From the umber-shaded coziness of autumn and the crisp, snow-shrouded months of winter to the welcoming, warm sun rays of spring merging into lazy summer days — there’s nothing more magical than the changing of the seasons.
However, figuring out a skincare routine to fit the different challenges of each season can be tricky.
That’s why we’ve put together this easy skincare routine for each season.
Easy Skincare Routine for Spring
Spring is all about renewal, so it’s only fitting that you renew your skincare routine too. If you’ve been using the same products all winter, your skin might be in desperate need of a change.
Those heavy, deeply-moisturizing creams you’ve been using through the winter won’t be suitable as the temperature begins to rise. That’s why it’s important to switch to lighter products when spring rolls around.
Your skin will likely be parched from the winter months, so it’s important to treat it with lightweight products that will hydrate and nourish it without clogging your pores, too.
We recommend looking for products with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and retinol, which are all known for their anti-aging properties and ability to brighten dull skin.
Struggling to choose? Check out Marie Claire’s list of the 12 best lightweight moisturizers.
Easy Skincare Routine for Summer
While it may not be the type of advice that many people want to hear, we have to say it — sunbathing is bad for your skin and you should avoid doing it if you can.
It’s an unfortunate truth that the safest amount of tanning for your skin is none at all, and so if you’re rocking a pale complexion, our advice is to embrace it!
However, if you must get a few hours of sunbathing in, be sure to protect your skin with a sunscreen lotion of at least SPF 30 and always remember to reapply throughout the day, especially after going for a swim.
T-shirts made of unbleached cotton or tightly woven fabric offer excellent sun protection as well, but if you do manage to find yourself sunburned and sore, retreat to the shade and apply a cold, damp towel to the affected area.
As an extra precaution, always carry an aftersun lotion or aloe vera gel with you, too — this will help to soothe your skin and aid the healing process.
Easy Skincare Routine for Autumn
Unfortunately, the warm weather and sunshine can’t last forever, but while the cooler temperatures of autumn may be an unwelcome guest to many, this cozy season will give your skin a chance to recover from the heat of the summer.
Just remember — autumn (like spring) can be an unpredictable season, so you’ll need to plan accordingly.
If you’re lucky enough to live in an area with warm weather all year round, it’s best to focus on creating a skincare routine that will protect you from the elements as well as provide nourishment.
Summer may have left, but the autumnal sunshine can still damage your skin, so make sure you’re wearing a daily SPF of at least 30, and don’t forget to apply it to your ears and décolleté (that’s just a fancy way of describing your chest and neck area), either.
When dealing with chillier weather, it’s best to focus on skincare that is hydrating but also protects against the cold.
Consider applying a hydrating serum before your daily moisturizer or using a product that does both, like a facial mist. Invest in some hand cream, too — this will prevent the skin from becoming cracked and dry.
Don’t forget about the lips, either! Apply lip balm or lipsticks that contain a high sun protection factor — this will prevent them from becoming chapped and irritated.
Easy Skincare Routine for Winter
During the winter, your skin will be at its driest and most sensitive. You’ll want to focus on products that will hydrate and protect against the cold, as well as layering up in warm clothing!
Thanks to the sub-zero temperatures, your skin may begin to feel dry, irritated, and parched.
Look for products that are rich in ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and jojoba oil to fix this. If you live in a particularly dry climate, you may also want to consider investing in a humidifier to combat the dry air.
Suffer from acne-prone skin? Invest in an oil-free, salicylic acid-infused cleanser — this will help to prevent the build-up of sebum and break down any impurities that may be blocking the pores.
You can also try using thermal water or rose water as a toner, which has anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm acne.
It’s worth noting that as temperatures drop, you’ll want to limit the amount of exposure your skin has to the elements. Chilly weather can easily trigger skin conditions such as eczema, so don’t forget your gloves when you leave the house!
It’s also a great idea to stock up on over-the-counter eczema and dermatitis treatments, too — emollient moisturizers are great at protecting your hand’s sensitive skin against the brisk temperatures of winter.
Extra tips for adjusting your skincare routine with the seasons
Listed below are a few more general tips for your skincare routine:
- Stay hydrated: No matter the season, you should try to keep your skin hydrated. To avoid your skin drying out, use gentle cleansers instead of soap and look for products that contain hyaluronic acid. It’s also best to avoid long, hot showers, as well as extended exposure to dry air.
- Always wear sunscreen: Even during the winter when you may not be getting as much sun exposure, UV rays can still cause damage and lead to wrinkles and discoloration. We recommend wearing sunscreen year-round, even if you’re not spending time outside, to prevent premature aging.
- Give yourself a facial: Particularly during the winter, you may find that your face gets dry and flaky from the cold, indoor heating, and the lack of sunlight. Give yourself a facial treatment to hydrate and nourish your skin. Need some pointers? Here’s a list of homemade face masks for all skin types.
- Use a humidifier: If you live in a very dry area and your skin is suffering, try using a humidifier. This will increase the moisture in the air and prevent your skin from drying out.
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