As the seasons change, so do the needs of your skin. Just as you switch out your wardrobe for warmer or cooler temperatures, it’s equally important to adjust your skincare routine to keep your complexion radiant year-round. Here’s a guide to help you navigate seasonal skincare swaps and ensure your skin remains healthy and glowing through every season.
Spring: Fresh and Revitalizing
Spring is all about renewal and awakening, and your skincare routine should reflect that. As the weather warms up and humidity increases, consider incorporating lighter products into your regimen. Switch out heavy creams for lightweight, hydrating gels or serums. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which helps to plump and hydrate the skin without feeling greasy. Glycerin is another powerhouse ingredient that helps to improve the skins overall barrier function and hydration levels without breakout risks.
Exfoliation becomes crucial during spring as well. The dead skin cells that accumulated over the winter can make your complexion look dull. Opt for gentle exfoliants, such as those with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as lactic acid, mandelic acid or enzymes. Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) such as salicyclic acid- best for oily prone skin, to help remove dead skin and reveal a fresh, glowing face.
Summer: Hydration and Protection
Summer calls for a shift towards sun protection and hydration. With longer days and more sun exposure, it’s essential to amp up your SPF game. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 ( I'll love you even more if you are using a SPF50, and don’t forget to reapply it every two hours, especially if you’re sweating or swimming. Don't forget your UV protective clothing, hats and sunglasses to help prevent sun damage to your body and scalp. By age 50, ONE IN FIVE Americans will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer. Reapply your spf <3
Also, you may find that your skin’s oil production increases this time of year. Warmer temperatures can lead to increased sebum production, which might mean your skin feels oilier than usual. Opt for oil-free or non-comedogenic moisturizers that hydrate without clogging pores. Gel-based moisturizers or those with ingredients like niacinamide can help control oil while maintaining moisture balance. Gel hydration helps our sebum float to the surface allowing it to be a better natural moisturizer and is an effective assistant to boost skins' abillity to efficiently self exfoliate.
Think of this analogy- our skin is a stack of paper plates. Dry/dehydrated skin cannot efficiently remove these addtional layers and that will lead to congestion within the pores as well as a more dull appearance or sandy texture. On the contrary, well hydrated skin can complete their daily takes much more efficiently and allows the old cells to be shed as they're meant to be, resulting in a healthy, glowing complexion.
Fall: Nourishment and Repair
As the weather cools down and the air becomes dryer, your skin may start to feel parched. Transition to richer, more nourishing products to combat this dryness. Creams and oils with ingredients like ceramides, squalane, glycerin and jojoba can help restore moisture and strengthen the skin’s barrier. Do continue with your hydrating gels, our skin needs a balance of water based moisture and lipids for heatlhy functions.
Fall is also a great time to start incorporating more reparative ingredients into your routine. Vitamin C and retinol serums can help address any post-summer discoloration or damage and promote a bright, even complexion. These ingredients will also prep your skin at home for in office corrective treatments. Additionally, consider using a hydrating overnight mask once or twice a week to give your skin an extra boost of moisture while you sleep.
Winter: Deep Hydration and Protection
Winter is often the most challenging season for maintaining healthy skin. The combination of cold weather and indoor heating can lead to severe dryness and irritation. Switch to thicker, more emollient moisturizers to create a protective barrier against harsh elements. Look for products with rich oils like jojoba or shea butter, which provide intense hydration and lock in moisture.
Don’t forget to adjust your cleansing routine as well. Consider using a creamy, hydrating cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils. Also, incorporating a weekly exfoliating treatment can help combat the buildup of dead skin cells, which can be more noticeable in winter. Occlusive applications can help with severely dry skin. I LOVE to do this in the winter, after I have applied all of my skincare products, I will apply a thin layer of Vaseline over my entire face to help seal all of my products in and prevent evaporation/dehydration.
Finally, remember to stay hydrated from within. Drinking plenty of water is crucial for maintaining skin hydration, especially during the drier months. Including a variety of heart and brain healthy fats from foods such as avocado, nuts, seeds and fish can immensely help the skin create moisturizing factors during this time of year.
Conclusion
Adapting your skincare routine to the changing seasons is key to maintaining a healthy, glowing complexion. By making these seasonal skincare swaps, you can address the unique challenges each season presents and keep your skin looking its best all year long. Whether you’re embracing the freshness of spring, the heat of summer, the nourishment of fall, or the coziness of winter, your skin will thank you for the extra care and attention.
If you have any questions, don't hesistate to reach out to Alex for a Skinterview!
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