While almost all of us understand that our skincare needs will differ between summer and winter, we may still need some guidance on what we should be doing in the transitional period between the two seasons. We may also need some direction to apply skincare products properly. If you’re like many women, you may be cursing your mother for not teaching you these things as a pre-teen or teenager. But, have hope! It’s easier to do than you might think, and the end result is glowing youthful complexions.
Start With the Experts & Book an Appointment with a Dermatologist
And by that, we mean to make an appointment to visit a dermatologist. There you can get a thorough skin analysis done. They can let you know important things like – what skin type you have, current issues you may need to address, and they can even prescribe medications (oral or topical) that can help you get going on your skincare journey. They can also recommend good drugstore brands that will help you if budgetary restrictions are in place. It’s an excellent opportunity to get any skin issues that may have been concerning you checked out while you’re there.
Start Moisturizing and Start Early
As the weather starts getting crisper and cooler, it’s a good idea to begin moisturizing more than you did during the warm summer months. Oil free moisturizer is perfect in the summertime because it keeps your pores clearer and your skin less shiny since the warm weather affects our skin by producing more oil. As the weather turns colder, though, we need that extra moisture to keep our skin looking hydrated and healthier, not to mention more youthful! Don’t forget to moisturize your entire body, not just your face. But, be mindful that the skin on your face is much more delicate than the skin on your body, so you’ll want to consider purchasing separate moisturizers and serums for each.
Skin Exfoliation Is Key
In the same way, it’s critical to exfoliate our dead skin cells off our bodies as we head from winter to summer. It’s essential to do the same thing as we transition from summer to fall. Now, ideally, you’d be exfoliating at least once a week, or twice depending on your skin type. But as you’ve been using sunscreens or tanners, bug sprays, and whatever else all summer long, it’s essential to give your skin an excellent deep exfoliation between seasons. And, just as the moisturizers mentioned above, you’re going to want to use a different exfoliant on your face than one formulated for body exfoliation. Additionally, if your dermatologist has you on medication for any skin issues, you may not want to exfoliate your face at all, so best to call and check in with them before doing so.
Speaking Of Hydration
Sure, we’ve all heard a million times how essential it is to drink our eight glasses of water a day. And, with good reason – water is necessary to our overall health and wellness, including the health of our skin. But, sometimes, eight glasses just isn’t going to cut it! If you’re someone who lives an active lifestyle, you’re going to need to consume more than eight. You can also get creative in your water intake. Seltzer waters, flavored waters, and brewed teas all count towards your daily count. Not to mention, herbal teas have vast and documented health benefits, so start sipping!
Practicing Wellness In All Ways
How much sleep we get, the type of food we eat, and how we choose to live our lives, in general, have a significant impact on our physical appearance. You can see this when you gain a few pounds after the holiday season and all the treats that go along with it. So why would we assume it’s not the same for our skin – our largest organ. Make sure you’re trying to get at least eight to nine hours of sleep a night – they don’t call it “Beauty Rest” without reason! Also, eating a healthy diet that consists of whole foods is critical. There are many foods that boost our skin’s overall health and radiance.
So, if we can take these simple steps towards preparing our skin for winter, you’ll start seeing results quickly. Especially when it comes to how much of a healthy lifestyle we choose to lead, make sure you’re taking care of yourself in all ways, always. Here’s to your (skin)health!