Spring and summer are coming. Soon, it will be time to put away your winter jackets and get ready for warm, sunny days again. But your wardrobe isn’t the only thing you need to update – it’s best to adjust your skin care routine when seasons change as well.
Warm air typically holds much more moisture and humidity than cold air. Therefore, what works for your skin during harsh winters in the Windy City probably isn’t the best choice for spring and summer.
To learn more about the skin care product changes you might need for the upcoming season, contact The Derm today. When it’s time to swap your products, we’ll make sure that you are ready!
What skin changes take place during spring and summer?
Spring and summer are not easy on your skin. With extra moisture and humidity in the air, your skin will likely produce more sweat and natural oils. When you spend more time outdoors, your risk for UV exposure and sun damage rises. Even blooming plants and flowers add allergens to the air that can irritate your skin.
If you have more acne breakouts in the spring and summer, you’re not alone. Warm weather speeds up your skin cell production, mixing dead skin cells with your excess sweat and oils – the perfect scenario for breakouts to happen.
How might your skin care change for spring and summer?
The thick, heavy moisturizers you use in fall and winter could make your skin feel greasy in warm weather, especially if you have oily skin. If so, opt for lightweight, water-based gels and lotions instead. You can also try a water-based micellar cleanser to remove excess oil build-up without irritating your skin.
Of course, wearing sunscreen is crucial to preventing UV damage, premature aging, and skin cancer. You should apply it more often during spring and summer, especially if you spend time outdoors. However, The Derm recommends wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher all year long. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, daily sunscreen can reduce your risk of developing carcinoma by 40% and melanoma by 50%.
What skin changes take place during fall and winter?
When summer comes to an end, The Derm can help you prepare for fall and winter weather as well. The combination of cold, dry air with less UV exposure (nearly 80% of winter days in Chicago are cloudy) strips away your skin’s natural oils, making it more susceptible to itchiness and irritation.
Because skin cell production decreases in cold weather, your dead skin cells also shed less, often leaving you with a flaky, dull complexion. Spending time indoors in the heat dries your skin out even further.
How might your skin care change for fall and winter?
It’s all about moisturization. During fall and winter, you should moisturize your skin throughout the day and within a few minutes after you wash or shower. A long, hot shower usually sounds wonderful after a cold winter day, but Harvard Medical School recommends showering for no longer than 10 minutes in warm water to prevent dry skin.
Cream-based moisturizers and gentle cleansers also help keep your skin hydrated. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) all have hydrating properties, making them great additions to your cold-weather skin care routine.
The Derm takes care of your skin in every season
The weather is uncontrollable, but thankfully your skin care isn’t! If your skin is struggling as the seasons change, schedule an appointment at The Derm today.
With three convenient locations to serve you (Glenview, Park Ridge, and Wilmette), the board-certified dermatologists and skin experts at The Derm are dedicated to delivering exceptional patient care. We can recommend many types of skin care products and create a personalized treatment plan to help your skin stay healthy all year long – whatever the season may be.
