Quick answer: Keep three things all year: sunscreen, a gentle evening cleanse and a patch test for anything new. Then change the textures. In summer use lighter layers, reapply sunscreen and blot. In winter use a richer moisturiser, cleanse less harshly, avoid very hot water on your face and keep lip balm within reach.
Reviewed by Dr. Alishba, Laboratory In-Charge.
What stays the same
Skin does not take a season off. The habits that protect your skin in July are the ones that protect it in January:
- Sunscreen every morning. UV does not disappear in winter, and haze and cloud do not remove it. Our winter sunscreen guide goes into the detail.
- A proper evening cleanse to remove sunscreen, dust and makeup.
- One new product at a time, introduced with a patch test.
- Water and sleep. No product replaces them.
Summer and winter side by side
| Step | Summer (hot, humid) | Winter (cool, dry) |
|---|---|---|
| Cleanser | Gentle gel or foaming wash, twice a day if you sweat a lot | Mild, non-stripping cleanser; once at night is often enough |
| Water temperature | Lukewarm or cool | Lukewarm, not hot; hot water dries the face |
| Serum | Light morning serum such as C Glow; night serum if you have marks | Same serums, but moisturise over them; go slowly if skin feels tight |
| Moisturiser | Light, or none if your skin is oily | Richer cream, especially at night |
| Sunscreen | Generous layer, reapply every 2–3 hours outdoors; Hybrid SPF-95 | Still daily; reapply if you spend long hours outdoors |
| Base makeup | Thin layers of BB cream, blot instead of reapplying | Can add a little more moisturiser underneath so it does not cling to dry patches |
| Lips | Balm when they feel dry; dust and wind can chap them even in summer | Balm all day and a thick layer at night |
Winter dry skin: what actually helps
Winter air, heaters and cold wind pull moisture from skin, so it can feel tight, rough or look dull. A few kind habits go further than adding products:
- Soften your cleansing. Skip scrubs and strong foaming washes and use lukewarm water.
- Moisturise while skin is still slightly damp, then add a richer cream at night.
- Be careful with actives. If your skin feels tight or stings, use a serum every second night instead of every night, and tell a dermatologist if irritation persists. Clarity contains a little glycolic acid, so go slowly in dry weather.
- Add humidity. A bowl of water near a heater or a humidifier in a dry bedroom can make mornings more comfortable.
- Protect your hands and lips, which are the first to crack.
Lips in every season
Lips have thin skin and no oil glands of their own, so wind, AC, dust, cold air and licking all dry them. The Bloom lip balms (Nude, Pink and Red, 10 g each, with a petrolatum barrier and Vitamin E) are hydrating and non-sticky with a sheer tint; they contain fragrance (Parfum) and have no SPF. For the full winter plan, see our Roman Urdu guide Sardi mein phatay hont ka ilaj and the winter dry skin and lips page.
Smog, fog and the cities
From October to January parts of Punjab get smog and fog. No skincare product protects you from polluted air, but a careful evening cleanse, sunscreen in the morning and a barrier-friendly moisturiser help your skin cope. The Lahore-focused smog routine has a day plan, and the hot-weather version is in summer skincare in Karachi, Lahore and Multan.
Changing over between seasons
Do not swap your whole routine overnight. As the weather turns, change one thing at a time: first the moisturiser, then the cleanser, and only then think about serums. If your skin looks fine and feels comfortable, you may not need to change anything beyond the moisturiser and lip balm.
Frequently asked questions
Should I change my skincare routine in winter?
Mostly the textures: a richer moisturiser, gentler cleansing and lip balm all day. Keep sunscreen and your night routine, and introduce changes one at a time.
Why is my skin so dry in winter in Pakistan?
Cold, dry air, heaters, hot showers and less water intake all take moisture from skin. Lukewarm water, a moisturiser and humidity in the room usually help; see a doctor if dryness is painful or itchy with a rash.
Can I use the same serums in summer and winter?
Often yes. Moisturise over them in winter and use them less often if your skin feels tight. Stop and ask a dermatologist if you get burning or lasting redness.
Do I need a different sunscreen in winter?
You still need one. If your skin is dry, apply it over a moisturiser. Hybrid SPF-95 is lightweight and fragrance-free; patch test first, as with any sunscreen.
How do I stop my lips from cracking in winter?
Reapply a hydrating balm often, use a thick layer before bed, avoid licking and picking and drink water. Cracks that bleed or do not heal need a doctor.
When should I switch from summer to winter products?
When your skin tells you: tightness and flaking mean it is time for more moisture. Change one product at a time instead of the whole routine.
Roman Urdu mein khulasa
Sunblock, shaam ki safai aur patch test saal bhar karein. Garmi mein halke layers, blotting aur sunblock dobara lagana; sardi mein mota moisturizer, gunguna paani, kam harsh cleanser aur din bhar lip balm. Mausam badalne par saari routine ek saath na badlein, ek ek cheez badlein.
Related: Winter dry skin and lips · Summer sun care · Skincare layering order · Dry lips skincare in Islamabad
For winter lip care, you can see the three shades in the dry and chapped lips collection.
This guide is general information, not medical advice.
