Have you ever noticed the texture of your skin as soon as there is a transition in the weather? One month your skin feels dry and flaky, and the next, it’s oily and prone to breakouts. These shifts can be frustrating and overwhelming, but they are completely natural. The environment has a huge impact on how your skin behaves, meaning your skin type can change as you transition from season to season.

During the colder months, the drop in temperature can wreak havoc on your skin. As cold air is known to hold less moisture, which can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. This is especially common if you’re frequently indoors. On the other hand, in the summer, higher temperatures cause your skin to produce more oil to protect itself from the heat. This can result in oily, shiny skin and even clogged pores.

The amount of moisture in the air can also impact your skin. In humid climates, your skin tends to attract and trap more moisture, which can make it feel hydrated but also more prone to oiliness and breakouts. Low humidity during the winter months dries out the skin, leaving it feeling tight and dehydrated.

In the summer, extreme heat and increased sun exposure can dry out the skin’s surface while simultaneously triggering oil production, leading to a confusing combination of dry and oily skin. It can also damage your skin’s natural barrier, making it more sensitive and prone to pigmentation issues. In the winter, sun exposure is reduced, but your skin may still experience UV damage, especially in snowy climates where sunlight reflects off surfaces.