Depending on where you live, it may seem like Mother Nature is going through some serious mood swings. It’s warm and then cold. Dry and then snowing or raining. Freezing and melting.
Whatever the weather may be doing in your neck of the woods, one things is likely—the changes are affecting your skin. Here’s how, and what you can do to maintain your best look no matter how Mother Nature feels.
How Skin Reacts to Weather Changes, and How to Adapt
We don’t usually think too much about how the weather affects the skin, but the skin is the largest organ in the body, and as such is our first line of defense against what’s going on in the outside world. It also helps regulate our internal body temperature through the process of sweating and by regulating the contraction of blood vessels.
That means it’s important to keep the skin healthy not just so you look your best, but so you feel your best, too. Below are some of the ways weather changes can cause problems in the skin, and what you can do to help counteract the damage.
1. Cool temperatures and low humidity
When the air gets colder, it usually gets dryer, too. As the humidity drops, there is less moisture in the atmosphere, which means the air will try to get moisture from other places, like your skin. The result includes dryness, flakiness, and eczema flare-ups.
- Use a gentle, creamy cleanser
- Follow with a creamy, rich moisturizer
- Take a hydrating spray with you (like our Rescue + Relief Spray) and use throughout the day for a moisture refresher
- Use a moisturizing foundation and cream blush
2. Glaring sunlight
Right after a cold, dry day, you may have a gorgeous sunny one. That sun may feel welcome, but it can be glaring this time of year. It may still feel cold outside, but those bright rays will penetrate your skin, even if you’re inside your home, office, or car, so it’s necessary to protect yourself to avoid UV-damage.
- Always wear sunscreen no matter what, as UV rays attack your skin even on cloudy days
- Use a physical sunblock like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide
- Make sure your product has an SPF of at least 30
- Reapply your sunscreen every two hours if possible
- Avoid direct sun exposure for more than 20 minutes during the peak hours of 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Wear sunglasses that provide broad-spectrum protection
3. Harsh heat
You’re walking outside in the freezing cold, and then you step inside to a nice warm home or other building. It feels good to get warm, but heated rooms lack moisture, and can be incredibly dehydrating. You may notice more dryness and irritation, as well as increased roughness and redness.
- Calm inflammation on your skin by using products with natural anti-inflammatory ingredients including aloe, chamomile, and natural oils—all of our CV Skinlabs products contain anti-inflammatory ingredients
- Spritz often with a moisturizing spray
- Use a restorative night cream to push moisturizing ingredients into the skin overnight
4. Cold weather comfort eating
We’re naturally drawn to warm, comfort foods in the cold weather, and also tend to eat more fatty and sugary treats. These make us feel good temporarily, but they can also increase risk of acne breakouts.
- Limit your intake of sugary foods—go for natural fruits instead.
- Watch your diet—items high on the glycemic index break down quickly in your system, spiking blood sugar levels. If you’re breaking out, cut back on pasta, potatoes, and white bread, and choose more whole-grains and lentils instead.
5. Long cold days and nights
If you’ve had a bout of long, cold days, your skin may suffer from a buildup of dry, dead cells. As these accumulate on the surface, your moisturizers and anti-aging serums will not penetrate as well, and your makeup won’t go on as smoothly, either.
If you’re noticing dryness, dullness, flakiness, and an overall lack of vitality in your skin, try these tips:
- Exfoliate more often—step up how many times you exfoliate per week.
- Alternate between physical exfoliation, using face polishes, and chemical exfoliation, using gentle fruit acids.
- Use a hydrating primer before applying foundation.
- When applying foundation, use an applicator sponge rather than a brush. Dot foundation on your face, get the applicator wet, then “bounce” or press it on your skin to blend in the foundation.
How do you keep skin looking good during weather changes?