As the seasons change, there’s little doubt that everyone is ready to pack away the shorts and summer dresses and get to the business of pulling out the chunky sweaters and warm boots. However, as we’re switching out our wardrobes, how often do we switch out our skincare products or even give it a second thought with the changing seasons? If you’re like me, you probably don’t change a thing about your skincare from one season to the next. But maybe it’s time to rethink this approach.
As temperatures, humidity levels, and sun exposure change with each season, so too should your skincare. I’m sure we can all attest to feeling dry skin in the winter, whether it’s our hands, feet, or bodies. And, the truth is, it’s not only cold weather that affects us. No doubt that our skin can feel a bit more oily during the summer months, and with more frequent sun exposure from those fun outdoor activities, our skin tones might even deepen a bit.
Year-round skincare products
Each season comes with specific skincare concerns, and because of that, your skincare routine and the products you use should probably change as well. And while you should consider changing out some skincare products, there are a few that should be a part of your routine 365 days of the year. Generally speaking, those products include:
Sunscreen - Mistakenly, people seem to think that sunscreen is really just a summertime concern, but the fact is that sunscreen should be used year-round - even on the coldest and cloudiest days. UVA and UVB rays don’t simply disappear because it’s cold outside, they’re still there. Without the proper protection, they can do plenty of damage like causing burns, hyperpigmentation, or even skin cancer.
Eye Cream - Eye creams should be used daily to tackle and prevent dark circles, puffiness, and of course, to keep wrinkles at bay.
Moisturizer - While it might be tempting to skip moisturizers in the summertime and only add them back to your routine when fall and winter roll around, it’s actually not good for your skin. The fact is your skin needs year-round moisturization. If you don’t moisturize daily, you may be depriving your skin of much-needed hydration. It then overcompensates by producing more oil, and before long, your skin will be completely unbalanced and out of whack. In short, skipping your moisturizer will do more harm than good.
Transitioning your skincare for fall and winter
In order to protect your skin from cold, dry air, hydration is key for the fall and winter months. The three products that you’ll want to pay attention to are cleansers, serums, and moisturizers.
For cleaners, you’ll want to think about water-based and creamy formulas that will soothe your skin as it cleanses instead of stripping it of valuable moisture and oils. The same goes for serums and moisturizers. In both cases, you’ll want to focus on rich and creamy formulas that deeply hydrate parched skin. Look for products with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and ceramides.
Transitioning your skincare for spring and summer
With the arrival of warm weather, you’ll want to forgo the rich skincare formulations you used during the winter and opt for lighter versions of each. In this case, think more along the lines of cleansers that pack a little more punch to rid your skin of excess oil. The heat and humidity will do plenty to keep your skin hydrated, so light serums and moisturizers might be the way to go. To that end, think about water-based moisturizers and products that are specifically formulated to reduce oil and shine.
So, while you don’t necessarily need to overhaul your skincare routine each season, there are few small changes you might want to make. Sunscreens, eye creams, and moisturizers are essentially the foundation of your routine, and they won’t necessarily need to be switched out. However, you may find that your cleansers, serums, and moisturizers should be changed to address the changing needs of your skin.
