Just as the seasons change, so does your skin. Sun exposure, humidity, and changes in seasonal activities are some of the reasons you may notice an increase or decrease in dryness, breakouts, or redness.
SUMMER
Beachgoers, swimmers, golfers, hikers, sailors, and gardeners; most anyone who spends more time out of doors during the summer months may notice the effects of increased sun exposure. Exposure to UVA and UVB rays can cause the skin to burn and see an increase in pigmentation, such as freckles, age spots, or dark patches on the skin. This increased sun exposure also leads to skin dehydration leaving the skin feeling tight, rough, and dry.
Sunscreen on your skin’s surface and an increase in water intake are a must in the summer. Taking these simple measures will help to prevent these symptoms of prolonged periods of time under the sun and will help prevent long-term effects of UV radiation and dehydration.
The good news for summer skin? Humidity! If you live in a humid climate, know that the water dense air is good for your skin, helping to keep it moist and plump.
AUTUMN
As the days grow shorter, autumn is a great time to take steps to remedy the effects of summer. Professional skin care treatments that feature result oriented exfoliation services like microdermabrasion, enzymes, or light peels will help to undo what was done during summer fun.
Continue to wear sunscreen. You can find moisturizers like Elizabeth Grady’s Replenish that contain sunscreen so you don’t have to take that extra step of applying sunscreen separate from your daily skin care regimen.
Utilize the fall season to not only recover from summer but to prepare for winter. Nourish your skin with nutrient rich fall vegetables from your local farmer’s markets. Hydrate. Enjoy all the colorful changes in your environment with the knowledge that winter is coming.
WINTER
If you live in a climate like New England, you know how winter weather and indoor heat contribute to dry, itchy, and sometimes rashy, red skin. Fill up your humidifier and create an indoor climate change by restoring moisture to the air which will in-turn help restore moisture to your skin.
Drink water (notice that common thread all year round). Water not only hydrates your skin but also helps support healthy fluid balance in all of your body. The skin, the largest organ of the body, can only function as well as its organ counter parts: the lungs, the liver, the kidneys, and the colon… Support all your organs with water intake and a healthy diet and it will translate to a visibly healthy skin.
Moisturize. Use a different cream at night that provides a barrier to prevent moisture loss at night while providing the skin with water loving humectant ingredients, vitamins, and botanicals that reduce sensitivity.
Take note, if you spend a lot of time out of doors in the winter skiing, snow shoeing, or just playing in the snow, bundle up your skin with protective creams, chap sticks, and sunscreen. Feeling the winter blahs? Go to your esthetician and massage therapist and receive some pampering and relief from the winter months. Close your eyes and be reminded, spring is coming.
SPRING
Aahhhh. Just writing this I can feel the palpable sense of relief knowing that winter has come to an end and that birds, buds, and beasts come alive as the days grow longer and brighter.
Spring is another transitional season, like fall, where you can take advantage of replenishing your wintered skin with deep hydrating treatments like the Five Star Facial, Marine Essentials Facial, or customized facials that meet your specific skin’s needs.
Continue supporting your skin’s health by drinking adequate amounts of water, eating healthy nutrient rich foods, and having professional skin care services while taking good care of your skin at home. Regardless of the season, these are year round habits that will keep your skin healthy.