Do you need to change your skincare with the seasons?
Welcome, and thank you for reading this month’s blog – September. Can you believe it!? Where is this year going…..? Or, more to the point, where has most of it gone? We’re now into the throws of Autumn, and the weather is starting to cool; the flowers in my garden are starting to slow down, and the leaves are starting to turn that lovely autumnal shade. So, just as the garden changes with the passing seasons, what do we need to change when it comes to our skin?
One question I often get asked is, “Bev, should I change my skincare routine with the changing seasons?” There is no right or wrong answer here, but depending on how your skin is behaving, I would recommend tweaking certain products. Let’s go a little deeper about why and what is right for you.
The reason you may need to tweak your skincare products is that all of the different seasons present their own challenges. For example, in winter, there tend to be stronger winds, colder air, rain or snow, combined with central heating/log fires, whereas in summer, you are likely to face more photodamage from UVB (burn) rays, heat rashes are common, dehydration, and air conditioning which can all upset the balance of the skin. Therefore, your skin’s needs and protection levels will be different. Also, your diet has a tendency to change; in summer, we often eat lighter foods and more salads, whereas in winter, we naturally eat more comfort food and heavier meals, and of course, what we put into our bodies affects the outside, including our skin… and let’s not forget winter is party season….late nights, alcohol and parties…whoop whoop.
No matter the season, your skin should be balanced and calm with the correct nutrients and the right hydration levels, as these are some of the most important factors to skin health. “But how do I know if my skin is getting the right level of hydration Bev?” I hear you ask. Well, wonderful reader, it’s important to understand your skin and treat it as a dear friend who is a little sensitive and, therefore, needs some nurturing.
Of course, one of the very best ways to increase hydration throughout your body and skin all year round is to ensure you are taking a sufficient quantity of quality fatty acids (Omega’s) like the Advanced Nutrition Programme Skin Moisture IQ or the Advanced Nutrition Programme Skin Omegas+. Once you have that covered, you want to consider things such as ensuring your showers aren’t too hot, as this can dehydrate your skin by stripping all the natural oils from it. Use good quality 22 momme silk pillowcase to keep the moisture in your skin and hair. If you haven’t had a good skincare routine that you use twice daily, then you really should….(of course, I can help you with that)… and don’t forget to protect your skin all year round with an SPF15 or above, and if you are finding your skin a little drier in the winter, a humidifier can help with that.
The seasons
As I mentioned earlier, each season can present its own set of issues, so here are a few tips for the changing seasons;
Spring
- As the weather begins to warm, you may tend to spend more time outside and expose your skin to pollution and toxins. To help prevent clogged pores, you should ensure you cleanse your skin thoroughly and use a pollution-reducing face masque such as the Environ Anti-Pollution Masque.
- If you spend more time in the sun, you may increase your chances of sun damage, so look for brightening products with things such as Vitamin C and/or melanin inhibitors to suppress hyperpigmentation through the spring and summer months and start applying your SPF more regularly.
Summer
- You may choose to use a lighter moisturiser for the summer, but look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin A and Vitamin C.
- You tend to perspire more in summer, and therefore, there is a higher risk of breakouts and heat rashes. If you are prone to this, try to reduce your makeup and introduce HYPO21 into your skincare routine. This will really help to heal and repair your skin quickly. It is great for reducing bacteria, calming and soothing irritation, and any signs of sunburn.
- Use hydrating products regularly to hydrate, calm, soothe and repair any damage from UV or heat. The Environ Hydrating capsules are absolutely super for a boost of hydration.
Autumn
- As the months begin to get colder, keeping your skin hydrated will be super important, so moving over to products that focus on this will help, such as incorporating SkinBetter Science Trio Rebalancing Moisture Treatment to your skincare regime.
- As the days get shorter and darker we can become a little lax with our skincare regime however, it is really important to be consistent with skincare, trust me, your skin will thank you for it now and in years to come.
- As the wind picks up and the air begins to cool, it would be beneficial to have in-clinic facials to reduce any hyperpigmentation and keep your skin hydrated as we move into winter….don’t think facials are just for autumn and winter…
Winter
- Use an SPF all year round, yes the sun’s UVA rays will still cause damage to your skin, even in winter.
- You can use thicker-viscosity moisturisers in winter if your skin needs a ‘little more’, as our skin tends to be drier with the cold air and central heating. Consider SkinBetter Science Trio LUXE for super dry and dehydrated skin; it really is a lifesaver.
- Use gentle milk cleansers as your skin may be more reactive and dry in the winter months. The Decaar Milk Cleanser is very popular.
- Consider injectable skin boosters to really combat dry or dehydrated skin. They make a remarkable difference.
The long and short of it, wonderful reader, is to listen to your skin and what it needs. The key takeaways are to keep your skin’s moisture levels balanced and protect your skin all year round. If you are unsure how to do this or what products would be best for you, book a complimentary consultation with me, and it will all become clear.