Must-Have Skincare Routines for Every Climate

Adapt your glow to where you go Not all skincare routines are created equal—especially when your skin has to deal with tropical humidity one month and alpine dryness the next. Whether you’re based in a desert city, heading off on a ski vacation, or relocating to a rainy urban hub, your skin needs a routine that matches your surroundings. Here’s how to keep your glow going, no matter the climate zone.
Infographic of skincare routines by climate: hot & dry, cold & dry, windy & polluted, rainy & humid
From deserts to snowstorms—see how your skincare routine should shift based on where you are

 Hot & Humid Climates

Think: Bangkok, Miami, Manila, Lagos, Rio de Janeiro

When the air feels thick and sticky, your pores can turn into party zones for sweat, oil, and pollution. In cities like Jakarta or Accra, even walking to the corner store can leave your face shiny and congested. Your skincare should focus on balance—not stripping.

Your Must-Have Routine:

  • Cleanser: Gentle foaming or gel cleanser with salicylic acid

  • Toner: Alcohol-free with witch hazel or green tea

  • Moisturizer: Water-based gel

  • SPF: Oil-free sunscreen, SPF 30+

  • Night add-on: Clay mask 1–2x a week

Tip: In high-humidity cities, washing your face twice a day and using lightweight layers helps keep pores clear without overwhelming your skin.

Woman applying face cream in a humid bathroom, skincare routine for hot and tropical climates
In humid climates, lightweight hydration and minimal layering help keep your skin clear and balanced

 Cold & Dry Climates

Think: Toronto, Stockholm, Denver, Moscow, Seoul (in winter)

Harsh winds, dry air, and central heating can leave your skin parched and irritated. Winters in places like Warsaw or Montreal mean your barrier is under constant stress—and hydration is your best friend.

Your Must-Have Routine:

  • Cleanser: Cream-based or oil cleanser

     

  • Serum: Hyaluronic acid + ceramides

     

  • Moisturizer: Rich cream with shea butter or squalane

     

  • SPF: Yes, even on cloudy or snowy days

     

  • Night add-on: Overnight mask or face oil

     

Tip: If you live in a climate with long heating seasons, run a humidifier at night to help your skin recover while you sleep.

Cold air and indoor heating can dry out skin—rich creams and hydration help restore balance

Windy & Polluted Climates

Think: London, Beijing, Mexico City, New York City, Istanbul

In dense cities with heavy traffic and ever-changing winds, your skin needs both cleansing and defense. Pollution can speed up signs of aging, especially in urban areas like Delhi or Santiago.

Your Must-Have Routine:

  • Double Cleanse: Oil-based + gentle milk cleanser

  • Antioxidant serum: Vitamin C or niacinamide

  • Moisturizer: Barrier-repair cream with panthenol

  • SPF: Mineral sunscreen is best

  • Night add-on: Weekly gentle exfoliation (PHA or lactic acid)

Tip: Let your skincare absorb fully before heading out—especially in high-smog areas—to create a protective buffer on your skin.

Woman touching her face while holding a compact mirror on a smoggy city street, dressed in a trench coat and scarf
City pollution and harsh winds demand skincare that protects and strengthens the skin barrier

Hot & Dry Climates

Think: Tel Aviv, Phoenix, Madrid, Johannesburg, Perth

Desert air pulls moisture from your skin faster than you can drink water. In places like Cairo or Las Vegas, intense sun and low humidity demand hydration from the outside in.

Your Must-Have Routine:

  • Cleanser: Hydrating, non-foaming

  • Toner: Mist with aloe or rose water

  • Serum: Hyaluronic acid + vitamin B5

  • Moisturizer: Medium-weight cream with jojoba oil

  • SPF: Daily, reapply every 2 hours

Tip: Instead of one thick cream, layer hydration with a mist → serum → cream combo for better absorption in dry climates.

Woman shielding her face from dry sunlight, applying skincare in a desert-like climate setting

Rainy & Humid Climates

Think: Amsterdam, Seoul, Vancouver, Bogotá, Kuala Lumpur

Rain and moisture in the air can trick your skin into thinking it doesn’t need hydration. But too much dampness—like in Tokyo or Brussels—can also clog pores if your products are too heavy.

Your Must-Have Routine:

  • Cleanser: Water-based with green tea or chamomile

  • Essence: Light hydrating layer

  • Moisturizer: Gel-cream

  • SPF: Breathable sunscreen

  • Night add-on: Gentle exfoliation 2x/week

Tip: Use blotting papers or a mattifying serum midday instead of over-washing your face. It’ll keep oil at bay without stripping essential moisture.

Rainy and humid days call for lightweight, breathable skincare to balance moisture without clogging pores

Your Skincare Questions Answered

Q1: Should I really wear sunscreen in cold or rainy places like London or Oslo?
Yes! UV rays penetrate clouds and reflect off snow. SPF is non-negotiable—even if you’re bundled up.

Q2: How do I prevent breakouts in humid climates like Jakarta or Accra?
Use lightweight, non-comedogenic products and avoid thick creams. Cleanse twice daily and exfoliate weekly.

Q3: Can air pollution actually affect my skin?
Absolutely. Pollution causes oxidative stress and premature aging. Use antioxidant serums and mineral SPF in polluted cities like Delhi or Mexico City.

Q4: I live in a desert city like Tel Aviv—should I avoid foaming cleansers?
Yes. Choose hydrating or cream-based cleansers to avoid stripping natural oils.

Q5: My skin changes with the seasons. Should my routine change too?
Definitely. Adjust your products seasonally—lighter in summer, richer in winter—and factor in your location.

Final Thoughts

Great skincare isn’t just about skin type—it’s about geography. Where you live (or travel) has a direct impact on what your skin needs. Adapting your routine by climate helps maintain your glow and prevent long-term damage. Because radiant skin? That’s always a must-have.