When you think of protecting your skin, you probably think of wearing sunscreen in the summer. But your skin needs protection all year round, and not just from the sun. Skin care is for all seasons!
Here are 14 year-round skin care tips to help you keep a healthful glow.
Winter
1. Skip the Hot Shower
Dry skin can be a real problem in the winter, and long, hot showers tend to make it worse. The hot water strips your skin of its natural oils, and can irritate skin that’s already dry.
2. Moisturize Multiple Times a Day
Use a thick, cream-style moisturizer after showers and apply it periodically through the day. Moisturizing before bed is also a good idea.
3. Moisturizing Makeup
If you wear makeup, you might consider switching to moisture-rich makeup that hydrates your skin. You can also mix plain moisturizer with your makeup as you apply it.
4. Eat Good Fats
In the winter, consuming fatty fish like salmon and healthful oils like olive oil can help keep your skin moist during the dry winter months.
Spring
5. Don’t Get Caught in the Sun!
How many of us usher in the first warmth of the year with a sunburn? Just because it’s not super-hot doesn’t mean you don’t need sun protection. So take sensible precautions before going out in the early spring sun.
6. Exfoliate
Spring is a great time to exfoliate your whole body, face included. Slough off the dry skin of winter and welcome the moist spring air!
7. Keep Moisturizing
Don’t give up on the moisturizer, although you can probably back off on the thick stuff. Experts recommend lotions containing shea butter. You can also make your own moisturizing cleanser with plain yogurt, sweet almond oil, and raw honey.
Summer
8. Sun Protection
Go for a sunscreen that’s SPF 15 to 30, keeping key areas like the nose, top of the ears, cheeks, and shoulders covered. Sources also recommend sunscreens that are broad-spectrum. If you like, use makeup with sunscreen in it. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and don’t go sleeveless if you’re going to be in full sunlight.
9. Exfoliate Again
Summer is also a good time to exfoliate. Sweat and dead skin cells can accumulate on the skin’s surface.
10. Seek Shade
Wherever you are, seek periodic breaks in the shade. This gives your skin a break and helps prevent sunburns.
11. Light Moisture
You don’t need the heavy creams so much now. You can go with thinner, lighter lotions as the season warms up.
Fall
12. Sun Protection Is Still Important
The days are getting shorter and the sunlight is beginning to slant, but you can still get a burn on those sunny fall days.
13. Thicken Up
Now is the time to make the switch to cream-based, thick moisturizers. Starting early can help stave off really dry skin later in the winter.
14. Vitamins
Summer produce is slacking off, but you still need skin-healthy nutrients. Fish or flax oil supplements and a good multi-vitamin can help keep your skin looking summer-fresh.
As you can see, skin care is not relegated to summer! Hopefully, these tips will help you have healthy skin for all seasons.
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