From cold and dry to hot and humid: Skincare tips for any climate

Did you know that the weather can have a major impact on your skincare routine? From high humidity to sub-zero winter temperatures, weather conditions have just as much of an impact on your daily skincare routine as the products you choose. Your skincare routine often changes with the weather. Let’s take a look at how humidity and temperatures affect your skin.

Humidity and Skincare

An increase in humidity means that there is excess moisture in the air. The same is true for your skin. When there is more moisture in the air, there is more moisture in your skin. While this may be wonderful for those with dry skin, it can wreak havoc on oily or combination skin types. When there is high humidity, changes such as excess oil and shine are common.

  • Consider using blotting papers throughout the day to remove surface shine.
  • Try a mattifying primer to create a smooth surface and reduce the appearance of shine on the skin.
  • Apply skincare products with salicylic acid  to unclog the pores and help prevent acne flare ups.
  • Wash face with a gentle, gel-based facial cleanser to keep oil at bay.

Conversely, those living in areas with low humidity such as Arizona, Colorado and Utah will often experience issues related to dry skin. Itchiness and a tight feeling are common skin issues related to dry air, but there are some skin care tips you can use to help tackle the problem.

  • Be gentle on your skin. When you dry off after bathing, be sure to pat your skin dry. Don’t rub.
  • Always follow your shower or bath with a rich moisturizer or body oil.
  • Look for cream formulations instead of lotions and fluids for facial hydration.
  • Avoid ingredients such as alcohol and sulfates, which  will cause more dryness.
  • Seek out a moisturizer with cocoa butter, borage oil and argan oil to hydrate dry skin caused by low humidity.

Air Temperature and Skincare

Sweltering heat causes skin issues. When it’s hot, we’re exposed to bright sunshine. We also hit the beach and swimming pools to cool off. All of the above can have an effect on our skin.

  • Chlorine from swimming pools strips the skin of natural oils and can leave your arms and legs dry. Be sure to rinse well after being in the pool and follow with body moisturizer.
  • Salt water from the ocean is known for its positive effects on the skin, but there are also negative ones. The salt is actually hard to completely wash off the skin and can cause body acne. After a dip in the ocean, be sure to wash with a gentle body wash.
  • Sun damage is the #1 cause of premature skin aging. When it’s hot, most of us wear shorts, tanks tops, and sundresses. This leaves our skin vulnerable to the UV rays. Using a broad spectrum sunscreen is a must.

Exposure to cold temperatures also impacts our skin. Think of how your skin feels when you are out walking on a chilly winter day. Brisk temperatures and wind can make your skin feel numb.  It may be tingly or even sore. Most often, the extreme cold dries the skin.

  • Be sure to protect your skin in the cold weather. Keeping your hands, feet and ears covered is one of the best things you can do for your skin.
  • Try switching to a rich cream moisturizer instead of a thinner lotion. Creams offer a barrier and help to protect your skin from the elements.
  • Look for facial products containing hyaluronic acid. This helps your skin retain moisture, which is especially important in the cold weather.
  • Just as you do in the summer, wearing a sunscreen is imperative in the winter. Snow actually reflects the sunlight, making your skin susceptible to burning.

Our skincare regimens are seasonal for nearly all of us. That’s why I have a mattifying product on my vanity for my oily t-zone in the summer and a nourishing cream with butters and oils for dryness in the winter. Skincare needs really can change as quickly as the weather. Making a couple of small changes in your beauty routine is all it takes to help your skin through these seasonal weather transitions.

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