Why You Should Change Your Skincare Routine with the Seasons

Why Change Your Routine?

“Seasons change—people change!,” says Heyday Skincare Educator Glenise Gomez. As the temps start to dip and humidity decreases, our skincare routines should help our skin compensate for and cope with these fluctuations. “This is your chance to lavish yourself in emollient oils and lipid-rich balms,” recommends Gomez. Fall and winter are the seasons for leave-on treatments, like moisturizing masks and thicker creams. Your skin will especially benefit from products loaded with humectants that bind moisture to the skin and restore your lipid barrier when colder climates and low humidity compromise it.

But before you make any product swaps, “assess the state of your skin and take inventory of your goals,” advises Heyday Skincare Educator Jeni Montoya. For example, you might have been using a brightening serum in the summer, but may want to switch that out for a more hydrating, reparative serum for the winter.

Summer To Fall

This shift requires a delicate balance, as temps can be as indecisive as choosing what to watch on Netflix. One day it’s picnic-in-the-park warm, the next it’s hot-coffee chilly. To keep skin nimble and prepare for the elements, make subtle but impactful swaps. Keep your core products—cleanser, moisturizer, SPF—the same for now.

If you’re experiencing post-summer skin damage (like hyperpigmentation, blackheads, congestion), increase your exfoliation while maintaining hydration. If you’ve been thinking about introducing retinol—the only FDA-approved ingredient known to reverse aging—this is the best time of year. With fewer daylight hours, your skin experiences less sun sensitivity. No matter your skin type, adding a facial oil is essential this time of year to support barrier strength and humidity fluctuations.

Fall To Winter

During this period of dryness and coldness, “your skin is definitely going to be more vulnerable as you become more prone to dehydration and sensitivity,” Montoya warns. Winter is all about going into defense mode—shifting basics to protect and heal the skin.

Swap your lighter summer moisturizer for a thicker cream. Make sure you’re applying moisturizers correctly: always on damp skin so they have something to latch onto. Dampen skin with toner, serum, or water before creams. Also show love to often-neglected areas—lips and body skin. If you’re feeling chapped, a weekly hydrating mask will keep your barrier cozy all winter.

Seasonal Skincare Products For Fall & Winter

Now that you know why seasonal shifts matter, here are expert-approved recs:

A Hydrating, Brightening Exfoliant
With 10% glycolic acid balanced with moisturizing glycerin, these exfoliating pads help resurface and renew skin.

A Vitamin-Rich Retinol
This gentle but effective serum works for beginners and retinol lovers. Apply nightly to reverse aging signs, boost radiance, and even tone.

A Facial Oil To Lock In Hydration
This lightweight, healing vitamin-rich oil defends, soothes, and strengthens your barrier.

A Sunscreen To Stay Protected
Even if you’re outside less, SPF is still essential. This hydrating mineral SPF protects and repairs past UV damage.

A Moisturizer Upgrade
This antioxidant-rich night cream enhances repair and replenishment overnight.

A Hydrating Face Mask
For extra TLC, try this ultra-nourishing mask to soothe irritated, chapped skin.

Welcome In A New Season With A Facial

Stopping in for a Heyday facial is the best way to reset your skin for the new season and check in with a pro. Fall/winter facials clear congestion from summer and boost hydration for the cold months. This is also the perfect time for enhancements like professional peels or microdermabrasion to refine skin and maintain health year-round.