It’s time we have a little chat about the weather; about how the seasons’ change and are always changing and how these changes require a swift sartorial edit of our skincare wardrobes to prevent our faces from puckering with heat and frost. That’s a lot of change, I know. And change can be scary. But when it comes to switching up your serums, moisturisers, and cleansers, all it takes is a few shrewd selections to safely get your complexion through those in-between moments – through the snowfields of parched, flaky winter skin to the sunlit shores of sweat and pigmentation.

Let’s dive straight into it, shall we?

Serum

Retinol makes your skin hypersensitive to sunlight and may not be your best bet while you’re frolicking on the coast like the glamorous lizard queen that you are. Save that whole ‘new you, new skin’ thing for the cool, dull light of winter. In the meantime, start slathering on a Vitamin C serum in the AM – it’s a powerhouse for fighting against free radicals, sun damage, fine lines, and discolouration. Like a tall drink of water for your face, a good hyaluronic acid serum is key to keeping things plump, fresh and hydrated all year round.

Winter: Sunday Riley Luna Oil

Summer: The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%

All Year Round: Apot.Care Hyalu Repair Serum

Exfoliator

According to our go-to dermal therapist, Melanie Grant, who also happens to be behind the angelic complexions of many a supermodel, a chemical exfoliator “dissolves the glue that holds dead skin cells together, thus allowing them to come away…leaving a glow-y, smooth, polished complexion without scrubbing.” Really, you’d be mad not to subscribe to this beauty MO all year round – though not all chemicals were created equal. While you’re sweating up a storm in the summertime go for an oil soluble AHA solution, like salicylic acid, to keep pores unclogged and oil free. For skin ravaged by snow storms, red wine and nights of interminable passion by the fireplace, opt for a BHA, like a lactic acid – it’ll gently slough away dull skin while increasing hydration levels and collagen production sans irritation.

Winter:  Go-To Exfoliating Swipeys

Summer: Medik8 Blemish Control Pads

All Year Round: Biologique Recherche Lotion P50

Cleanser

Keep this one simple and, no matter what season it is, try not to overdose with this whole double, triple, quadruple cleansing thing that is currently whipping the beauty world into a frenzy. Your skin can handle a great deal on its own, but if you’re stripping it of its protective epidermal shield, it’s more than likely to turn into a red-faced toddler. The key to switching it up here is texture: all year round, do yourself a favour by indulging in a weekly deep cleanse and facial massage with a balm. In summer, tackle hyperactive sebaceous glands with a clarifying foam, and, in winter, keep things calm and plump with a gentle cream or cleansing oil.

Winter: Elemis Pro-Radiance Cream Cleanser

Summer: Philosophy Purity Foam 3 in 1 Cleanse Gel

All Year Round: Eve Lom Cleansing Balm

Multi-masking

If you have no idea what multi-masking is, then you will at least have seen someone on your Instagram feed with an array of muds and gels painted onto their faces like a cosmetic Picasso. Want to try it for yourself? We’d be lying if we said that it’s more fun than it looks, but it will address all of your skin concerns in one hit. As a general rule of thumb, apply a clay or charcoal mask onto your t-zone to clarify and target breakouts, followed by a brightening, hydrating mask everywhere else. Or just use one on its own according to your seasonal skincare needs. Whatever you feel like. You are the star of this show and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

Winter: Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask

Summer: Fresh Umbrian Clay Mask

All Year Round: Tatcha Polished Rice Enzyme Powder

Moisturiser

If you’ve made it this far in and you’re thinking about how low maintenance you are and how you’re never going to find the time or the financial resources to switch your skincare up as often as your wardrobe, we have, what we like to call in the beauty world, a ‘hack’. What is this ‘hack’, you ask? WELL. Take whatever face oil you have lying around and add 1-2 drops to your regular moisturiser for an added boost in winter. Easy. Done. For those of you who will not apologise for the unadulterated pleasure derived from trying every hot thing to come your way, blow out with the Rolls Royce of emollient, luxury creams for dry skin in distress….together now in a Parisian whisper: La Mer Crème de la Mer.

Winter: La Mer Crème de la Mer

Summer: Aesop Mandarin Facial Hydrating Cream

All Year Round: SK-II Facial Treatment Oil

SPF

We really don’t need to wax lyrical about this one. If you want to do your skin, and your future self, a favour, wear an SPF 50+ all year round, whether you are meditating in a damp cave or frolicking in the sun like the lizard queen we so lovingly compared you to before.

Winter: Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50

Summer: Invisible Zinc Water Resistant Sunscreen 50+

All Year Round: Clarins UV Plus Anti-Pollution 50+