SUMMER VS WINTER SKIN CARE
Different temperatures naturally put different stresses on your skin and your skin’s needs change throughout the year. If during the winter you used gentler cream cleansers and more hydrating moisturisers on your skin to counteract the drying winter climate and central heating, you may now want to change back to more thorough foaming cleansers and more light-weight moisturisers.
Some people cut moisturiser out of their summer skincare routine entirely however, due to particularly sensitive skin the idea scares me! Instead, I opt for a lighter moisturiser and stop using oils in the summer. Something like the Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Jelly or Sunday Riley Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream works well for me – not only do these products provide long-lasting hydration but also the light weight formula provides instant relief for parched skin.
Exfoliation is key during summer months when your skin is exposed to a buildup of sunscreen, sweat, excess oil and makeup. I love Liquid ExfoliKate Triple Acid Resurfacing Treatment during the summer months as it doesn’t leave skin feeling tight or stripped. The Dr. Roebuck’s
BYRON 2-in-1 Mask + Exfoliator is equally as effective and feels great on the skin. But(!) remember to exfoliate at night and give your skin time to replenish before exposing to the sun again.
SPF is so incredibly important all year around but particularly in the summer. I am a huge fan of Heliocare 360 Color Gel Oil-Free SPF50 and Ultrasun Very High 50+ SPF Face Anti Pigmentation Treatment. I particularly enjoy the freedom of not wearing foundation or CC/BB creams with the tinted SPF. Don’t forget to protect your lips, ears and scalp too and to regularly re-apply! For tips on how to apply SPF check out this article.
Summer is over, the sun is covered over and the cold returns. In the winter I am a huge advocate for oils and creamy products. My go-to skin-soother is Dr Roebuck’s No Worries Hydrating Face Moisturizer – to deeply nourish skin with much-needed hydration. Even oily and combination skin still needs moisture and gentle care in the harsher winter months. I apply balanceme Rose Otto Face to lock in moisture overnight and if I am struggling with spots, I use Herbivore’s Lapiz Balancing Facial Oil across my T-Zone to re-balance. Vitamin C features heavily in my winter routine to replenish and nourish my skin – MediK8 C-TETRA® Lipid Vitamin C Antioxidant Serum is my go-to.
My eczema goes into overdrive in winter and I find that my lips, hands and eyes are usually the first to react. Any skin care containing urea will help to treat or prevent dry, rough, scaly, itchy skin and minor skin irritations. For body, E45 is dreamily soothing and calming. For face, I use Eucerin UreaRepair Replenishing Face Cream 5% Urea when my skin is really angry. If all else fails, I slather myself in Elizabeth Arden’s 8 Hour Cream Skin Protectant and pray!
You still need SPF! Anyone who has been skiing knows that the sun still gets you in the snow and now is the time for thicker, barrier-forming products. Just don’t forget to thoroughly cleanse skin to prevent blocked pores and build up.
Exfoliating with gentle products is key when your skin is already tender from the conditions; I opt for a hot cloth cleanser to ensure that all the makeup and SPF are removed, without scrubbing away. After removing makeup with a balm cleanser such as Clinique Take the Day Off I follow with Eve Lom Cleanser or No7 Radiant Results Revitalising Hot Cloth Cleanser to ensure I am squeaky clean without abrasion.
It’s not enough to perfect your skin routine for one season, your skin requirements will change, and it’s essential that you can adapt your skincare to protect and preserve. I find that my skincare routine is very much reactive based on what my skin is doing but bear in mind that your routine needs to be sustainable and consistent – promising yourself that you will use 4 different kinds of oil in winter and SPF at night in summer is unrealistic and you are unlikely to stick with it. Skincare routines are as individual and adaptable as we are, and you need to find what works for you, whatever the weather!
