Skin as the seasons change
Summer exposes skin to all kinds of things: long hours in the sun, sea salt, pool water, air-conditioned rooms. By autumn, many people notice that their skin feels drier, tighter or duller. This feeling is usually a natural part of the season; rather than worrying, it is enough to soften your routine a little.
Winter brings its own conditions: cold wind, central heating and the shift in temperature between indoors and out. This change of season is a good moment to look at your routine again, so that you feel more comfortable in your skin. The ideas below are not complicated; most simply adjust what you already do to suit the season. October and November are a good time to make the change.
Gentle, regular cleansing
Never going to bed without removing make-up and sunscreen is the foundation of any routine. Choosing a mild cleanser suited to your skin type rather than a harsh soap, and washing your face with lukewarm rather than hot water, helps skin feel more comfortable after cleansing. On winter mornings, many people find that lukewarm water or a very light cleanser is all they need.
A light exfoliation once or twice a week leaves skin feeling smoother, but it is wise to avoid frequent or harsh scrubs. If your skin is sensitive, choose gentler products and use them less often. Patting your face dry with a towel instead of rubbing it is a small but pleasant habit, too.
Moisture, all winter long
Applying moisturiser straight after cleansing, while your skin is still slightly damp, is a habit many people enjoy. The light gel textures you reached for in summer may not feel like enough in winter; a richer, creamier texture can help skin feel soft through the day. Warming the cream between your palms and pressing it gently onto your face turns this step into a small ritual.
Lips and hands are usually the first to feel dry in the cold. Keeping a small hand cream and a lip balm in your bag is a simple way to look after yourself during the day. In rooms where the heating is high, a more generous layer of hand cream in the evening makes a pleasant end to the day.
Making a habit of drinking water regularly through the day can be a simple part of this routine too; in winter we feel less thirsty, so it is easy to forget. A bottle of water on your desk or in your bag is an easy reminder. On cold days, herbal teas can be a warm companion to water.
Choosing products for the season
Waterproof make-up and high-protection sun products chosen for summer can feel heavy for everyday use in winter. Reorganising your shelf by season also makes it clear which product to use when. Anything you are not using can wait in a cool, dry place until next summer. The change of season is also a good moment to check the expiry dates on your products.
Winter sun can be bright too; if you are spending time in the snow or the mountains, do not put your sunscreen away entirely. When switching to a new product, trying it first on a small area is an easy way to see how your skin gets on with it. Changing products one at a time also makes it easier to tell which ones suit you.
Sleep, food and daily rhythm
Skincare is not only about products. Regular sleep, a colourful and balanced table, short walks during the day: these are all part of a daily rhythm in which you feel good. In the winter months, a short walk in the fresh air or a break with a hot herbal tea softens the pace of the day.
As the days grow shorter, setting aside a little time for yourself in the evening, and closing the day with a mask or a quiet shower, turns your routine from a chore into a pleasant habit. After a busy day, those few minutes become a pause that is yours alone.
A pause at the spa: facials and the hammam
As the season turns, you may like to add a spa visit to your home routine. The Classic Spa Facial (60 min) includes cleansing, exfoliation, a mask and moisturising, while the Moisturising Skincare Treatment (45–60 min) is designed for skin that feels dry and tired. Each session is carried out by our beauty therapists, with products chosen for your skin type. Each session begins with a short conversation about your skin and what you would like. At a spa set in nature, such as Sapanca, a short walk afterwards rounds off the day nicely.
Kese and foam in the hammam are also a well-loved ritual at the change of season; after the kese, many people find their skin feels softer. We recommend not wearing make-up for a few hours after a facial. If your skin is sensitive, you have a skin condition or you are pregnant, please consult your doctor beforehand and let your beauty therapist know.
To choose the right session together, simply message your nearest spa on WhatsApp with your skin type and what you are hoping for.
