A home skincare routine for the Estonian climate

Estonia's climate is a challenge all its own for the skin: long, cold, dry winters and a short, sun-rich summer. When your at-home skincare routine is adapted to the climate, you get the best results with fewer procedures. We have gathered the recommendations of Estonian dermatologists and cosmetologists into one practical guide.

How Estonia's climate affects the skin — 4 particulars

1. Winter cold (November–March): −10 to −25 °C. The skin's hydrolipid barrier is under constant threat. Redness, dry skin, cracking — the typical winter complaints.
2. Dry indoor air: centrally heated rooms sit at 30–40% humidity (a healthy level would be 50–60%). Skin loses moisture transepidermally.
3. Low sun activity: vitamin D production from October to March is minimal. This affects the skin's anti-inflammatory capacity.
4. Large temperature gap between outdoors and indoors: a 30–40 °C difference causes blood vessels to dilate and constrict — rosacea flare-ups.

Morning routine (all year)

1. Gentle cleanser. Oil- or cream-based, not gel-based. Examples: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, Avene Tolerance.
2. Toner (optional): alcohol-free, hydrating. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% toner.
3. Vitamin C serum. Antioxidant + support for collagen synthesis. Example: The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 20% (use with care), La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C.
4. Moisturizer. Richer in winter (ceramides), a lighter gel in summer. CeraVe PM, Avene Hydrance.
5. SPF 30+ (winter), SPF 50+ (summer). MANDATORY year-round. La Roche-Posay Anthelios, Avene Fluid.

Evening routine (all year)

1. Double cleanse. First an oil- or balm-type makeup remover (Banila Clean It Zero, DHC Deep Cleansing Oil), then a gentle water-based cleanser.
2. Toner (optional).
3. Active treatment — 3 options:
   • Retinol (2–4× per week): 0,3–1% for beginners, 0,5–2% for the experienced. Anti-aging and skin renewal. Start low. The Ordinary Retinoid 0,5% or 1%, La Roche-Posay Retinol B3.
   • AHA/BHA (1–2× per week): chemical exfoliation. The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% mask (USE WITH CARE!).
   • Niacinamide (every night): anti-pigmentation and sebum-reducing. At 5–10% concentration. The Ordinary or Paula's Choice.
4. Eye cream. A gentle moisturizing cream for the delicate skin around the eyes.
5. Moisturizer / night mask. Richer than in the morning. An occlusive (petrolatum-based) cream for the driest nights.

Winter adjustments (November–March)

• Add a humidifier to the bedroom (target 50–55% humidity).
• Cut AHA/BHA use back to 1× per week.
• Swap light creams for richer ones (ceramides, squalane).
• Double cleansing in the morning isn't always necessary — simply rinsing with lukewarm water is enough.
• Petroleum jelly or Aquaphor on the lips every evening.

Summer adjustments (June–August)

• Switch to SPF 50+ daily, reapplying every 2 h during sun exposure.
• Swap rich creams for light gel creams.
• Deliberate use of antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E).
• Don't use retinol and AHAs before sunbathing.
• Add a lighter water-based serum (hyaluronic acid).

Weekly ritual

• 1× per week: an exfoliating mask (AHA/BHA) or a mechanical exfoliant.
• 1× per week: a nourishing/hydrating mask (sheet mask or cream mask, 15–20 min).
• 1× per month: a professional facial with a cosmetologist.

Vitamin D supplementation

The consensus among Estonian dermatologists: from October to March it is worth taking vitamin D (1000–2000 IU per day) orally. It directly affects the skin's immune activity and reduces chronic inflammation.

What's available in Estonian pharmacies

• Everyday routine (budget): CeraVe, Avene, La Roche-Posay — all in pharmacies at 10–25 € per product.
• Actives: The Ordinary (Ilinik + online) 5–15 €.
• Luxury: SkinCeuticals, Obagi, ZO Skin Health — at beauty clinics, 60–200 € per product.

Where to go next

• How often you should get a facial
• Anti-aging care 2026
• Acne treatment in Estonia
• Chemical peels — a guide
• All facial providers in Estonia
• The full beauty-clinic directory

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