There's nothing you can do about seasonal changes (aside from getting out of state), but that doesn't mean your skin has to suffer. Here we reveal why skin changes from season to season, as well as what steps you can take to ensure your skin looks better than it should:)
Why does your skin change from summer to winter?
From California Summers to New York Winter slush:
Our body likes consistency. And when the weather changes it's like a shock to the system. Rapid fluctuations in weather can take its toll on our skin as it adjusts to the new environment. For example, as we shift from summer to fall, temperature and humidity will drop quickly, so the skin will have to work harder to maintain adequate hydration as cold weather and wind start to kick in. This can lead to cracks in the outer skin layer, loss of hydration, and inflammation. All of which can seriously impact the overall state of your skin health.
The skin barrier becomes disrupted during this period, making it more susceptible to inflammation and irritation. It's not the temperature alone that causes these skin woes, either. It's the sudden switch in weather, coupled with subsequent lifestyle changes people make as it gets cooler (taking hot showers and using central heat in homes, that contributes to dryness and inflammation associated with this transitional period.
How can you take care of your skin during this seasonal transition?
When humidity is much lower, it is important to limit showers to no more than 5 minutes and avoiding hot water at all costs - Colder water is better for your skin anyway. Use a nourishing face wash with added amino acids to boost your skin's ability to self hydrate, like GOA’s Purifying Face Cleanser and following up with a thicker cream than you would use during the summer months. Apply a regenerative cream within 60 seconds of coming out of the shower and look for ingredients like tripeptides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid.
Additionally, try to implement an oil balancing serum into your routine, such as the Collagen+Control Face Serum, which contains soothing witch hazel and a powerful antioxidant, Dark Phyto-Matter.
All of this to say, while the weather is uncontrollable, skin health is not. Pay attention to the state of your skin and switch up your routine as the seasons change. If you're noticing persistent concerns, visit your dermatologist to determine a plan of action together.