Naturally, our skin follows the seasons. To ward off the effects of the extremes of summer and winter, we put together this basic guide to altering your skincare routine
Summer Skincare (Shine Bright)
Tip
Summer heat and humidity can trigger oil overproduction. Keep the look at bay with lightweight oil-free cleansers and moisturisers. Look for the words ‘gel’ and ‘water-based’.
Sun Protection Is Essential
Sun damage is a concern all year, but summer, in particular, endangers your skin. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF30 and above – and reapply every two hours, or more often if sweating or swimming.
Exfoliate
Excess dead skin cells can lead to plugged pimples by clogging your pores. This is especially damaging if your pimples have a backside to them; dead skin may stay in your pores after the acne is gone. So, in addition to medications such as topical vitamin A and antibiotics, it’s important to regularly gently exfoliate your skin (1-2 times per week) to prevent such an accumulation of dead skin cells.
Winter Skincare (Nourish and Replenish)
Hydration Hero
Cold winds and dry indoor heating can dry out your skin. Switch to a richer moisturiser to lock in hydration. Look for hyaluronic acid, ceramides.
Gentle Cleansing
Scrubby cleansers can be irritating when dryness haunts you in the dead of winter. Stick to a creamy, fragrance-free cleanser to keep skin calm and the protective barrier intact.
No Lip Licking Here
When lips are constantly exposed to wind, squalls and dry heat, hydration is key. Lips need SPF-spiked balm especially since they’re also some of the thinnest skin on your body (
read: Do lips need SPF protection). A hydrating eye cream is crucial for keeping the eyes supple since the skin around them is also thin.
Bonus Tips
Drink Water! Water is the most important part of all topical treatments! Water keeps skin supple and radiant from the inside out, all year long.
And always remember … Listen to Your Skin. After all, it’s the only one you’ll get.
See a Dermatologist, If you’re concerned about the health of your skin, a dermatologist can tailor a skincare regime to your individual needs.
With these simple tips, you’ll be able to maintain healthy, glowing skin all year round.
