When the seasons change, it’s sometimes necessary to swap out some of our products or textures to feel a little more comfortable. Here are our suggestions:
Winter into Summer
Cleansing – swap out balms and the heavier cream varieties for milks and gels, which feel lighter on the skin.
SPF – don’t forget to be really scrupulous about your sun protection, especially if you like to sit outside in the evenings, and the last application was in the morning. Recommended protection now is at least SPF 30. If you do happen to burn, the first thing to remember is to stop using the active ingredients such as retinoids and glycolic, take down the heat with cool showers and wet cloths, take ibuprofen or aspirin (if you are able to) for the pain, and wear loose clothing that protects the burned area.
As a guide, you should be applying at least a teaspoonful of product for every body part, with the first application 15 minutes or so before you go into the sun, with further top-ups every two hours, or more if you’re swimming.
Acids and Serums – Glycolic acid can make you more sensitive to the sun, but is still fine to use, as long as you’re keeping up with your SPF. Hyaluronic acid is great for use in the sun, followed by a moisturiser, either a mist, or a light-textured product.
Antioxidants – vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps against free radicals and encourages the production of collagen.
Moisturiser – oil-free products are a good option in the warmer weather, when your regular product might feel too heavy or greasy. The skin is more able to retain its own moisture in humid conditions, so this may be a good option until the cooler weather arrives.
Summer into Winter
Layering skincare – like you’d layer your clothing in colder weather. Cleanse, tone, serum, oil, cream, SPF, but less is always more, don’t forget – don’t apply lots, as you might feel overloaded.
Don’t over-cleanse – your skin needs all the moisture it can get at this time of year, and if you tend towards dryness or sensitivity, or are using a harsh cleanser, it may feel quite uncomfortable. Definitely don’t go so far as to feel “squeaky-clean” – this is a definite sign that you’ve overdone it.
Avoid alcohol-heavy products – for the same reason as above – it may make you feel quite sensitive. The only exception here is an acid product, which are stabilised by alcohol.
Cleansing – try a cleansing milk if you like a foaming facial wash. They make milks for oily skin too.
Oils and balms – these feel very comforting on the skin.
Exfoliate regularly – using an acid product to stimulate the skin, rather than a “scrubby” one. A good combination would be the use of a toner with AHAs, followed by a hydrating toner containing glycerine or hyaluronic acid before your serum.
Omega oils – make sure you take these to help your skin internally. Fish oils are the best, or flax if you’re veggie or plant-based.
Face masks – still a nice treat, but aim for the more hydrating ones rather than clay-based, which can dry out your skin.
Showers – don’t be tempted to stand for ages under a hot shower to warm up – your skin won’t like it!
Psoriasis – if you suffer from this (or eczema), this tends to get worse in the winter. Make sure your shower or bath products are as irritant-free as possible, avoid things like tumble dryer sheets as these can make things worse, and use plenty of a gentle moisturiser.
Vitamin D – don’t forget this, in the shorter daylight hours. You can obtain it as a spray or as tablets, but do check with your doctor first, as with all supplements.