While facial skin care is vital all year round, weather patterns across the year can have differing effects on your skin. It's wise to alter your skin care routine to accommodate this, and it isn't necessarily a hard thing to do. Here are some basic facial skin care ideas to keep in mind for each season.
Spring
Heading into spring, it can be tempting after the cold winter to head outside and enjoy the glorious weather. Applying sunscreen is an integral part of a good facial skin care routine. The air is often still dry, which can exacerbate sunburn if it occurs. You can also get away with wearing a lighter foundation and moisturizer; using one with built-in sunscreen kills two birds with one stone. You may also have to cleanse your skin more often particularly if you're prone to acne - due to sweating from higher temperatures.
Summer
The number one rule for facial skin care in summer is to avoid sunburn at all costs. Every time you get sunburned you are causing permanent damage to your skin and accelerating its ageing process. If you like the tanned look, go for a spray tan, a self-applied tan or tinted moisturizer. Like sunburn, a real tan poses too much of a risk to the health of your skin. Exfoliating is also more important in summer than at other times. It gets rid of dry and dull skin, and stops your pores from clogging up and causing breakouts.
Fall
In the lead-up to winter, your facial skin care routine should largely be preventative to protect you against the harsh weather to come. Make sure to keep up your intake of water or herbal tea so your skin doesn't end up drying out too much. While it may be tempting to take long, hot baths and showers as the weather cools, these actually dry your skin out rather than hydrating it. If you do indulge, add jojoba or sweet almond oil to your bathwater, use moisturizing shower milk or apply moisturizer afterwards. Peeling products, cleansers and other products containing alcohol should also be used less frequently to maintain your skin's protective barrier.
Winter
Cold and often windy conditions outside, combined with artificial heating inside is a recipe for dry skin in winter. While moisturizing should always be part of your facial skin care routine, it's more important than ever in winter. However, make sure to switch to an oil-based one. The more oil that a moisturizer contains, the better it protects your skin against the elements, as it creates a protective barrier. Make sure to apply your moisturizer at least thirty minutes before going outdoors to give your skin time to absorb it. If you suffer from chapped lips, absolutely resist the temptation to lick them, as this will only make the problem worse. Keep a moisturizing lip balm handy and use that instead.
Adjusting the facial skin care products you use to the appropriate time of year will ensure that you have great looking skin year round. It's just a matter of knowing how your skin will be affected - from drying out to having clogged pores - and knowing how to circumvent any problems.
