When Skincare Needs Change Due to Season

I come across many people who complain about their current skincare products or routine not working as well as it used to now that fall is here. Their skin feels dry, flaky and/or looks dull and has lost its glow. This is very common and normal. Most people probably don’t realize that they need to switch up their routine to address seasonal changes throughout the year.

Now that fall is here and winter is right around the corner, my skin even changes due to the colder, drier air. For me personally, I love that I can go to one company that I trust for my different skincare needs and issues depending on the time of year. For example, in the fall and winter, my skin tends to either be dry or I’m dealing with allergies, so using REDEFINE along with SOOTHE sensitive skin treatment during these two seasons addresses my needs. In the spring and summer time, I have to make sure to stay out of the sun (even walking outside to get the mail or go for a jog) as much as possible or my skin will easily get dark spots or hyperpigmented, so REVERSE is a life-saver for me. And for the occasional breakout, I use the UNBLEMISH sulfur wash as a 10 minute mask on my face, and my pimples are gone in a day or two.

Just like you switch up your wardrobe according to seasons, you should also be rotating your products to protect your skin against the changing environmental elements. Environmental conditions can impact the way your skin behaves, so paying attention to the weather will effect what types of products it needs. Most people also tend to have a seasonal diet, eating more fruits and vegetables in the spring and summer compared to fall and winter. Seasonal diet changes can have an impact on your skin. So, it all depends on where you live, lifestyle factors and how your skin responds to different environmental conditions.

Adjust Your Routine

It’s easy to fall into the trap of finding a good skincare routine and then thinking you’re done when it comes to using new products for your skin. Well, it’s not that easy. With the changing seasons comes the need for products that better suit these changes.

Keep in mind that most products take up to 90 days to deliver maximum corrective results. So be patient. If a product seems less effective, consider whether changes in age, lifestyle, environment or seasonal changes may be affecting your skin. Exfoliation is also important year round but you’ll want to cut back on the frequency during colder months. An exfoliator with added hydration is good to use during fall and winter. Because skin is hydrated primarily from the outside, evaluate your environment and adapt your products accordingly. Make adjustments if necessary. Remember, consistency is key when it comes to great skin results.

Skincare for Every Season

It’s important to maintain your skin and keep it healthy 365 days in a year. While protecting skin from sun damage should be a priority no matter what season it is, the changing of the seasons call for adjustments in your daily skincare routine.

Fall

Drier and colder air causes more skin moisture loss. Plus, your skin may also be recovering from summer’s UV rays, chlorine and saltwater. This is why it’s so important to exfoliate and moisturize in the fall. Apply moisturizer to your face, body, hands, feet and lips right after a bath or shower to help seal in moisture and replenish skin. As the air becomes drier, your skin may need a thicker moisturizer so you should consider switching from a lotion to a cream. Creams provide a stronger oil barrier to provide hydration. As always, don’t skip wearing sun protection in the fall. Even though the temperatures are cooler, continue to apply sunscreen or sunblock before going outdoors.

Winter

Skin needs more than hats, gloves, coats and extra layers of protection from cold weather. Lack of moisture can cause some serious cracking, chapping and skin irritation. Winter wind and sun combinations can also cause serious sunburns and skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea flare ups. Again, moisturizer helps protect against the cold, dry winter weather. It’s best to apply moisturizer to your face, body, hands, feet and lips right after a bath or shower to help seal in moisture and replenish skin. Your skin may still need a thicker moisturizer during winter so consider using a cream instead of a lotion.

Since the snow reflects sunlight, winter UV rays are still strong. Participating in winter recreational activities without applying any sun protection may result in severe burns. So don’t skip wearing sunscreen or sunblock when going outdoors during winter time. Also, try not to take long, hot baths or showers during winter. Hot water can strip skin of its natural oils. Instead, use lukewarm water for a shorter period of time.

Spring

When the weather warms up and you can enjoy going to the beach or working in the yard again, it’s important to save your skin from further sun damage. Know your skin type and always wear sun protection on both your body and face. A broad spectrum sunscreen or sunblock of at least SPF 15 (SPF 30 is ideal) is recommended. About one ounce, a shot glass full for your entire body, of sun protection should be applied before heading outdoors. Reapply 2-3 times a day or as necessary depending on how long you are outdoors.

Summer

Remember…there is no such thing as a healthy tan. A tan equals burnt skin. No matter what your skin type is and how your body reacts to the sun, you should always wear broad spectrum sun protection containing at least SPF 15 (SPF 30 is ideal). About one ounce, a shot glass full for your entire body, of sun protection should be applied before heading outdoors and reapplied 2-3 times a day. You can still get burned when not in direct sunlight and even on cloudy days. Wear protective clothing in addition to hats and sunglasses. Oh, and aloe vera is not a cure all for sun burns. It provides temporary relief for sun burns but it does not decrease your chance of skin damage. Skin cancer develops slowly over time. With each sun burn you get, your chance of developing skin cancer increases.

So there you have it. It’s easy to fall into the trap of finding a good skincare routine and then thinking you should use those same exact products during all seasons. It’s important to maintain your skin and keep it healthy 365 days in a year. While protecting skin from sun damage should be a priority no matter what season it is, the changing seasons call for adjustments in your daily skincare routine. So make those adjustments as necessary and your skin will thank you for it.

If you have any questions for me or feel like you are struggling with your skin due to seasonal changes and need some guidance on skincare products, please reach out to me at agingbackwardsrf@gmail.com.