As the seasons change, so does our skin. How we take care of our skin is also impacted by the weather. Reputable dermatologists recommend making seasonal shifts in our skincare routine to accommodate any weather conditions. For those of us who want glowing skin year-round, understanding how to adjust our skincare routine to match the climate is essential. From the beach to the blustery winter cold, this article will explore the beauty industry’s best advice for keeping our skin healthy and glowing.
1. Protect and Nourish: The Benefits of Seasonal Skincare Switch
The key to achieving radiant, healthy skin is to invest in seasonally-appropriate skincare. Skin conditions such as dryness, irritation or oiliness fluctuate throughout the year, so the same products that nourished your face during the summer might not be suitable for winter. Read on to find out how to protect your complexion and keep it looking its best year-round.
Moisturise Constantly
Moisturising helps to seal in hydration and keep skin looking dewy and smooth. During the summer and warmer months, use a lightweight lotion or gel to lock in moisture. We recommend switching to a face cream with a richer and creamier texture during cooler months, to help keep your skin feeling and looking hydrated.
Try an Exfoliating Treatment
An exfoliating toner or scrub can help to slough away old skin cells and create a fresh, glowing complexion. Many facial exfoliants contain salicylic acid that helps to unblock pores and remove any residue that’s been built up over the course of the day. Try exfoliating 2-3 times a week during the summer, and 3-4 times a week in winter.
Diet & Hydration Plays a Role
No skincare routine would be complete without factoring in diet and hydration. Invest in a good cleansing routine, but also consider what you’re putting into your body. Eating healthily and drinking plenty of water will help to nourish your skin from inside out. Here are a few tips:
- Eat plenty of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables
- Choose healthy fats like avocado and coconut oil
- Drink green tea for its natural anti-ageing benefits
- Stay hydrated to maintain a healthy skin, and avoid caffeine and alcohol
Take these simple steps to keep your skin looking its best throughout the year. Switching up your skincare with the changing seasons can help to protect, nourish, and maintain a healthy complexion.
2. Summer Sun, Winter Winds: The Different Weathers and their Effects on Skin
The weather has a huge impact on the condition of our skin. In summer, it’s all about protecting against sun damage with sunscreen. But once the sun sets and winter arrives, it’s a whole new set of elements and changes to the skin to consider.
UV Radiation: UV radiation is a big concern in the sunshine season. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can damage both the outer layers of the skin and underlying cells. Sunburn, accelerated skin aging, and in extreme cases, skin cancer can be caused by sun exposure. That’s why it’s important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, or cover up to protect the skin.
Dry Winter Air & Wind: Wintertime can be really rough for the skin. That’s because cold, dry air and strong winds can dehydrate the skin and strip it of its essential oils. This can cause irritation, redness, cracking, and flaking of the skin. To combat this, it’s important to keep up a regular skin care routine to help keep skin hydrated. Good hydrating products like serums and moisturizers are key.
Indoor Heating: During winter it’s tempting to crank up the heat indoors, but this can be damaging to the skin. Indoor heating can zap the skin of its natural moisture. To prevent this, it’s important to adjust the humidity indoors so the air doesn’t get overly dry. Using a humidifier and keeping the temperature low can help.
Picking the Right Products: With the changing of seasons comes the need to switch up your skin care routine.
- Avoid heavy creams and opt for lighter moisturizers.
- Exfoliation is also helpful in sloughing away dry skin.
- Look for products that contain SPF and are formulated with antioxidants to protect against environmental damage.
By understanding the weather and its effects on the skin, you can be better prepared with the right products to keep your skin healthy all year long.
3. Customize Your Skincare Routine for Different Climates
When you tailor your skincare routine to your unique environment, it can pay huge dividends. The climate you live in can affect the quality of your skin, due to environmental elements like temperature and humidity. Here are a few tips to help make sure your skin is getting the best possible care in different climates:
- Dry Climate: Your skin, like the environment, can become dry due to lack of moisture in the air. Increase your skin’s hydration levels by layering and applying ultra-hydrating products. Humectants, like glycerin, are great for locking in moisture and keeping skin healthy.
- Humid Climate: In a humid climate, your skin can be prone to oiliness. Utilizing lightweight, oil-free, and water-based lotions helps keep your skin moisture but not too oily. Consider exfoliating more often to keep oils in check, as well as using facial masks to reduce shine.
- Cold Climate: When it’s cold, your skin needs extra protection to help prevent dehydration. Look for creams and balms that form a protective barrier, but don’t contain an excess of synthetic ingredients. These can strip away important oils. Don’t skimp on products with antioxidants, which help repair any damage from the cold and wind.
- Hot Climate: In hot weather, water evaporates faster from your skin, so replenishing it is key. Natural oils can be great for quenching parched skin. Products with soothing agents like aloe vera can provide relief from sunburn and sunspots caused by overexposure. Sunscreen should always be a top priority in any climate.
At the end of the day, it’s important to adjust your skincare routine when the climate changes. Experiment with your routine and watch how your skin responds to the environment. Make sure to give yourself a few weeks to adjust—your skin will thank you for it.
4. Basics of Summer and Winter Skincare
The changing of the seasons can be exciting and exhausting, especially for your skin! As the temperature and humidity levels fluctuate, so do the needs and requirements for your skin. Adjusting your skincare routines accordingly is essential to maintain proper hydration, sunscreen and protection.
Summer Skincare
When the temperature and humidity are high, your skin needs a dose of extra TLC. Here are some basics to keep in mind for your summer skin care routine:
- Switch to a hydrating, oil-free moisturizer.
- Keep skin hydrated with mists and serums.
- Apply a high-level SPF to protect skin from the sun.
- Exfoliate regularly to rid skin of excess dirt.
Winter Skincare
The decrease in temperatures and humidity during the winter months can lead to dry skin. Your skin needs time to adjust and reset to maintain a glowing complexion. Consider these essential skincare tips for cold weather:
- Switch to a cream-based or richer moisturizer.
- Choose a soothing face wash to avoid everyday irritation.
- Fair-skinned people should increase their sunscreen usage.
- Opt for a gentle exfoliator that won’t cause any abrasions.
By alternating skincare routines according to the season, you can ensure that your skin is getting the necessary hydration and nutrients all year round. Keeping your skin healthy and nourished is the basis of any good skin care routine!
At the end of the day, one thing remains as true as ever – skincare is a personal journey. What works for one person in one climate may not necessarily be the best fit for another. To reap the most out of your skincare routine, the best thing you can do is to understand your skin and how it behaves in different climates – allowing you to make timely adjustments to your routine for maximum skin health.
