Skincare for the Seasons

There are many myths about skincare. And many trends that are not so trendy anymore. But one thing is certainly not a myth: We need to update and adjust our skincare routine as the seasons change. Here’s a quick guide to help your skin stay healthy no matter the season.

Skincare for Summer Months:

When the skies are blue and the temperature is high, it’s easy to think that we don’t need moisturizer, especially in areas where the humidity is higher. But this is not the case. In fact, prolonged exposure to the sun can not only cause skin cancer it can also cause dehydration. Estheticians everywhere from Omaha to Florida are seeing clients suffering from dry skin in the summer months. It’s just as important to replenish the skin’s moisture on a daily basis in the summer as it is in the winter. The difference however, is the type of moisturizer.

 If you have oily, problematic or combination skin, you battle the shiny look all summer long. Stick with a summer moisturizer with long lasting anti-shine correction to minimize oil production. Contrary to some of the myths, oily or combination skin is just as sensitive to the sun as dry or normal skin, so don’t skip the sunscreen. Look for something with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for more effective coverage. Get in the habit of wearing sunscreen even if you don’t plan to be out all day long.

 For normal to dry skin, summer moisturizer and sunscreen is still crucial. Nothing will advance the aging process more thanexposing the skin to the sun without proper protection. There are many combination moisturizers that hydrate and offer SPF sun protection too. But be sure that the active ingredients in the moisturizer and the active sun protection are at the top of the list of ingredients. Many times combination products skimp on the important ingredients making them less effective. Choose a moisturizer that’s lighter such a lotion so it doesn’t cause congestion.

Skincare for Winter Months:

 In some areas, the arrival of the colder weather is gradual and you have time to ease into your winter skincare regimen. For others it literally happens overnight and they know it’s important to have winter skincare at the ready.

If you have oily or combination skin, you will want to add a hydrating serum under your moisturizer to protect you from harsh wind and cold temperatures. This tiny addition to your everyday routine can make a world of difference. Look for a serum or concentrate that is made specifically for your skin type so it doesn’t clog the pores.

Normal to dry skin takes a real beating in cold temperatures. Move to a cream instead of a lotion when the temperatures drop and add a daily hydrating serum underneath. If you’re still dry, add a moisturizing mask once a week to boost hydration. Be careful with peels during this time, as they can cause unintentional dehydration.

No matter your skin type, moisturizer and sunscreen are not the only changes you can make to protect your skin from extreme weather. Choose a nourishing lip balm with SPF to protect your lips from the cold. And become diligent about hand and body cream. Forced heat in our homes and offices can create dry skin. Gently exfoliate in the shower daily and apply a nourishing cream all over. Look for ingredients like shea butter and natural oils to help keep the skin from drying.