As soon as the cold weather ends, many of us heave a sigh of relief. We can now put away those heavy coats and gloves. We can fold and pack away the sweaters and shawls. And then you reach your moisturizer and wonder – should I toss this out too?
It may seem ungrateful to abandon the friend who protected you against that cold dry air all winter, but it is a sensible question – after all, the weather has changed, the cold winds have stopped and the air is more humid. Your skin already feels better, so why slather moisturizer on top of it?
The truth is that although we don’t need that thick, creamy winter moisturizer anymore, it doesn’t mean that we don’t need a moisturizer at all. Moisturizing isn’t just for winter – it is necessary for all seasons, every day.
8 Reasons you need a Moisturizer in every Season
Here is a look at all the reasons you need to use a moisturizer in every season, and not just winter.
Makes Skin Soft and Smooth
Here’s the biggest reason – your skin feels great! Just taking a hot shower can strip our skin of natural oils, and moisturizing makes skin instantly supple and soft to the touch. The best part is that if done right after a shower, the feeling lasts all day.
Prevents Fine Lines and Wrinkles
As we age, the skin begins to lose its ability to retain moisture. As a result, skin gets dryer, thinner, and less elastic. Fine lines show up and become more prominent the more dehydrated skin gets. A moisturizer gets those fine lines filled in and prevents more from appearing.
Makes Skin Plump
As skin loses moisture, it goes through a mild inflammation. When this goes on for days on end, it slows down the production of collagen. Since collagen is what keeps skin looking plump, a lack of moisture makes it dull and sagging. Moisturizing helps skin repair itself and allow for a turnover of new skin cells for a youthful look.
Prevents Breakouts
It is natural to wonder if oily skin needs any more moisture, but it does because the slightest hint of dryness can cause the oil glands to go into overdrive. This can cause breakouts and blemishes. A moisturizer with ingredients like salicylic acid can prevent these and help skin heal.
Soothes Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin is prone to all kinds of problems like breakouts, rosacea, eczema, and irritation. When sensitive skin is not moisturized, the skin cells shrink and become susceptible to microbes and infection. Moisturizing offers that extra care sensitive skin needs, by soothing all the irritation and giving the skin the power to heal itself.
Brings a Natural Glow
When your skin is dry, it looks stressed. Adding moisturizer instantly perks up the skin and makes it brighter and glowing. Exfoliation clears out clogged pores, and moisturizers help lock the water in the cells, offering a makeup-free glow all day.
Protects Skin
The skin on the face is the most vulnerable to external factors like UV rays, pollution, and chemical cosmetics. Dehydration strips the skin of natural oils, which are a kind of protection against the elements. Without these, the skin is prone to damage, irritation, and much more.
Helps Other Products Work Better
Moisturizing doesn’t just hydrate skin, it also makes sure that other products you apply adhere properly. When makeup is applied on non-moisturized skin, it can clump and stick to dry areas or in/on creases and lines. Even other products like serums and sunscreens work better after moisturization.
We know that the skin needs moisturization in every weather. However, moisturization needs differ from season to season, and our products should change accordingly.
A Moisturizer Guide for every Season
Spring – As the weather begins to get warmer, the moisturizer used in winter will be too heavy for the skin. This is a time to move to a light, oil-free moisturizer since the air isn’t as dry. However, the nights may be cool, so the night moisturizer can be changed depending upon the weather.
Summer – In summer, the sun is blazing, and the air is humid. While dry air is no longer a concern, sun damage certainly is. Besides, the heat can cause oil glands to become overactive. A light moisturizer followed by a sunscreen with adequate protection is crucial.
Autumn – As the weather begins to cool off, the air starts to get drier, and the skin loses moisture. The drop in humidity can cause skin conditions like eczema to flare up. Prevent dehydration and repair any sun damage with a thicker nourishing cream.
Winter – During winter, the dryness in the air is at its peak, as humidity falls sharply. If there are cold winds too, the face takes the brunt. This is when cracking, and chapping of the skin occurs, so a heavy moisturizer is essential in this season.
