You may experience dullness and a lack of radiance due to slower cell turnover.
Summer
- Hot temperatures increase sweat and oil production, leading to breakouts and clogged pores.
- Prolonged sun exposure can cause pigmentation, sunburn, and premature aging.
- High humidity makes heavy creams feel greasy and suffocating on the skin.
Understanding these changes will help you build a seasonal skincare routine that keeps your skin looking its best year-round.
Hydration Needs: Lightweight vs. Deep Moisture
Winter Skincare
In winter, the skin loses moisture quickly due to dry air and indoor heating. To combat this, switch to heavier moisturizers rich in:
- Hyaluronic acid (for deep hydration)
- Ceramides (to repair the skin barrier)
- Shea butter & squalane (for nourishment)
Korean skincare brands like Some By Mi offer deeply hydrating products that strengthen the skin barrier and restore moisture.
Summer Skincare
During summer, excessive sweating and humidity can make heavy creams feel suffocating. Instead, opt for:
- Lightweight gel-based moisturizers with green tea, aloe vera, or rice extract
- Hydrating toners like Korean rice toner, which provides moisture without clogging pores
- Water-based ampoules to maintain hydration without greasiness
Pro Tip: In both seasons, apply your moisturizer on damp skin to lock in hydration more effectively.
Cleansing: Removing Impurities Without Stripping Skin
Winter Skincare
Cold weather can weaken the skin barrier, so harsh cleansers should be avoided. Use:
- Creamy or oil-based cleansers that cleanse without stripping moisture
- Double cleansing at night to remove impurities while keeping skin hydrated
Summer Skincare
Sweat, sunscreen, and oil buildup require deeper cleansing. Switch to:
- Foaming cleansers or gel-based cleansers with tea tree or salicylic acid
- Some By Mi’s AHA/BHA/PHA cleansers, which gently exfoliate and prevent breakouts
Pro Tip: Over-cleansing in any season can strip essential oils. Stick to twice-daily cleansing to maintain balance.
Sunscreen: A Must-Have for Every Season
Winter Skincare
Many people skip sunscreen in winter, but UV rays penetrate clouds and reflect off snow, increasing exposure.
- Use SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days
- Opt for hydrating sunscreens with ceramides to prevent dryness
Summer Skincare
With longer sun exposure, SPF is non-negotiable.
- Choose SPF 50+ with broad-spectrum protection
- Reapply every 2-3 hours when outdoors
- Use lightweight, sweat-resistant sunscreens that won’t clog pores
Pro Tip: If you wear makeup, try sunscreen powders or mists for easy reapplication throughout the day.
Exfoliation: Finding the Right Balance
Winter Skincare
Exfoliation helps remove dry, flaky skin, but too much can cause irritation. In winter:
- Limit exfoliation to once or twice a week
- Use gentle chemical exfoliants like lactic acid or PHA
- Avoid harsh scrubs that damage the skin barrier
Summer Skincare
Exfoliation helps unclog pores and remove sweat buildup.
- Increase to 2-3 times per week using AHAs/BHAs
- Try Some By Mi’s Miracle Toner, which exfoliates and clears breakouts
- Avoid exfoliating in the morning before sun exposure
Pro Tip: Always follow up with sunscreen after exfoliating to protect fresh skin.
Serums & Ampoules: Targeted Skincare for Each Season
Winter Skincare
Use hydrating and reparative serums to support the skin barrier:
- Hyaluronic acid + vitamin E for deep moisture
- Niacinamide + peptides for barrier strengthening
- Korean rice toner for gentle hydration and brightening
Summer Skincare
Focus on lightweight, antioxidant-rich serums to combat sun damage:
- Vitamin C to brighten and prevent hyperpigmentation
- Green tea + centella asiatica to soothe and reduce redness
- Tea tree + propolis to fight acne
Pro Tip: Store vitamin C serums in the fridge to maintain potency, especially in summer.
Adjusting Your Nighttime Routine
Winter Skincare
Nighttime is the best time to repair dry, stressed skin. Try:
- Overnight masks with ceramides & shea butter
- Layering hydrating products like ampoules and oils
- Using humidifiers to prevent overnight moisture loss
Summer Skincare
Lightweight night care prevents breakouts and controls oil production. Use:
- A refreshing gel-based sleeping mask
- Oil-free hydrating serums
- Minimal layering to let the skin breathe
Pro Tip: In both seasons, focus on hydration, repair, and protection to wake up with soft, supple skin.
Conclusion
Your skincare routine should adapt to the changing seasons to keep your skin healthy and radiant all year long.
Key Takeaways
Winter requires deep hydration with rich creams and gentle cleansers. Summer needs lightweight products that prevent oiliness and breakouts. Sunscreen is a year-round essential to prevent premature aging. Exfoliation should be adjusted to avoid over-drying in winter or clogged pores in summer. Korean skincare brands like Some By Mi offer versatile solutions for seasonal changes.
By making these seasonal adjustments and incorporating Korean rice toner benefits into your regimen, you can keep your skin glowing, balanced, and youthful—no matter the weather!
