SEASONAL SKINCARE: HOW TO OPTIMIZE YOUR ROUTINE FOR EVERY SEASON

Imagine wearing the same wardrobe all year round? The same wool coat from December into the thick of July? You would never do that. Your skincare should be approached in the same way. A wardrobe for your face (and neck...and chest.) Making small adjustments to your routine throughout the year will keep your skin balanced and glowing. To help you stay on your game, here is a guide to navigating the "storms"... literally.

Summer: Hydrate & Protect

Let's start in the current season. The summer- usually- can get hot. The UV index rises, there are more daylight hours, and you are are sweating, meaning an influx of oil production. Now, you may think that because your skin is oily, it is hydrated. That is not always the case. An over-production of oil will occur under dehydrated conditions, so it is important that you keep your oily skin hydrated even in the heat.

Tips:

• Switch to a lightweight moisturizer, a gel or even a milky toner might be enough for you. I find that heavy products will make my skin bumpy in the summer, so I will cut out my traditional moisturizer all together and rely solely on my toner and SPF for hydration.

• Double cleanse at night to make sure you are removing all of the sweat and extra layers of SPF that you should be applying throughout the day.

• Opt for an oil-free SPF and make sure you are reapplying every 2 hours. There are many SPF's on the market that should be clearly labeled "for oily skin" or "oil-free, non-greasy finish".

• Search for calming ingredients like Niacinamide or aloe, and use a vitamin C to help protect from environmental stressors. Some Vitamin C's can be strong so make sure it isn't irritating to your skin.

Pro-tip: keep a facial mist/hypochlorous acid mist in your bag to keep your skin refreshed throughout the day!

Fall: Repair & Rebuild

While the sun can still shine during the fall months, it does not bring with it the heat that the summer does. You want to use this time to repair any damage caused during the summer months and prep for winter.

Tips:

• Introduce hydrating serums like hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture, but don't jump all in to heavy moisturizers, you can reintroduce your regular one during this time.

• Add a facial oil at the end of your routine to lock in moisture. Be careful with these, some can be on the heavier side. Oils should be used as a last step in your routine.

• Try using a gentle exfoliator or introducing retinoids to fade sunspots and boost cell turnover. It is important to note that retinoids will make your skin sensitive to the sun, so wearing and reapplying your SPF is very important if you are taking this path.

• That being said, the last tip is to continue wearing your SPF! Just because it is not scorching hot, does not mean that the sun is not getting at your skin. Think of those golden fall days, the sun may not be as strong but it's there.

Pro-tip: Fall is a great time to get in for a facial to reset your skin.

Winter: Nourish & Protect

Ahhh, winter. The season that tries to destroy your barrier. Frigid temperatures, dry indoor heating. Your skin doesn't know what to do.

Tips:

• Use cream-based or balm cleansers to avoid stripping natural oils. Look for ingredients like ceramides to nourish your skin and protect your barrier.

• Try layering hydrating products. If you lean more dry, start with a milky toner, then follow with a serum, and then a thick moisturizer, and finish with an occlusive ( like petroleum jelly) to seal it all in. Remember that petroleum jelly is not in itself a moisturizer, but rather traps in moisture. So, if there is no moisture under it, there won't be anything to trap.

• Investing in a humidifier will maintain skin hydration overnight even with the nice warm heat running.

• If you are feeling raw and irritated, avoid any harsh exfoliators or actives. Focus on your barrier and gentle ingredients.

• SPF is a non-negotiable still. The days are shorter so you will not need to reapply as much, but the UV can get intense on a snowy day. The way she bounces off the white will have you burned like you are on a beach in the summer.

Pro-tip: Don't neglect your hands or lips. Everyone is suffering this season, use whatever you've put on your face on your lips and hands as well.

Spring: Refresh & Renew

The light at the end of the tunnel. Spring is here. A mild shoulder season, similar to fall, can be a time for winter repair and prep for the summer ahead.

Tips:

• Switch to a lightweight moisturizer if you’ve been using heavy creams all winter, this doesn't need to happen at the very onset of spring, but you will be able to tell when your skin is ready for less.

• Reintroduce gentle exfoliation (AHAs or enzymes) to slough off dry skin and brighten your complexion.

• If you took it away for the winter, add an antioxidant serum, like vitamin C, to protect against environmental aggressors (hello pollen season)

• SPF is still a must. UV levels start climbing, even on cloudy days. If you were using something richer, you might want to go back to a lighter one.

Pro-tip: Spring cleaning applies to your makeup as well! Go through and get rid of any old products and sponges. This is going to help keep your skin in good shape as well.

Changing your skincare with the seasons doesn't have to be complicated. Nor does it need to be a huge job. You know yourself best, and if something isn't working for you anymore then these tips will hopefully get you back to a good place. You might not need to do a complete overhaul, remember that making too many big changes can also disrupt your skin. I keep things relatively similar throughout the year and will just swap out products here and there. I know what works for my skin so I always have the same products I'm tagging in and out. I'm not constantly adding/trying new things. Make sure to patch test any new products to see if you have any sensitivity to them and be kind to yourself!

If you have any go-to seasonal skincare swaps, let me know in the comments!