Different times of the year call for different skincare treatments, but keeping your skin in perfect condition is a mission that will last all year long. From harsh UV rays in the summer to dry winter winds, maintaining fresh, supple, glowing skin requires care and attention, and a routine that is flexible enough to shift with the seasons.
So if you are looking for skincare solutions for when the weather gets cold, when the atmosphere is dry or humid, or even while traveling to the Caribbean, here are some essentials to keep your skin healthy throughout the year.
Sunscreen: Your All-Season Hero
Many people might just reach for the sunblock when heading to the beach or packing a day bag for their tropical cruise shore excursion. But sunscreen isn’t just for when you are going to be soaking up rays in the heat! On cloudy days and even in the winter, UV rays can sneak through and cause skin damage which can lead to prematurely aged skin and even skin cancer. So, add sunscreen or products that contain broad-spectrum SPF to your routine and make protecting your skin against the sun a daily habit.
Hydration: Drink Up!
Keeping your skin hydrated is one of the easiest and most important things you can do to protect and nourish it. This means using great moisturizers and hydrating products, but it also means drinking plenty of water and incorporating nutrient-packed juices into your routine. Using a compact small kitchen juicer can help you make fresh, vitamin-rich juices that promote hydration and glowing skin. You get more benefits from within than you do from without, so drink up and stay hydrated to keep your skin bright and healthy all year long.
Exfoliation: Keep it Consistent, Not Overdone
Exfoliating regularly is a huge part of maintaining a smooth, bright complexion, but it is important not to overdo things, particularly around the turn of the seasons. Skin can be sensitive to environmental changes, and over-exfoliating can lead to irritation and redness, so be consistent rather than over-enthusiastic. It is normal to exfoliate more during the summer, as sweat and sunscreen build up along with your dead skin cells, but as the weather turns and your skin dries out you should dial it back a bit.
Layering Skincare: Adjust for Humidity
Humidity plays a big role in your skincare needs, so pay attention and tailor your routine to the atmospheric conditions. During the summer or in tropical locations where the humidity is high, you’ll want to use lightweight non-comedogenic products that won’t clog your pores. However, when it is colder and drier you can afford to layer up your skincare products which will help lock in moisture and promote softer, smoother, younger-looking skin.
Healthy Diet: Feed Your Skin
Eating healthily is a good idea whatever the time of year for many reasons, and it also has a significant impact on your skin’s health. Getting the right amount of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats is key to promoting a radiant glow, while unhealthy foods that are over-processed or high in sugars can dull your complexion and cause unsightly breakouts. Superfoods that are high in antioxidants or rich in Omega-3, including salmon, flaxseeds, berries, spinach, and nuts, are all great for helping to protect your skin and keep it supple and moist.
Maintaining a healthy glow and protecting your skin isn’t just about adding more, different products to your routine. It is about paying attention to the world around you and tailoring how you treat your skin based on where you are and what the weather is like. By paying attention to diet and hydration as well as skincare products you can ensure that your skin looks fabulous all year long, no matter where you are or what the season is!
Images from Meika Beauty by Marcelina Sowa for DSCENE Beauty – see full article here.
no sun people! stay away from the sun!