As the seasons transition from one to the next, a lot of changes come along — and not just fluctuations in temperature. As temperatures get warmer or colder, things like your wardrobe and daily activities may change. One other important adjustment to make involves how you take care of your skin. Various seasonal nuisances can make caring for your skin more difficult. Not to mention the fact, your skin can be sensitive to certain climates or extreme weather conditions.
So, how can you ensure that you’re caring for your skin properly during all times of the year? Here are five skincare tips to keep in mind as the seasons change.
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1. Treat and Protect It From the Sun
There’s no denying that sunshine is an instant mood booster (not to mention it’s essential for life). As winter fades away and temps start to rise, there’s almost nothing better than a sunny day and a little vitamin D. Unfortunately, no matter how good the sun may feel, it can damage your skin if you’re not careful. Protection is key all year, but especially during the summer months.
Look for a face and body sunscreen with SPF 30. Sunscreen should be used year-round, even on cold and cloudy days. Clouds, while they do make you feel less warm, do not protect you from ultraviolet (UV) rays. Just be sure to swap out your products for the changing seasons. For example, use moisturizing sunscreen in the winter to combat dry skin. Switch to a water-resistant formula in the summer for protection while sweating and swimming.
Pro tip: If you already have wrinkles and dark spots from sun damage, treat them! A prescription-based tretinoin can help you reverse signs of aging quickly and effectively.
2. Swap Out Your Cleanser
As the seasons change, so does the climate. Your skin will react differently to varying weather conditions; therefore, swapping out essential components in your skincare routine is necessary. Start with your cleanser. The formula, active ingredients, or main benefits of a face wash are all important to look at. Also, think about what you struggle with during each season and pick an appropriate face wash from there.
It’s also important to consider how excessive sweating can affect your skin. Warmer temperatures often lead to increased perspiration, which, while a natural bodily process, can sometimes exacerbate skin issues like acne or irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin. Managing excessive perspiration effectively is crucial in maintaining skin health during these months. Alongside regular cleansing, using products specifically designed to address this issue can be beneficial in keeping your skin clear and comfortable.
In the summer, it’s normal to have a lot of dirt and debris in your pores. This can happen due to sweating and just being outside in general. For this reason, a gentle exfoliator might be best in the summer. If you have dry skin, however, an oil-based cleanser may be best. When the temps begin to drop in the fall and winter, use a cooling cream face wash to provide hydrating benefits. In the springtime, use a brightening cleanser to give your skin a radiant, summer-ready glow.
Pro tip: Use a sonic cleansing brush to step up your cleansing game in the summer. A powerful cleansing brush can provide a much deeper clean, while soft bristles are still gentle on the skin.
3. Moisturize Appropriately
No matter what the weather is like, dry skin will prevail if you’re not taking care of your skin properly. Moisturizing is important all year long; however, the types of products you use should change. The right moisturizer for warm, humid weather won’t be the same as for dry, cold weather, for example.
In the summer, look for a water-based moisturizer or a skin mist. In the winter, heavier moisturizers are key for protecting the skin and keeping it soft and smooth. In the fall when you’re transitioning to cooler temps, a small amount of a thicker moisturizer will do. Just continue upping the amount depending on how dry your skin is. In the spring, switch to a gel-based moisturizer that will add a subtle glow as you prep for summer.
4. Look For Hydrating Ingredients
If it isn’t obvious by now, moisturizing is an important step in a skincare routine. So important that you should be doing it all year long. But moisturizers aren’t the only products in a routine that can provide hydration. Incorporating several products with hydrating ingredients can prove to be extremely beneficial, especially during the dry winter months.
When shopping for skincare in the winter, look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or aloe. But don’t just stop after finding a moisturizer. For example, a restorative cream can treat signs of aging while also moisturizing the skin. A facial mist can deliver antioxidants while providing hydration. So many benefits can be packed into one great product!
5. Treat Seasonal Concerns With Serums
Serums are a great way to treat very specific skin concerns since they contain a high concentration of one ingredient. However, what may be important for you to treat during one month can change to something completely different the next. This is where serums come in handy.
If you want glowing skin or you’re trying to treat hyperpigmentation, incorporate a vitamin C serum. Vitamin C can also fight signs of aging. If you’re struggling with dry skin, a hyaluronic acid serum can be a great addition to your routine. A retinol serum can help to unclog pores. The possibilities are endless when it comes to serums. And the best part? You can customize your routine based on your specific skin concerns as well as seasonal issues.
Finding the right skincare routine can be a lot of work. Add the changing seasons on top of that and you’ve got yourself a project. But, like with all things in life, getting good at skincare takes practice. Once you learn what your skin needs and endure a little bit of trial and error with products, it’ll be like second nature. The seasons might change, but your glowing skin doesn’t have to.