As the seasons shift, so do the needs of your skin. Just like we swap our wardrobes for warmer sweaters or lighter layers, our skin craves adjustments in care to stay balanced, resilient, and radiant. Here are five simple yet powerful ways to nurture your skin through seasonal change:
1. Reevaluate Your Cleanser and Moisturizer
What worked in summer may not feel right in fall or winter. Gel and foaming cleansers that keep oil in check during humid months can feel too stripping once the air gets cooler and drier. Likewise, your lightweight summer moisturizer may not provide enough protection in colder weather. Transition to a cream or milky cleanser and a richer moisturizer that is best suited for your skin type, helping to lock in hydration without clogging pores.
2. Layer in Extra Hydration
Seasonal air shifts can sap moisture, leaving skin tight or flaky. Add a hydrating serum with humectants (like hyaluronic acid) to attract water into the skin. Then, seal it in with a nourishing moisturizer or even a facial oil if your skin responds well in winter. While oils may feel too heavy for some skin types during summer, they can be a beautiful addition during colder months to strengthen your barrier and keep skin supple. The key is choosing oils and moisturizers that are best suited for your skin type—there are options for all types!
3. Don’t Ditch the SPF
Even when the days get shorter and cloudier, UV rays remain a top cause of premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and barrier damage. Keep sunscreen a non-negotiable step, every single day, year-round. Two of my favorites are the Odacite SPF 50 Sheer Mineral Drops and Marie Veronique Colorfree SPF 32—both available in the Periidot Online Shop.
4. Gently Exfoliate Away Dullness
Colder months can slow cell turnover, leading to a buildup of dry, flaky skin. Incorporating a gentle exfoliant once or twice a week helps reveal brighter, smoother skin. You can exfoliate in three ways:
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Physically, with fine powders or polishes that buff away dull surface skin.
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Enzymatically, with fruit enzymes that gently dissolve dead skin.
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Chemically, with AHAs (like lactic or mandelic acid) to encourage deeper renewal.
Together, these methods help buff away dull, dead skin cells on the surface so your skin can absorb products more effectively and stay hydrated and moisturized more easily.
One of my favorite exfoliating products is Green Envee's Illuminate Enzyme Cleansing Powder—a dry powder activated with water. It features bamboo powder to physically exfoliate while antioxidant-rich papaya enzymes gently brighten and smooth. For chemical exfoliation, I love the Marie Veronique Treatment Cleanser with beta and alpha hydroxy acids to clear clogged pores and smooth skin and PHAs acids boost ceramide production necessary to maintain good barrier function. Green Envee Mandelic Serum Is another favorite which also includes a PHA (lactobionic acid) that’s even gentler on skin, making it ideal for sensitive types.
5. Listen to Your Skin’s Cues
Seasonal transitions affect everyone differently. Some may notice dryness, others more congestion, and some both at once. Pay attention to how your skin feels and looks, then adjust products or frequency of use accordingly. A personalized approach always leads to better results than a one-size-fits-all routine.
Seasonal change is a reminder that our skin, like nature, thrives in rhythm and adaptation. By making small adjustments and tuning into your skin’s signals, you can keep your complexion balanced, nourished, and glowing all year long.
✨ Looking for more personalized support? A professional facial is one of the best ways to transition your skin between seasons. At Periidot Holistic Esthetics, I offer facials and holistic skin consultations designed to honor your unique skin journey in every season. [Book your session here »]
