The majority of us are following the same skincare routine throughout the year, the same cleanser, the same moisturiser, the same products on repeat. However, the climate in Nepal is different, and so is your skin. The dry air of winter, the heat of summer, and the constant humidity the monsoon imposes on every place create completely different needs for the skin barrier that a routine simply cannot satisfy.

What your skin requires in the winter of December bears no resemblance to what your skin requires in the summer of July, and ignoring that difference can be the difference between long-lived skin problems and real, healthy skin.

Dr Isha Poudel Koirala is a dermatologist with more than nine years of experience in aesthetic dermatology. She deconstructs how each season affects your skin and how to keep it at bay.

What do these seasonal changes usually do to the skin?

Nepal’s diverse weather exposes the skin to various challenges year-round. During winter, the skin barrier is weaker because the air is drier and the cold weather causes the skin to lose more water; the skin becomes dry, peels, and becomes more sensitive, thereby worsening dermatitis.

Summer weather, including sweating and sun exposure, on the other hand, increases sebaceous gland activity, producing more oil and clogging the pores, which may lead to acne. In the meantime, pigmentation disorders such as melasma may also worsen due to UV radiation. In the rainy season, high humidity favours the growth of microbes, which can be linked to acne breakouts, fungal infections, and generally pale, congested skin.

Understanding how your skin reacts to each season is a crucial step in skincare.

What are the reactions of various skin types, like dry, oily, combination, and sensitive, to each season in Nepal, and what are the special problems they have?

Skin type is significant in individuals’ experiences of seasonal changes. In winter, dry skin worsens, becoming more flaky and irritated, whereas in summer and monsoon, it is relatively stable but dehydrated. Oily skin can be considered balanced in winter and overly greasy in summer and the monsoon, thereby increasing the risk of acne.

Combination skin tends to be dry on the cheeks and oily in the T-zone in winter, and oilier in summer. The skin is especially sensitive and irritable in winter, reddens, and in summer and monsoon, heat and humidity may cause inflammation and breakouts.

What errors do people make when switching their skincare routine between the seasons?

The most common mistake is neglecting to adjust the skincare regimen with the weather. Many people still use heavy, occlusive creams in the summer, which can cause breakouts. Others do not use sunscreen in winter or even during the rainy monsoon season because they do not consider year-round UV exposure.

Excessive cleansing in winter, excessive exfoliation in summer, and a lack of attention to fungal or sweating issues during the monsoon are also pitfalls that can significantly undermine skin health.

In the winter, it is dry and irritating. What are the key skincare actions that individuals need to put into consideration during the cold and drier seasons?

In colder seasons, the main aim is to rebuild and safeguard the skin barrier. Rough soaps can be replaced with gentler, non-foaming cleansers, and thicker moisturisers containing ingredients such as ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid to help retain moisture and reduce irritation.

It is also important to limit exfoliation and avoid alcohol-based products. A healthy barrier not only prevents dryness but also reduces sensitivity and inflammation during the season.

Oiliness and pigmentation may be aggravated by higher heat and UV exposure during summer. What are the main preventive measures in skincare in hot and sunny weather?

During the summer, the problem becomes how to deal with oil production and avoid sun damage. Cleansers and moisturisers should be lightweight and gel-based so they do not block pores. Antioxidants like vitamin C and niacinamide can help combat oxidative stress and regulate sebum production.

Above all, it is necessary to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or more daily to avoid tanning, premature ageing, and conditions such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The reapplication must be done every two to three hours.

What are your prevention measures and practices that you suggest during the rainy season?

The monsoon climate is very humid and necessitates an emphasis on hygiene and light skincare. Taking a bath twice a day helps with sweating and removing dirt, whereas non-comedogenic, breathable products do not block pores. The use of heavy creams should be avoided.

Patients prone to breakouts should also be aware of Malassezia Folliculitis, which thrives in wet conditions and can be mistaken for ordinary acne. Maintaining skin dryness, particularly in folds, is a missed yet effective preventive factor.

What is the importance of year-round sun protection, and what are the fundamental steps that need to be followed all year long?

One of the myths is that people only need sunscreen in summer. As a matter of fact, UV rays pass through clouds and remain powerful even in winter and monsoon seasons, particularly in high-altitude places such as Nepal. Regular use of sunscreens prevents pigmentation, premature ageing, and permanent skin damage. It can be seasonally modified: gel-based in summer, hydrating in winter, and tinted for those with a tendency toward pigmentation.