Submitted by Twin City Plastic Surgery
Let’s face it, summer is over and winter is just around the corner. Just like we switch out our sundresses and flip flops for cozy sweaters and boots, it’s important to make some changes to our skin care routine as well. The changing weather affects the skin and if you don’t make some adjustments for those changes, it is difficult to keep your skin happy and healthy as we move into the cooler months.
Following are some tips for keeping your skin looking its best as we transition from summer’s heat and humidity into the drier air and blustery winds of fall and winter.
- Adjust your cleansing routine
Cleansers that are effective in the summer may be too drying once the temperature drops and less oil is being produced. Switch to a soap-free hydrating cleanser for the face and a creamy body wash. Your cleanser should always be gentle and never scrub aggressively. - Use a creamier moisturizer
The biggest issue in winter is keeping the skin adequately moisturized. The transition from humid to cold weather can be extremely drying. A lightweight lotion moisturizer may be suitable for most skin types in the summer, but once the cooler weather kicks in, you’ll need something a little heavier to keep that moisture locked in. Look for a product that contains hyaluronic acid as this is incredibly hydrating and is good for all skin types. - Try a facial oil
There are many types of facial oils on the market and they can be effective for all skin types—even oily skin! If your moisturizer doesn’t seem to be doing enough, rather than trying to find a new moisturizer, just add a facial oil to provide that extra boost of moisture. In addition to providing added moisture, facial oils are a good source of antioxidants and other skin restoring ingredients. - Don’t forget the sunscreen
Many people do not realize that sun damage can easily occur in fall and winter, even though it’s not hot and you may not burn like in the summer. UVB rays are the ones responsible for causing suntan and sunburn. While they are not as strong in the fall and winter, the UVA rays, which are the ones that cause skin cancer and premature wrinkles, are just as strong in November as they are in July. So, continue to use a product with at least a 30 SPF all year long. - Exfoliate
It often isn’t as important to exfoliate in the summer, but as summer comes to an end, the dead cells tend to build up, leading to skin that may be rough and dull looking. Exfoliation removes these dead cells and can help to repair the skin from the ravages of the summer sun. - Evaluate your makeup
Along with making tweaks to your skin routine, make-up should change with the seasons too. You’ll probably want to put away the ultra-lightweight tinted moisturizer that’s perfect for hot weather in favor of something that’s a little creamier and gives a bit more coverage.
No matter what the season, the needs of the skin change due to many different factors like age, medication, diet, etc. If skin is tight, dry, breaking out, or having other problems, then your skin care routine isn’t working. It can be confusing to determine what products and procedures are best for your skin type. Rather than guessing, which may make the problem worse, consult a professional who can analyze your skin and recommend the best procedures and home care routine for you.
From laser skin resurfacing to chemical peels to hydrating facials, fall is the perfect time to give your skin a fresh start.
The board-certified plastic surgeons at Twin City Plastic Surgery bring you the latest procedures and newest technologies, along with the attentive care and comfort you deserve. For more information on any procedure, you may contact Dr. Laura Randolph—309-664-6222, Dr. Chad Tattini—309-664-1007, or Dr. Paige Holt—309-664-4444 at Twin City Plastic Surgery or www.twincityplasticsurgery.com. Their office is located at 2502 E. Empire in Bloomington.