Changing seasons brings with it changes in every aspect of our lifestyle. Our wardrobes change, as we put away thick sweaters and bring out the light cottons. Our eating habits change, as we opt for hearty soups in winter and chilled smoothies in summer. And if you’re a décor enthusiast, even your interiors and décor change!
But there’s another important thing that changes – our body. Have you noticed that illnesses tend to increase when the weather is changing? That’s our body adapting itself to the new environment. And since the skin is the largest organ of our body, it’s only natural that it’ll be a part of this change. As your skin changes, so should your skincare regimen.
Why Should Skincare Change With the Weather?
Have you ever had a trusted skincare product that you used for a while and suddenly realize that its effectiveness had reduced? Well, that’s what happens when your skincare routine doesn’t catch up to the changing weather.
When the weather changes, temperatures change, along with atmospheric pressure. Another important factor is humidity, which fluctuates depending upon the season, and can take a toll on our skin, making it drier or oilier, or causing breakouts. Here is a look at how these changes affect our skin.
Moving from Warm to Cold Weather – Summer to Fall/Fall to Winter
When the cold weather begins to set in, humidity drops, and along with it, the moisture levels of our skin drops as well. The skin then tries to work harder to maintain hydration, and this results in tight, dry skin and a dull complexion. It may also lead to cracks in the skin, along with inflammation.
Our actions also play a role in how our skin reacts. When we wear more clothing in winter, we may leave out areas of our skin without moisturizing. Long, hot showers in winter or autumn feel great, but they strip the skin of its natural moisture. Using central heating indoors also increases dryness and inflammation.
Moving from Cold to Warm Weather – Winter to Spring/Spring to Summer
When the weather gets warmer, humidity levels in the air go up, and the skin has to start a new cycle of adapting to the current conditions. With increased heat, the body works to cool itself down, causing the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum or oil to lubricate the skin. However, this can result in excessive oiliness, which in turn causes breakouts.
Summer is also when we wear less clothing, so more parts of our body are exposed. This means sun damage at a larger scale, especially when temperatures are soaring. And if you add traveling and chlorine water to the mix, it becomes even more problematic for the skin.
These changes may be more pronounced in some people and less in others – it’s all a matter of how our bodies work. However, knowing this in advance helps us to prepare by transitioning our skincare routine based on the weather. It’s better to help our skin’s natural processes by preparing beforehand, rather than try to fix the problem once the damage is done.
Here are a few tips to help you customize your skincare routine according to the weather, so you have healthy, glowing skin no matter what season it is.
10 Tips For Changing Your Skin Care Routine According to the Weather
Control Your Showers
You need to shower every day, whatever the season, but there will be a few changes. We tend to take long hot showers in the winter, and this should be avoided. Stick to a 5-minute shower and go for water that is just comfortably warm.
Go for thicker, creamier body washes in winter and lighter gel-based body wash in summer. Always use lukewarm-cold water when washing your face. Hot water can dilate the blood vessels in facial skin, while cold water will help constrict them.
Switch Up Your Cleanser
Cleansing is the first step in any skincare routine, and it’s the base for everything that comes next. Most cleansers work by building up a lather, which removes bacteria and dirt from the upper layer of your skin.
For this reason, you may need a more heavy-duty cleanser in summer, when oil production tends to increase. Choose a gel or water-based oil-removing cleanser with salicylic acid, or try out micellar water.
As the weather gets cooler, switch the water cleansers to cream or oil-based ones. These are less drying on the skin and protect the moisture. Another way of transitioning is to mix a little of a water-based and cream cleanser for the best of both worlds.
Rethink Your Exfoliation Regimen
Exfoliation is essential to get rid of the build-up of oil and dead skin cells and to reveal healthy skin. Since oil production is more in summer and you probably spend more time outdoors, it can lead to more congested skin. A good idea for summer is a fruit acid exfoliator, which will give the skin a good clean up.
Fall is the perfect time to fix summer damage like hyperpigmentation and prep the skin for winter by improving the effectiveness of moisturizers. For cold weather, choose an exfoliator with enzymes instead of acids for more gentle exfoliation.
Provide Lots of Hydration
Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. While winter will definitely have you reaching out for a moisturizer, it’s just as important in spring and summer to maintain proper hydration. Moisturizing makes the skin plump, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, it also helps other products sit better.
In summer, gel or water-based moisturizers work best, maintaining moisture with a light feel. In fall and winter, go for thick, creamy moisturizers that contain glycerine and ceramides. Winter is also a good time to go for a facial serum with hyaluronic acid for extra hydration.
Never Skip Sunscreen
We’ve all been told his repeatedly – never skip sunscreen, no matter what the season! Always wear sunscreen, even in winter, and especially if there’s snow since it can reflect sunlight.
For winters, choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with antioxidants like Vitamin C for good protection and some damage control as well. For summer, you may need to level up your sunscreen game since the likelihood of sunburn increases, and more parts of your skin are exposed. Go for a stronger SPF with UVA and UVB protection.
Try an Oil or Mist
Transitioning seasons is also a good time to give your skincare routine a full check and see if you need any extra products. For instance, facial oils are a great way to get some more hydration in winter and are great for a ‘warm’ feeling. You can add a few drops to your regular moisturizer too.
However, some oils can be troublesome in summer when the oil glands are already in overdrive. In warm weather, a facial mist is perfect. Not only does it feel refreshing, but it also helps maintain hydration, brightens the skin, and balances its oil-water ratio.
Check Your Ingredients
Rather than the label, it’s recommended to look at the ingredient list when transitioning your skincare products for the season. For winters, go for ingredients that offer lots of hydration like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, shea butter, and amino acid. Avoid retinoids, which could be harsh on the skin in winters. In summers, opt for cooling and soothing ingredients, like aloe cucumber or tea tree oil.
In fall, try products with ingredients like pineapple and papaya, which can fix summer’s hyperpigmentation and lactic acid, which brightens skin. Spring can cause allergies in some people, so opt for anti-inflammatory ingredients like chamomile and Vitamin C.
Consider Current Issues
Every season brings with it a unique set of skin challenges, and this varies from person to person. Choose a product that helps with your particular skin condition. Use acne treatment if you get breakouts in the summer. Use an extra-hydrating and emollient cream if you get eczema during winters.
If you suffer from rosacea, redness, irritation, or general sensitivity, get a cream with soothing ingredients. Similarly, go for plumping, firming, or brightening creams if you have trouble with dull or sagging skin.
Don’t Forget the Rest of Your Face
Along with a moisturizer, cleanser, and sunscreen, an eye cream is something you should use all year, it’s best not to skip that. It’ll help with puffiness, and dark circles, making you look bright and awake.
At the same time, your lips require some extra care. During winter, they are more likely to get chapped, so they need a hydrating, nourishing lip balm. Go with one with a higher SPF in summer, especially you’ve to spend time outdoors.
Protect the Rest of the Body
Your skin isn’t just on your face! The rest of the body requires adequate care too. Slather on thick body butter in winter and a light lotion in summer, right after you shower.
Your hands and feet are particularly prone to the elements. Wear gloves in winter and apply thick hand cream at night. In summer, don’t forget to apply sunscreen on all exposed parts of your body.
Every season, make a conscious effort to follow basic skincare requirements like drinking sufficient water, eating seasonal produce, avoiding junk food and excess sugar. Avoid exposure to extreme climates, whether it’s heavy rain, snowfall, or intense heat. If you notice any skin condition that seems abnormal, don’t hesitate to visit a doctor.
