Beauty and Fashion

How Your Skin Reacts to Different Seasons

One morning, you wake up to skin that’s as dry and flaky as old newspaper. Your diet has stayed the same, your skincare routine hasn’t changed, and you don’t feel more stressed than usual – so what gives? The truth is that as the weather changes, our skin responds. Varying temperatures and fluctuating humidity levels affect the texture and appearance of our skin. If you’re prone to acne, you might be all too familiar with breakouts that flare up in different seasons. 

How Your Skin Reacts to Different Seasons…and how you can adapt your skincare routine to anticipate the different temperatures.

Spring:

A season of growth and change – for both Mother Nature and your skin. The deep moisturizers and gentle cleaners you used during the winter may prove to be too heavy during this greener season. When it gets warmer outside, our skin produces more sebum. Sebum helps to protect the skin’s moisture, but when it’s produced in excess, it can cause acne breakouts. Using oil-free products can prevent you from contributing to this problem. Since this season has some cool days and some warm ones, you have to play it by ear. Venturing outside on a particularly hot day? Wear lighter clothes to reduce the amount you sweat, as perspiring can clog pores. Noticing a chill in the air? Bundle up with a heavy-duty moisturizer. 

Summer: 

This season is notorious for its sweltering, boggy days. Stay current by choosing specific skincare in the summer. The big thing to note here is sunscreen: if you want to soak up the summer sun, protect your skin from harmful UV rays. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that you buy a sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Try not to leave the house without applying it, or you could increase your chances of getting sun spots or skin cancer. Don’t forget to reapply it if you spend multiple hours outdoors. You may notice that your skin gets more oily during the warmer months – to combat this, wear a lighter-coverage foundation, and looser clothing to let your skin breathe. If you spend a lot of time at the pool, you might have the opposite problem; your skin may be drying out due to chlorine. Don’t forget to moisturize just because it’s warmer out!

Fall:

A study has shown that most Americans find fall to be their favorite season, and it’s no wonder why. There is a universal beauty in the way that leaves change colors and gradually fall to the ground, leaving behind bare branches. People appreciate the climate of this in-between season – not as hot as summer, nor as cold as winter. As the chilly weather settles in, the skin on your body may become drier. Use a moisturizing body wash in the shower to keep your skin supple and soft. If your hands are becoming dry and cracked, purchase a moisturizing cream to protect these valuable tools. Those who deal with acne may need to adjust their routine according to the cooler temperatures. Since acne-preventing products tend to dry out the skin, apply them only to the breakout areas rather than the entire face. 

Winter: 

Temperatures plummet in the winter. The dryness of your skin is partially due to the chilly weather outdoors, but also because you spend more time indoors, where furnaces dry out the air. You start noticing that your skin feels tight the moment you step out of the shower – this is because hot water removes natural moisture from the skin, causing it to become dry. Adding a dehumidifier to your home is a great way to offset the drier air. Balms will save your lips from becoming chapped and splitting. When the snow starts falling, step up your moisturizing game. Use a heavier face cream, especially at night. To survive the dry winter months, your skin may need face rejuvenation. A stem cell face-lift may be just what your skin needs to look plump and youthful. To remedy your flaking skin, use a gentle exfoliator. But be warned: over-cleansing the skin during winter months can lead to even drier skin.

Everyone’s skin reacts differently to fluctuations in humidity and temperature; only you know what’s right for your body. During the year we’ve had, one full of change and uncertainty, there isn’t much that we can anticipate. One thing you can plan for is how your skincare should change with the seasons. 

One thought on “How Your Skin Reacts to Different Seasons

  • I never really thought about this, thanks for this article.

    Reply

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