Summer to Winter Skincare Switching

Temperature dips and variations in weather necessitate a change in your skincare routine, just as you don't use the same skincare routine in the morning and evening. Summers normally provide more sun, greater humidity levels, and warmer temperatures, but fall brings colder weather, drier air, indoor heating, and exposure to wind, rain, and snow, depending on where you reside. Because our skin is the first and most significant barrier between our bodies and the outside world, it is the first organ to be affected. This can result in skin that is drier, more brittle, flakier, and itchier. 

It's difficult to predict when you should start changing your skincare routine, but keep an eye out for a reduction in humidity vs. temperature. In cold weather, your skin begins to feel drier since there is less moisture in the air, which means your skin has less moisture. Increased exposure to interior warmth, as well as wind, rain, and snow, dries the skin by rupturing the skin barrier and producing irritation and inflammation.

Easy Ways Switch from Summer to Winter Skincare Routine

Here are some easy ways to transition from summer to winter:

1. The transition from an oil-based cleanser to a cream-based one

Salicylic acid-laced foaming cleansers are ideal for spring-cleaning pores and keeping oil at bay during the summer months. The negative is that many of them contain harsh lathering chemicals like sodium lauryl sulphate, which can strip skin of its protecting natural oils and aggravate already dry winter skin. 

During the winter months, switching to a mild yet rich cleanser is an excellent method to keep skin hydrated and maintain a healthy barrier.

2. Use a good exfoliator 

Because dead skin cells and clogged pores prevent moisturiser from fully sinking in, lightly scrubbing your face twice weekly is recommended. However, avoid using hard scrubs; a modest bit of lactic acid will suffice.

3. Swap moisturiser 

When it comes to shifting your skincare routine from season to season, this is the most important change you can make. Instead of the lightweight water-based moisturisers and coloured creams that are popular in the summer, try rich, creamy moisturisers. 

To keep your skin hydrated and your skin barrier intact, look for components like glycerin, ceramides, and niacin. I like to use a thicker night cream before bed to assist my skin to absorb as much moisture as possible! The "soak and smear" method is the finest technique to apply moisturiser for optimal hydration. After cleansing and drying your face, apply your moisturiser to still-damp skin however, it should be done after applying your serum.

4. Use a hyaluronic acid serum

Serums are usually a good addition to any skincare program because they help to target certain skin issues. Incorporate a HA serum into your skincare routine to combat dry skin. HA is a sugar contained in our skin that helps it retain water and stay plump and hydrated. HA can store 1,000 times its weight in water, preventing moisture from evaporating into the air as well as retaining moisture in our skin and joints. 

It exists naturally in our bodies but declines, as we age, therefore including HA in your skincare routine throughout the winter months will help to keep the skin hydrated. Apply your serums before applying your moisturiser!

5. Don’t forget to use SPF

SPF is always a requirement, regardless of the weather! The effects of excessive UV exposure can cause sunspots, collagen and elastin breakdown, wrinkles, etc. and can be worse in the fall and winter months. 

In cooler weather, it's difficult to feel the impacts of UV radiation on your skin, which can lead to more solar damage without you even realising it. In the fall and winter, the only difference is where and how often you apply it. Because you're more covered and layered up in the colder months, you only need to apply SPF to any regions of exposed skin, which is usually smaller. You should reapply every 3-4 days because you won't be sweating or swimming as much.

6. Layer the skincare

Winter necessitates additional support in the form of skincare allies. The serum is the most potent of these. These liquid elixirs, which are packed with high concentrations of active ingredients, can help to reduce inflammation and plump up dehydration lines. To preserve moisture and soothe a flushed face, opt for a rich serum containing hyaluronic acid and soothing compounds like niacinamide. 

Layer your products from the thinnest to the thickest texture, ensuring that your serum lies beneath your moisturiser for effective absorption. Each of your products comprises a distinct concentration of chemicals that are intended to have a specific skin impact. Layering allows you to address a variety of skin issues. SPF is a year-round commitment because ice and snow both reflect UV rays and can cause sunburn.

7. Always apply body lotions on damp skin

Dermatologists have long advised avoiding extended exposure to hot water because it dehydrates the skin. As a result, keep your showers mild and short. But did you know that for the optimal results, you only have a three-minute window to apply your body lotion afterwards? If you wait much longer, the moisture on your skin will begin to evaporate before you can seal it in. In general, moisturiser works best when applied to damp skin since it absorbs faster. Because of the low humidity in the winter air, it's also worth slathering on creams and closing the bathroom door to trap the steam.

Take Away

Many a times, we continue using the same skincare routine throughout the year, it could have a vastly negative impact on the skin and could do more harm than good. Skincare routine also depends on temperature apart from skin type or skin issues. Therefore, it is always advised to use products suitable for the climate for the best and efficient results.