Why every season signals an updated routine

As new seasons bring changing temperatures and humidity in the air, our skin responds by changing its chemistry. For instance, for some people, that means dry skin suddenly becomes oily in the summer. Likewise, for most of us, cooler temperatures contribute to drier, delicate skin. That’s why it’s important to find what products work best for your skin at different times of the year.

What to do every season

• Evaluate your skin with every season. Does it feel excessively dry? Are you experiencing extra shine? Is your complexion suddenly suffering from constant breakouts?
• Be flexible and reorganize your routine if your skin requires different products. This way, you’re feeding your skin the nutrients it needs at the right time.
• Also, assess your products to see if they’ve expired. It might be time to toss out your old cream, cleanser or cosmetics.
• Wear sunscreen every day! Whether it’s sweltering, frosty, raining or snowing, you should wear sun protection daily.
• Though you’ll adjust moisturizers depending on the season, continue to hydrate your face, hands and feet throughout the year.

Winter

A winter wonderland brings cold, dry air that can cause of plethora of skin problems. Here's how to ensure your skin stays healthy as the snow starts to fall.

• Exfoliate often. The first step to healthy winter skin is to exfoliate often. Gentle exfoliation clears the dead, flaky skin brought on by cold weather. Plus, it provides a fresh surface, perfect for a deep penetration of moisturizing lotions and other valuable skin care products.
• Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Once you exfoliate and shed those dead skin cells, be sure to apply a hydrating moisturizer to heal dry, itchy, irritated skin. Experts recommend an oil-based moisturizer or mineral oil for lasting, heavy-duty hydration.
• Avoid hot showers. On a blistery, wintery day, a long, hot shower can bring comfort from the cold. But, experts warn that long exposure to hot water can exacerbate dry skin. Get into the habit of taking short, warm showers that allow your skin to retain its moisture.
• Hydrate your home. Investing in an inexpensive home humidifier will add moisture to the air and help to prevent dry skin.

Spring

Spring brings a welcomed break from the cold, dry air. It’s also the perfect time to pamper your skin after it’s endured a harsh, chilly winter. These pointers will restore your skin and prepare it for baring a bit more once the warm weather arrives.

• Continue to moisturize and exfoliate. In most climates, spring means more moisture in the air — an appreciated change for skin after a cold, dry winter. Get rid of the remaining winter layer of dead, dull skin with a gentle exfoliant and follow with your favorite moisturizer.
• Pamper. There’s no better way to rejuvenate dry, dreary skin each spring than with a luxurious facial mask. After exfoliating, apply a gentle mask, such as Astara Green Papaya Nutrient Mask to freshen your face for spring.
• Refresh and revive. A gentle cleanser will help to revitalize your skin while preventing impurities from clogging pores and causing breakouts. According to experts, use a gentle, alcohol-free facial cleanser in the evening. Unless you have persistent problems with acne, avoid ingredients like salicylic acid that may cause excessive drying or irritate the skin.

Summer

Skin care can become an all-consuming task in the summer. From baring your legs to sensible sun protection, here are your essential tips for simple summer skin care.

• Protect your skin. While you should wear sunscreen all year long, it’s especially essential in the summer when people spend more time outside. Choose a sunscreen that not only blocks harmful UVA/UVB rays but moisturizes as well.
• Enjoy a safe tan. Instead of exposing your skin to dangerous UV rays, add a self-tanner that gives you a natural-looking summer glow. Try Jan Marini Bioglycolic Sunless Self Tanner, a noncomedogenic formula for all skin types.
• Shave for smooth skin. Warm weather brings out the bikinis, shorts and tank tops that demand skin be soft and smooth. Be sure to choose a shaving lotion that won’t dry out your skin or leave behind unsightly red bumps. The Art of Shaving Women’s Shaving Cream is a specially formulated shaving lotion that provides a close shave without skin irritation.
• Eliminate excess oil. Oily skin is a common summer concern. That means it’s essential to avoid oil-based skin products. Instead, opt for oil-free mineral makeup to prevent excessively oily skin.

Fall

As summer fades into fall and the weathers gets cooler and drier, it’s important that you stay on top of skin care. Here’s how to get started.

• Take care with cleansers. Dry conditions make skin more susceptible to harsh, soapy cleansers. Avoid irritation by choosing a gentle daily body cleanser.
• Moisturizer is a must. While some say goodbye to dry skin during the summer, it often accompanies the cool fall temperatures. Fall is the perfect time to get back into the moisturizing routine before the harsh winter weather hits.
• Focus on your feet. During the summer, your feet inevitably take a beating. This frequently forgotten part of the body deserves some serious pampering. Exfoliate several times a week with a scrub specifically made for your feet. Then, follow with a rich cream.

See also:

Beauty Tips and Tricks for Radiant Winter Skin

10 Ways to Get Ready for Fall

A No-Sweat Beauty Routine All Summer Long