WHAT ABOUT YOUR SKINCARE REGIME

YOU SWITCH UP YOUR WARDROBE EACH SEASON, BUT WHAT ABOUT YOUR SKINCARE REGIME?

It’s that time of year again when we swap shorter hemlines for tights and boots. Although winter has some perks (yay for less shaving!), no one is immune to a case of the post-summer blues. A winter getaway is the perfect solution, but whether you’re heading for the sun or the snow, when it comes to packing, there’s one crucial component you might be forgetting...

The skin cycle 

Have you ever had your holy grail moisturiser turn on you suddenly and stop delivering results? There’s a reason for that: seasonal change. It turns out our mood isn’t the only thing affected by the weather. Unfortunately, according to the experts, your streamlined three-step skincare regime is not universal year-round. Just like the seasons, our skin goes through different phases and we need to adjust our skincare routine accordingly. It’s the sudden changes in weather that skin is particularly sensitive to. Those ‘four seasons in one day’ kind of days – cold spells, sunshine, humidity and wind – can take a huge toll on our complexion. Then, when artificial heating and air conditioning is added to the mix, our skin barrier is thrown out of whack and has to work even harder to adapt and repair. Because of this, our skin requires different types and levels of support throughout the year. Although not everyone will experience the effects of seasonal change to the same degree, here’s a snapshot of the common issues we’re likely to experience each season and why.

Summer

From humidity to UV damage, summer is easily the season that poses the most threat to our skin.Warmer weather is a breeding ground for bacteria and as a result it’s a season often associated with problem skin. “The texture of skin is generally oilier, which can lead to breakouts and congestion,” explains Milly Hart, holistic facialist at Tonic Room. You may also find conditions like eczema are aggravated, hence lighter sensitive formulations are recommended during the warmer months. What your skin needs: Due to a spike in oil production and sweat, you’ll most likely need to make a few skincare swaps. Incorporate lightweight, oil-free alternatives where you can and a toner to maintain a healthy pH balance in the skin.

Try: Grown Alchemist Rose Balancing Toner, $41; Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Cleansing Foam, $39; Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser, $21.99; Skinsmiths Balancing Moisturiser, $66.

Autumn 

As we shift from summer to autumn, the skin enters a transitional phase and is highly reactive to alterations in the atmosphere. “With the change, we start to observe more dehydration in the skin due to less moisture in the air,” says founder of The Facialist Ashleigh Scott. Autumn begins to drain our complexion and that luminous glow we sported in summer starts to fade. This is the time to feed your skin with invigorating athome treatments to ensure it’s as strong and resilient as possible heading into winter. What your skin needs: This transition phase calls for some extra TLC. Give your skin the pampering it needs with antioxidant-rich masks and perhaps treat yourself to a professional salon treatment too.

Try: Kiehl’s Instant Renewal Concentrate Mask, $60; Antipodes Halo Skin-Brightening Facial Mud Mask, $49.90; Innoxa Face Sheet Mask Hydroboost with Hyaluronic Acid, $14.99; Lancôme Advanced Génifique Hydrogel Melting Mask, $42.

Winter 

In winter, rapidly changing temperatures, from heated indoors to cold outdoors, are harsh on the skin and capillaries. The prolonged exposure to wet weather also slows down cell renewal and circulation, as well as stripping the skin’s barrier function. Overall, you’ll notice your skin just doesn’t operate like it used to – and then there are the effects of winters ills and chills. As your skin gets put through the ringer, you can expect to see more dryness and irritation than usual. Try not to have too many super-hot showers and tone down the indoor heating as much as possible. What your skin needs: Winter is all about retaining as much moisture as possible. “Try switching your cleanser to a balm, cream or oil in winter, which will nourish and cleanse without stripping the skin,” says Scott. When it comes to moisturiser, as a general rule, creams hydrate better than lotions as they form a physical barrier that locks in moisture. “A heavier moisturiser will help to retain vital hydration and support your skin’s natural barrier function,” says Tracy Beeby, global skin educator for Ultraceuticals.

Try: Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Replenishing HydraGel Complex, $79; Ultraceuticals Ultra Rich Moisturiser Cream, $112; Trilogy Rosehip Transformation Cleansing Oil, $34.99.

Spring 

Finally there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Spring is the safest and most skin-friendly of the four seasons. The chills of winter are replaced with a happy medium of warmer temperatures and less wind. However, allergies hit with full force and skin can become extra sensitive. What your skin needs: If you’re an allergy sufferer, your skin, especially around the nose, can end up itchy and dry. Thankfully, help is at hand in the form of antiinflammatory skincare remedies that help to reduce redness and relieve irritation.

Try: Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Relief Cream, $100; Kiehl’s Calendula & Aloe Soothing Hydration Masque, $70; Avène Antirougeurs Fort Relief Concentrate, $39.99; La Roche-Posay Rosaliac AR Intense, $44.99.

sources: Good Health Choice, New Zealand, July 2018

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