What triggers breakouts on your skin when the season changes and how to fix it

During winter, the skin adapts to cold temperatures, low humidity, and indoor heating. To protect itself, it tends to become drier and relies on heavier moisturisers and richer formulations to prevent moisture loss. As spring approaches, temperatures rise, and humidity increases, but many people continue using the same winter skincare products. This creates an imbalance where the skin starts producing more oil while still being layered with heavy products, leading to clogged pores and breakouts.

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Spring also brings increased sweating, higher exposure to pollution and airborne allergens, and greater sun exposure. Ultraviolet radiation can thicken the outer layer of the skin, trapping oil and dead skin cells inside pores. Together, these factors place stress on the skin and disrupt its natural protective barrier. The skin barrier plays a crucial role during seasonal transitions. It acts as a shield that locks in moisture while keeping irritants and bacteria out. When the weather changes rapidly, the barrier can become compromised. This leads to dehydration at the surface level while oil production increases underneath. This combination is one of the most common causes of springtime acne, sensitivity, and redness.

One of the most frequent mistakes people make during this transition is not updating their skincare routine. Continuing to use thick creams, facial oils, and occlusive serums that were helpful in winter can overwhelm the skin in spring. Over-cleansing to manage oiliness is another common error, as it further damages the skin barrier and triggers rebound oil production. Skipping sunscreen due to milder sunlight and over-exfoliating to control breakouts can also worsen inflammation and irritation.

Transitioning skincare correctly requires a barrier-focused approach. Switching to lighter-textured moisturisers such as gels or lotions helps hydrate the skin without clogging pores. Gentle exfoliation using mild chemical exfoliants once or twice a week helps remove dead skin cells while maintaining barrier integrity. Daily use of ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, peptides, and hyaluronic acid supports barrier repair and reduces inflammation. Sunscreen is equally important, as spring sun exposure can worsen acne marks and accelerate premature ageing.

In addition to home care, in-clinic treatments can play a valuable role in supporting the skin during seasonal changes. Treatments such as MFusion facial therapy are designed to strengthen and repair the skin barrier while improving overall skin health. MFusion works by delivering active ingredients deep into the skin using advanced technology without needles or downtime. This helps improve hydration at a cellular level, reduce inflammation, and enhance skin resilience. By strengthening the skin barrier, MFusion treatments not only help control seasonal breakouts but also support long-term skin health and longevity.

A stronger barrier allows the skin to adapt better to environmental stressors, reducing sensitivity, acne flare-ups, and premature ageing over time. If breakouts persist despite making the right skincare changes, it may indicate underlying issues such as hormonal imbalance, stress, or incorrect product layering. In such cases, seeking professional dermatological guidance can help identify the root cause and create a personalised treatment plan. Seasonal skin changes are natural, but breakouts do not have to be. Understanding how weather transitions affect the skin barrier and supporting it with the right skincare and treatments can make a significant difference. Healthy skin is not just about short term clarity, but about building strength, resilience, and longevity.

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Dr. Jaspreet Kour is the Chief Dermatologist at Mediglo Clinic, with over a decade of experience in medical dermatology, aesthetics and well-being longevity.