Why your skincare should evolve with the seasons

Your skin goes through a lot in a year. From hot, humid days to cool, dry air, the weather plays a big role in how your skin looks and feels. That’s why your skincare routine shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all.

With a few seasonal tweaks, you can stay on top of issues like dryness, acne or irritation before they become more serious. Let’s walk through how to care for your skin in every season, so you can feel good in your skin year-round.

Summer: keeping acne at bay and managing dehydration

Hot, humid weather can do a number on your skin – from clogged pores and breakouts to heat rash and sunburn. Throw in intense Aussie UV levels and it’s extra important to protect your skin during the warmer months. Here’s how to keep your skin calm, clear and cared for through the summer heat:

• Cleanse gently: Use a mild cleanser that helps manage oil and breakouts without stripping your skin. Look for ingredients like salicylic acid if you’re prone to acne
  

• Moisturise lightly: Swap in a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser to keep skin hydrated without clogging pores
  

• Wear sunscreen daily: Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ is a must, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating
  

• Soothe skin stress: If you get sunburn or heat rash, calm the skin with a cool compress, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and talk to your pharmacist about the right moisturiser to boost the moisture content of your skin.
  

• Shower smart: Use warm (not hot) water and moisturise right after to help lock in hydration.

Top summer skincare tip: In Australia, UV levels can get extreme. Make sure you follow some simple rules for protecting yourself from the sun and book regular skin cancer checks.

Autumn: tackling dryness and strengthening your skin

As the days cool down, your skin can start to feel dry, tight or a little extra sensitive. That’s totally normal. Autumn is all about transition – and your skincare routine should shift with the season too. Now’s the time to focus on hydration, gentle repair and protecting that all-important skin barrier.

Here’s how to show your skin some love this autumn:

• Opt for a cream not a lotion: Lotions are mostly water and don’t stop moisture from escaping, while creams and moisturisers help lock hydration in and protect the skin
  

• Boost hydration: Keep your hydration up, aiming for about 2 – 2.6 litres of water a day
  

• Keep using sunscreen each day: Autumn UV levels might feel lower, but they can still damage your skin. Make sunscreen part of your daily routine and pop a travel-size tube in your bag so you’re always covered

Don’t forget about your lips: Use petroleum jelly to keep your lips hydrated, as some lip balms and preservatives can make irritation worse. And try not to lick your lips – it can dry them out even more.

Winter: fighting exacerbated skin conditions

Cold air outside. Dry air inside. Winter is tough on your skin. As the temperature drops, so does the moisture in the air and your skin can feel it. Dryness, flakiness and flare-ups like eczema, psoriasis or even chilblains can become more common.

Here’s how to give your skin a little extra care during the colder winter months:

• Go gentle on cleansing: Use a mild, hydrating, non-soap cleanser that won’t strip your skin’s natural oils. This is especially important if you already experience dry or sensitive skin
  

• Switch to richer moisturisers: Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerine to help lock in moisture and support your skin barrier
  

• Hydrate the air: Indoor heating can zap moisture from the air (and your skin). Try using a humidifier at home, especially in your bedroom
  

• Ease up on exfoliating: Overdoing it can make dryness worse. Once a week is often enough in winter.
  

• Keep an eye on your circulation: Cold exposure can lead to chilblains – small, itchy or swollen spots caused by poor circulation in the cold. Keep your extremities warm and covered when you’re out and about.
  

• Be proactive about managing eczema or psoriasis: If you live with eczema or psoriasis, now’s a good time to check in with your GP or dermatologist. They can help review your treatment plan if things start to flare.

As an nib member, you can access skin consultations through our partner hub.health. Complete a quick online questionnaire, book a time that suits you and speak with an Australian-based clinician. If treatment* is recommended, your products can be delivered straight to your door.

Spring: managing allergies and skin sensitivity

Spring sunshine feels like a fresh start. But for your skin, the rise in pollen and temperature can bring a few bumps in the road. Common springtime triggers like increased allergens and UV exposure can lead to redness, flare-ups and dry patches, especially if you’re managing conditions like eczema or rosacea.

Here’s how to help your skin stay cool, calm and comfortable:

Go light with your moisturiser: Swap rich, heavy creams for lightweight, oil-free formulas that keep your skin balanced as temperatures climb. This can help prevent clogged pores and excess oiliness

Manage irritation from allergies: Spring allergies don’t just affect your nose – they can show up on your skin too. Hives, itchy patches and inflammation are common. Speak to your GP or pharmacist about over-the-counter antihistamines or calming skincare options to ease irritation

Soothe flare-ups: Skin conditions like rosacea can be triggered by warmer weather and pollen. Depending on your type of rosacea your doctor or dermatologist may recommend non-comedogenic skincare products or prescribe targeted medicines to help with symptoms

Don’t skip SPF: With more time spent outdoors, your skin is exposed to stronger UV rays – even on cooler days. Make sunscreen part of your daily routine and reapply if you’re out and about.

Do I need to apply sunscreen year round?

Sun protection isn’t just for summer. In Australia, UV levels can remain high even on cloudy or cooler days, which means sunscreen should be part of your daily routine year-round. Consistent use of SPF helps protect your skin from premature ageing, sun damage and skin cancers – including melanoma, the most common cancer in Australia.

Regular skin checks are just as important as daily SPF. Spotting issues early means most skin cancers are highly treatable. If you haven’t had a check this year, now’s a perfect time to book one in. Or try nib’s free online skin check tool. You’ll learn your skin type, your skin cancer risk and get personalised tips to help protect your skin.

Related: Common sunscreen myths and mistakes

Keep your skin glowing all year

Looking after your skin means adapting your routine with the seasons. If your skin needs extra care – like ongoing dryness, eczema or unusual changes – a dermatologist can help. With a GP referral, you may be able to claim your visit through Medicare.  

As an nib member, you can easily connect with an Australian-based clinician through our partner hub.health. Just answer a few quick questions online, pick a time that suits you and chat with a professional who can talk to you about specific skin conditions. If they recommend treatment*, it can be delivered right to your door.

The information contained in this article is provided as general information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For personalised medical advice, always consult your qualified healthcare professional. 

*The provision of treatments is not guaranteed. It will be based on the information you provide during your consultation and whether the GP or Nurse Practitioner deems it to be appropriate for the care of your individual health needs. Please note that treatments which have high potential for misuse, abuse or addiction cannot be recommended via telehealth.