Skin is a fickle thing. Just when you think it’s finally in a good place, something comes along to throw your entire complexion off balance. And it doesn’t have to be anything major. The slightest changes in temperature, sleeping patterns, or air conditioning habits can upset the routine you’ve worked so hard to perfect.
You can’t control the weather, of course – or the seasons that control it. One thing you can control, however, is your routine. Some habits, products or treatments might be staples rain or shine. Others might have fallow periods when they’re just not as necessary. But what do you need to keep skin happy and healthy in summer? And how does the cooler winter affect your routine?
To find out, we went straight to the experts – Selfologi. As the ultimate destination for cosmetic treatments, they know how to take care of your skin better than anyone. Together, we’ve compiled a season-by-season guide, so you can stay one step ahead of your complexion – all year long.
Winter
How does your skin change?
Cooler temperatures and lower humidity levels spell a very drying season for skin. When the air lacks moisture, it’ll sap it from anywhere it can – including your skin barrier’s water supply – leaving skin dull and dehydrated.
No skin type is completely safe from winter dehydration. However, it’s inevitably worse for dry skin; it just presents yet another challenge for barriers already impaired by a lack of oil production. Conditions such as eczema or psoriasis are also more likely to flare up in colder weather too.
Weather isn’t the only issue. ‘Tis the season for late nights and hot showers, both of which also dehydrate skin. And while a lot of people think acne is worse in the summer, this toll on your skin barrier means breakouts are more frequent in winter – not to mention tougher to treat.
How do I look after my skin?
Focus on moisture
It’s a year-round staple, but moisturiser is your best friend in winter – especially if it’s rich in glycerine, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid. These will nourish and restore your skin barrier. For maximum impact, apply it to wet skin. If you usually rely on salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to fight acne, avoid drying out skin further by opting for products with lower concentrations.
Reconsider retinoids
Retinoids can transform your skin, but also go hand in hand with dryness. If this is something you’re already prone to you may want to reduce usage over winter or put any plans to start using them on hold.
Nourish the skin barrier
For an extra dose of hydration, mesotherapy can be used to top-up the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients in your mesoderm (AKA the middle layer of skin). You’ll need up to six sessions to get the full impact, but you should see a healthier-looking complexion three weeks after your first appointment. Phototherapy treats the skin barrier at a cellular level, strengthening it against the cold over the course of six to eight sessions.
With the highest concentration of hyaluronic acid on the market, Profhilo acts as a magnet for water. It usually takes two sessions to get your final results and be fully armed against dry weather, but results can last through to next winter. And to treat both your barrier and breakouts, the multiple steps of a HydraFacial cover everything from deep cleansing to hydration. Results are pretty much immediate, but you’ll need to go back every month to keep them up.
Summer
How does my skin change?
The hottest time of year has a huge impact on your skin. Heat and humidity can radically alter the function of your skin barrier, leading to more water loss and increased sebum production. Translated, this means you’ll probably find yourself oilier and sweatier than usual.
When temperatures soar outside, they usually plummet indoors. Air conditioning is a saviour in terms of comfort, but it’s a moisture-sapping menace when it comes to skin, again contributing to dehydration. And when temperatures are extreme, it’s not unusual to spend most of your time inside, robbing you of vitamin D, which can – yet again – cause dryness.
Of course, the most pressing issue is sunburn. The sun’s summer strength makes it alarmingly easy to fall victim to UV damage. This puts your skin at risk of skin cancers such as melanoma (which can develop years after you were first left red and peeling on the beach). In the short term, this damage can lead to dark spots and stubborn hyperpigmentation.
Be sun savvy
How do I look after my skin?
Everyone needs to wear SPF all year round (yes, even when it’s cloudy) but it’s especially important to stay on top of it in summer. Because they encourage cell renewal, retinol and actives make skin more susceptible to sun damage than ever. There’s no need to ditch them for the season – just make sure you’re only using them at night to avoid over-sensitizing skin.
Subscribe to our newsletter below for more such news.
