# Skincare for Cold, Dry and Changing Climates: A Seasonal Anti-Aging Routine

> How to adjust your anti-aging routine for winter, summer, dry, humid and changing seasons: barrier repair, moisturizers, retinoid tweaks and year-round sunscreen.

Canonical: https://antiagingcare.org/blog/routine-cold-climate
HTML version: https://antiagingcare.org/blog/routine-cold-climate
Author: Anti Aging Care Editorial Team
Published: 2025-10-22
Updated: 2026-10-24
Category: Anti-Aging

Weather changes how your skin behaves, and your routine should change with it. The short answer: in cold, dry conditions, switch to a gentler cleanser and a richer moisturizer and reduce how often you use strong actives. In hot, humid conditions, go lighter. Keep sunscreen year-round, because UV causes skin aging in every season.

## Why cold, dry air is hard on skin

A review of research on environmental humidity and temperature concluded that low humidity and low temperatures reduce skin barrier function and increase susceptibility to dermatitis ([Engebretsen et al., *J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol*, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26449379/)). Indoor heating lowers humidity further.

## Winter routine

**Morning:** lukewarm rinse or cream cleanser, hydrating serum, richer moisturizer, broad-spectrum sunscreen.

**Night:** gentle cleanser, retinoid on fewer nights if you're flaking, then a thick moisturizer or ointment.

## Dermatologist tips for dry skin

The AAD recommends short, lukewarm showers or baths, applying moisturizer right after washing, choosing ointments or creams over lotions, using a humidifier and choosing fragrance-free products ([AAD: dry skin tips](https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/dermatologists-tips-relieve-dry-skin)).

## Season by season

| Season or climate | Adjust |
|---|---|
| Cold, dry winter | Richer cream, fewer exfoliants, humidifier, lip balm |
| Hot, humid summer | Gel moisturizer, lightweight or gel sunscreen, reapply outdoors |
| Desert or high altitude | Hydrating layers, more frequent sunscreen; UV can be stronger at altitude |
| Tropical or coastal | Water-resistant sunscreen, oil-free textures |
| Spring and fall transitions | Change one product at a time |

## Retinoids in winter

Retinoids can feel harsher in dry weather. Options: use them every other night, apply moisturizer first, or try a gentler strength ([AAD: retinoids](https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/anti-aging/retinoid-retinol)). Don't stop entirely unless your skin is cracked or irritated.

## Sunscreen in winter

UV exposure still happens on cold or cloudy days, and snow reflects UV. Regular sunscreen use slowed visible aging in a randomized trial ([Hughes et al., *Ann Intern Med*, 2013](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23732711/)). Use SPF 30 or higher, broad-spectrum, and reapply when outdoors ([AAD: sunscreen FAQs](https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/shade-clothing-sunscreen/sunscreen-faqs)).

## Summer pitfalls

- Heavy creams can feel greasy and clog pores; switch to lighter textures.
- Sweat and swimming remove sunscreen; reapply.
- Heat can trigger redness in rosacea-prone skin.

## Signs your barrier needs a break

Stinging with products you normally tolerate, tightness, flaking or red patches. Pause exfoliants and retinoids, use a bland moisturizer, and restart slowly.

## Frequently asked questions

**Should I change my whole routine every season?** No. Adjust cleanser, moisturizer and active frequency.

**Is a humidifier worth it?** It can help, especially with indoor heating.

**Do I need sunscreen in winter?** Yes, if you'll be outdoors in daylight.

**Can I still exfoliate in winter?** Less often, and gently.

_This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Talk to a board-certified dermatologist about your situation._

## Sources

- Engebretsen KA et al. The effect of environmental humidity and temperature on skin barrier function and dermatitis. *J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol*. 2016. [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26449379/)
- Hughes MC et al. Sunscreen and prevention of skin aging: a randomized trial. *Ann Intern Med*. 2013. [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23732711/)
- American Academy of Dermatology. [Dry skin tips](https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/dermatologists-tips-relieve-dry-skin); [Retinoids](https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/anti-aging/retinoid-retinol); [Sunscreen FAQs](https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/shade-clothing-sunscreen/sunscreen-faqs)