Just as your body needs different clothing to protect it against the changing weather, your skin needs a different skincare regime to properly protect it from the elements. As the body’s largest organ, skin is far more delicate than many of us realize. Here is a closer look at how winter versus summer affects skin and its care.
Why is skin care different in winter than in summer months?
Winter months generally are colder and drier than summer months when heat and humidity levels are on the rise. When skin is exposed to the harsh winter weather, it takes a beating, becoming excessively dry, irritated, and chapped. Clothing protects most skin but we often fail to protect our faces. Moving indoors isn’t any better. Constantly running heaters and dehumidifiers have a tendency to pull every bit of moisture from the air.
During the summer, temperatures warm and more skin becomes exposed to the elements. Higher temperatures and humidity levels increase the amount of sweat the body produces in an attempt to cool off. As an unintentional consequence, skin becomes oilier and more prone to pimples and other irritation. Swimming is great way to cool off, however exposure to harsh pool chemicals and salt water can sometimes lead to excessive dryness.
Tips for protecting skin during the winter months:
1. Apply sunscreen regularly! Using sunscreen should become part of your daily routine no matter what the weather since you’re just as likely to sunburn in the winter as you are in summer. Apply a sunscreen, moisturizer or make-up with a minimum SPF of 15 (minimum). Be sure to protect lips by wearing lipstick or lip balm with sun protection. Stop licking lips!
2. Moisturize. Using a good moisturizer is always sound advice. Add moisture to the inside air by turning on a humidifier. If you don’t have one, place a pan of water near radiator or heat source. Plants help moisturize the air as well. You can also add moisture to your body by using emollient-based soaps, lotions, and creams.
3. Take shorter, warmer showers and baths. Hot water strips away natural oils as does staying submerged in water. Adding moisturizers to bath water helps, but take care when exiting as tub will be slippery.
4. Reduce the number of times you apply toner after cleansing. You can also opt to use toners with no or low alcohol levels. Gently exfoliate using a washcloth or scrub to remove dead skin cells and stimulate skin.
Tips for protecting skin during summer months:
1. Apply sunscreen regularly! Always protect your skin from the effects of ultraviolet radiation by applying sunscreen, wearing sun protective clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible. Stay out of the sun when it’s strongest, between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm.
2. Use a blemish control skin cleanser. Excessive sweat and oils clog pores so use a gentle but effective facial cleanser to keep skin blemishes under control. Cleansers made with eucalyptus or menthol extracts feel good and help keep pores clean and open.
3. Consider changing your moisturizer. Since the skin doesn’t need as much moisturizing protection during summer as it does during winter, you may want to use a lighter moisturizer.
4. Always rinse your body with cool water after swimming to remove chlorine and salt. It’s actually great advice to rinse or shampoo your hair after swimming as well.
5. Use a weekly face mask. A facial mask applied once a week will deep-clean pores and help skin retain its natural pH balance. Use a mister to keep skin cool and moist.
Having a regular skincare regime is important for the health of you skin. Since the weather and your environment varies by the seasons, it’s a good idea to change your skin care products to best suit your needs and provide you with the best care and protection. Two important items to remember during both the winter and summer months is sunscreen and moisturizer. Add those to your regular skin care system will keep your skin looking healthy and beautiful.
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