Ways to Care for Your Skin No Matter the Season

Skincare is more than a temporary pop culture fad and is larger than the cosmetic industry. A good skincare routine can boost confidence and contribute to overall wellness. Still, skincare is hard. Whether you struggle with acne or have naturally clear skin, it can be challenging to find the right products and tools that are best for you. When the seasons change, caring for your skin is even tougher. Luckily, some general tips can put you on the right path.

The relationship between the weather and your skin

Every season presents new challenges for us as humans and forces us to adapt. We have to change our clothing and lifestyles to accommodate storms, extreme temperatures, and changes in the atmosphere. Your skincare routine, too, needs to change with the seasons. You also have to tailor it to your lifestyle, needs, and the area in which you live. People who live in drier climates have different needs than residents of tropical islands.

What to do during hot and dry summers

If you’re in a hot and dry climate, it can be difficult to clean your skin without irritating it. Use a gentle cleanser instead of heavy creams or foams. If your area is dusty, your skin is likely to crack and dry out without the right protection. Sunscreen is always important, and lotions and lip balms can keep your skin from cracking. Use your fingers or a gentle brush and apply a healthy amount of moisturizer that will protect your skin until the next wash.

Skincare in muggy climes

High humidity can cause you to sweat more and clog your pores. Thorough washing is necessary, typically every day, for people who encounter high amounts of moisture. Less moisturizer needs to be used than people who live in dry areas. Avoid using thick oils that will sit on your skin and weigh it down.

Tips for cold and biting winters

Cold winters are a lot like dry summers in that moisture is essential. Protection against the sun is not as much of a concern, but UV levels can still be dangerous in the winter and sunscreen is still essential. Long showers will dry out your skin, and investing in a humidifier can help ease the dry winter’s impact on your face. Keeping as much moisture as possible in the air in your home is important. Use lotions and creams as needed, and never leave the house immediately after washing your face or a shower, since this will just lead to cracking and chapping.

Care during transitional seasons

In transitional seasons you need to be on your toes with your skincare routine. Each day will differ from the last, so your winter routine that worked so well two days ago might not be the best fit today. When transitioning into a warmer or more moist season, lighter cleansers and moisturizers should be used, and the opposite is true when fall turns to winter.

How sunlight affects your skin

The role that UV rays play on the degeneration of skin is well known. Sunspots, pigmentation, and aging are just a few of the milder effects of sunlight exposure, while skin cancer falls on the more dangerous end of the spectrum. Sunlight also provides an important anti-aging vitamin; however: vitamin D. The right amount of vitamin D through natural sunlight can help fight the effects of aging, prevent cancers and ease mood swings. There are certain times of day in each hemisphere and time zone where people can receive vitamin D from the sun and limit effects from UV rays.

Moisture and your skin

Moisturizing your skin is an important part of a routine, but there isn’t a one-size-fits-all method. Moisturizers are the best way to give your skin a soft, supple look and keep it from cracking and flaking. They should be applied after a shower or after washing your face and on damp skin. Some moisturizers contain vitamins, but some people choose to use antioxidants and vitamins mixed with oils to create their own moisturizers.

Tools to use habitually

Finding a good wash routine and using the right tools is crucial. Facial brushes can be used to clean pores and exfoliate, in conjunction with exfoliators. Options range from top-of-the-line luxury products to homemade scrubs and washes. Dermarollers are popular to help rejuvenate the skin and lighten acne scars. Moisturizers can be used with natural options like vitamin E oil, which can help fade scars and reduce UV damage. Some people wash their face twice a day, every day, or every couple of days. Experiment and find the right routine for your lifestyle.

Avoiding what harms your skin

If you know that you live in an area with high pollution or are exposed to lots of sunlight, you’ll need to take care of your skin more proactively than someone who isn’t exposed to these degenerative factors. Use protection against the sun in the form of sunscreen, and use antioxidants in your skincare routine to help negate the effects of pollution. Other lifestyle choices and environmental factors that can harm your skin include long hot showers and baths, cigarette smoking, and using stripping soaps.

Things to remember

If you have a specific issue with your skin, such as severe acne, oiliness, or persistent dryness, your routine may include a dermatologist’s choice of medication or cleanser. These cleansers and solutions shouldn’t be changed without consulting a dermatologist first. Hormones and stress can also influence your skin, so syncing a routine with bodily changes can give you the best results.