How to Adjust Your Skincare for Pakistan’s Weather: Summer, Monsoon and Winter
Most skincare advice online is written for cooler, milder climates. Pakistan is different. In much of the country, summers are long, hot and either very humid or very dry, and winters can be surprisingly harsh on the skin. A routine that feels perfect in January can feel heavy and greasy in July. Here is how to adjust your The Ordinary routine through the year.
Summer: heat, sweat and humidity
In hot, humid months, skin tends to produce more oil, pores look larger and breakouts become more common. Heavy creams can feel suffocating, and sunscreen matters more than ever.
What to change in summer
- Switch to lighter textures. Water-based serums such as Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% and Marine Hyaluronics hydrate without feeling heavy.
- Use a light moisturiser, such as Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA, or skip it in the morning if your skin feels comfortable with just a hydrating serum.
- Keep pores clear with Salicylic Acid 2% Solution a few evenings a week if you get congested.
- Reapply sunscreen when you are outdoors, especially after sweating.
- Cleanse well at night to remove sweat, sunscreen and pollution, but avoid harsh, squeaky-clean face washes that leave skin tight.
Winter: dry air and a tired skin barrier
In winter, especially in Punjab and the north, the air becomes dry and skin can feel tight, flaky and more sensitive. Products that were fine in summer may suddenly sting.
What to change in winter
- Hydrate on damp skin. Apply Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 straight after cleansing, before your skin dries.
- Add a little oil. A few drops of 100% Plant-Derived Squalane as the last evening step helps seal in moisture.
- Exfoliate less. Cut acids back to once or twice a week if your skin feels tight or stings.
- Be gentle with retinoids. If you use retinol, a creamy option like Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion is more comfortable in dry weather.
- Keep wearing sunscreen. Winter sun still causes pigmentation, and UV reflects strongly in mountain areas.
Monsoon and changing seasons
During the monsoon and the weeks when seasons change, skin can swing between oily and dehydrated in the same day. Keep your routine simple: a gentle cleanser, one hydrating serum, a light moisturiser and sunscreen. This is not the time to start several new actives. If breakouts flare up in the heat, our niacinamide vs salicylic acid guide can help you choose.
Summer vs winter at a glance
| Summer | Winter | |
|---|---|---|
| Cleanser | Light foaming cleanser | Gentle balm or cream cleanser |
| Serum | Niacinamide, Marine Hyaluronics | Hyaluronic Acid on damp skin |
| Moisturiser | Light, or skip in the morning | Moisturiser plus a few drops of squalane |
| Actives | Salicylic acid 2–4 nights a week | Fewer acids; gentle retinoid |
| Sunscreen | Every day, reapply outdoors | Every day |
Karachi vs Lahore vs Islamabad
Coastal cities like Karachi stay humid for much of the year, so lighter routines often work all year round. Lahore swings between very hot summers and cold, dry winters, so most people benefit from a summer and a winter routine. In Islamabad and the north, winters are colder and drier, so barrier care and moisture become more important.
New to The Ordinary? Start with our beginner routine guide, then adjust it with the tips above.
Want a routine that matches your skin and your weather? Try our free Regimen Builder: answer four quick questions and get a simple morning and evening routine with products in stock. Or call or WhatsApp us on 0336-4987076, Monday to Saturday.
Frequently asked questions
Should I change my skincare routine in summer?
Yes. Most people do better with lighter, water-based products, a lighter moisturiser and more attention to sunscreen and pore care in summer.
What is the best The Ordinary product for dry winter skin?
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 applied to damp skin, followed by a moisturiser and a few drops of 100% Plant-Derived Squalane, works well for most people.
Do I need sunscreen in winter?
Yes. UV rays that cause pigmentation and premature ageing are present all year, even when it is cool or cloudy.
Is niacinamide good for humid weather?
Yes. Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is light and water-based, and helps with the look of shine and pores, which is useful in hot, humid weather.
This guide is general skincare information, not medical advice. Patch test new products, introduce one active at a time, and see a dermatologist for persistent acne, pigmentation or irritation. OrdinaryPakistan.com is an independent retailer and is not affiliated with DECIEM, the company behind The Ordinary.