Adapting your skin routine to the changing weather

So, you’ve been diligently applying that SPF 15-plus sunscreen every day this summer and obediently donning your sunglasses to protect yourself from those damaging UVA and UVB rays emitting from the shining sun. And now you’re looking forward to the start of fall when you no longer have to worry about all that hoopla, right? WRONG!

Guess what? The sun shines just as brightly in the cooler weather as it does during the hot days of summer. And just because you’re not lounging around in your swimsuit on the beach doesn’t mean you’re not at risk of getting sunburned. True, you’re probably wearing longer sleeves and you’ve most likely hung up your shorts or skirts and opted for jeans instead, but in most cases, your face still is exposed to the elements. So if you want to avoid looking like a bright, red tomato in the middle of fall, keep on lathering up that SPF.

Besides continuing your sun-safety routines, it’s important to note that fall and winter weather affects your skin differently than hot summer days do. You may think that the dead of winter is when you should be most concerned about dry, flaky skin, but it turns out that the fall is when humidity actually drops and wreaks the most havoc on your outer layer, according to iVillage U.K.

Up your use of moisturizer and be sure to stock up on the lip balm. When unprotected, lips are at high risk of sun damage and can leave you more prone to infections when they become chapped or cracked. (More on lip care here.)

In the fall and winter months, your skin also experiences bouts of dehydration due to the climate changes — particularly your hands and lips when humidity levels drop below 30%. (More on the hazards of dehydration here.)

The colder weather also can affect your circulation, causing your skin’s metabolism to become sluggish and decreasing oxygen flow to your skin cells, according to BeautyAdvice.org. Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated (find more skin-nurturing foods here) and be sure to get your beauty sleep so your body can circulate more blood flow to the skin and increase cell production. (Check out our Top 5 tips on getting your beauty rest here.) You might also want to invest in a humidifier or sleep with the windows open to help circulate fresh, moisture-filled air.

Tell us: How do you keep your skin looking good in the colder months?

Tags: dehydration, fall, lip care, moisturizer, skin care, sun care, winter

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