Adjusting your skincare “cycle” for winter vs. summer.

As the seasons shift, so too must our approach to skincare. What your complexion thrives on in the height of summer such as lightweight gels, daily peels and vigorous exfoliation, can leave it parched and inflamed when the air turns crisp and central heating dries the barrier. Most of us continue the same skincare routine year-round. A simple “skin cycle” swap to keep your barrier strong, your texture smooth, and your glow intact no matter the weather is highly recommended. 

Here are Libi’s 5 tips to adjust your skin for the winter season:

1. Tame Your Actives in Winter: Winter requires a gentler approach to exfoliation and cellular renewal. Rather than reaching for strong alpha hydroxy acids or daily retinol, reduce these AHAs, and BHAs actives to one or two evenings per week. This prevents micro-inflammation and barrier weakening when cold air and central heating sap the moisture from our skin.

2. Embrace Richer Moisturisers
Trade lightweight gels for emollient-rich creams and embrace richer formulations that deliver lasting hydration and support barrier function. Ingredients such as niacinamide and panthenol reinforce the skin’s natural defenses and soothe any irritation caused by cold, dry air. These ingredients lock in hydration and protect against the elements, and prevent the tightness and flaking so many people associate with winter.

3. Time Your Winter Peel Once the risk of sun sensitivity has diminished, the winter months also offer a safe window for controlled resurfacing. I turn to a retinaldehyde-based Mesopeel Retiflash for its ability to refine texture and stimulate gentle cell turnover without provoking excessive peeling. The result is a healthy glow and improved tone without the downtime or pigmentation concerns of harsher peels.

4. Seasonal Consultations Every facial appointment during this season becomes an opportunity to reassess and adjust. I work closely with each client to review their home-care routine, discuss lifestyle and stress factors, and tailor a cycle of treatments that aligns with the most rapid shifts in our skin’s biology. By aligning our protocols with the seasons and the latest scientific insights, we can maintain resilience, clarity and radiance even when the mercury dips, ensuring your regimen grows with you, rather than against you.

5. My Recommended Medical-Grade Staples

• Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6/10: A stable form of retinaldehyde that offers effective renewal with minimal irritation and is perfect for those once-or-twice-weekly winter applications.
  
• iS Clinical Reparative Moisture Emulsion: A rich, reparative cream that bolsters your barrier, allowing active ingredients to work without crossing the line into overexfoliation.

Remember, your skin is not static, it changes with weather, hormones, and lifestyle. By “cycling” your cosmeceuticals and treatments with the seasons, you can minimise sensitivity, maximise results, and preserve that lit-from-within radiance all year long.