Should you change your skin care with the seasons?

The quick answer is yes, most likely. Why? Well, while skin is a barrier it is also permeable. And so as the weather gets colder and air becomes dryer, the body’s moisture is naturally lost to the surrounding environment. This moisture loss is exacerbated by the dry, forced air heating systems common in multi-season regions of the U.S. – this hot forced air is even drier. Further, since the moisture content of the air is lower and temperatures are lower, our skin perspires less and produces less sebum which makes the skin less hydrated and more prone to moisture loss – as the natural lipid barrier is “weakened”. Therefore, the addition of heavier serums and lotions help to offset this natural skin drying and help prevent moisture loss.

While the basic foundations of a skin care routine can remain standard through the seasons, the composition and key actives in products should change to suit the conditions of one’s environment. Which means, you could use the same serum throughout the year – such as hyaluronic acid – but during the winter, you’ll likely want to complement and layer a heavier moisturizer with EFAs, ceramides, and a natural occlusive to “trap moisture” against the skin and to prevent dehydration of the skin.

But what about in the Spring & Summer?

The converse is true too. As spring and then summer return more humid air, this allows the body to retain more moisture. And skin that is better hydrated and healthier requires less external moisture support (via creams and serums). However, during the spring and summer new factors affect the skin. Allergens, pollution, and more outdoor activity (meaning more sun exposure and perspiration) all require different approaches to counteract the change in seasonal climates.

So, while moisture loss is less a concern during the spring and summer, shifting towards products with more antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients will help during these seasons – along with more frequent sunscreen application.

Of course, those living in more stable, unchanging climates often don’t need to modify their skin care routines to accommodate changing seasons. But in Reviva’s region, the North East U.S., it’s definitely necessary to modify your skin care to address seasonal changes. It’s simply unavoidable and it’s the skin savvy thing to do. That is, you can have some staple (aka “holy grail”) products in your skin care regimen, but it’s smart to change products to accommodate the changing seasons as needed.

We’ve organized some suggested seasonal skin care products

Spring – Once spring has sprung don’t neglect adjusting your skin care to match the change in season and your new outdoor active lifestyle. Summer – Skin care isn’t something you generally want to be trendy with. However, summer’s new product releases can provide insight into the latest discoveries in skin science. Fall – Fall weather poses unique challenges for your skin. Don’t let a change of season affect your complexion adversely. Modify your routine for Autumn. Winter – As winter arrives be sure to adjust your skin care regimen to accommodate for a drier harsher environment. And no matter what the season, make sure to incorporate sun protection; it’s a necesssity year-round.