The past few months have seen us retreat indoors to protect our skin from the cold winter weather. Now, as winter turns to spring, and with summer on the horizon, we find ourselves needing a different type of skincare routine.
Our skin responds to the weather, and as such, we must act accordingly as the weather changes. Here, Dr. Jose Barrera of Texas Center for Facial Plastic and Laser Surgery weighs in with his expert advice on changing from a winter skincare routine to a spring and summer plan. Read on to learn more or visit Dr. Barrera’s ReJuve MD MedSpa to see our latest skin rejuvenation options.
How Does Our Skin React to the Weather?
To best take care of our skin, we need to know how it responds to different environmental factors.
Primarily, our skin is affected by sunlight, temperature, and moisture. Naturally, these change with the seasons and varying combinations of these three influencing factors determine the health and feel of our skin.
Moisture
During winter, which has lower temperatures, generally lower humidity, and less exposure to sunlight, our skin cries out for moisture. The air surrounding our skin zaps all of its moisture, which is why during the winter months, we use rather heavy moisturizers to keep our skin supple and glowing.
As temperatures and atmospheric moisture levels increase with the onset of spring and summer, our skin gets natural moisture from the air and retains it because the air is wet and doesn’t steal the moisture from our skin as much.
Because of this, Dr. Barrera recommends moving away from heavy moisturizers. Instead, use a light hyaluronic-acid or water-based moisturizer for the warmer months. You may also consider a facial or chemical peel, treatments that will rid your face of old skin and have you looking your best for spring and summer.
Dr. Barrera also advocates a Sente dermal repair or Skinceuticals AGE Interrupter, as both improve hydration. Dermal repair amplifies hyaluronic acid levels in the face, while the AGE Interrupter will help to maintain moisture in the skin for longer periods of time.
Sun Exposure
Winter often means being inside, but as the weather improves, we all want to start getting that beloved Vitamin D.
With the current world situation that warrants limited outdoor social activities, many of us are restricted to short jogs or walks in isolated locations to get our outdoor fix. Nonetheless, sun care is still critical, even with limited sun exposure. During winter, you may have used low-factor SPF lotions, or perhaps none at all.
When you venture outside in spring and summer, Dr. Barrera strongly recommends a minimum of SPF Factor 50 for protecting your skin from the intense summer rays. A Sente Physical defense blocker, or Skinceuticals Physical UV Defense, should be used every 2 hours when exposed to the sun.
Not only will this help your skin tan evenly and prevent any peeling and sunspots, but it will also protect against more sinister impacts of sun exposure, including skin cancers and lesions. Getting a winter-cloak exfoliation, such as laser skin resurfacing, can be a great way to give your skin the best chance at looking optimal during the winter-spring transition.
Keeping Good Products
Simply cleaning brushes regularly with hot water and hand soap and keeping fresh stock of makeup, lotions, oils, and balms can be the most effective step in transitioning from a winter to a spring skincare routine.
Old products, generally those that have been open for more than six months, can harbor bacteria and unwanted germs. These can wreak havoc on the skin by clogging pores and having the exact opposite effect from what their purpose is. The most significant and most often overlooked aspect of changing from a winter to a summer skincare routine for many people is to make sure their makeup cupboard is up to date.
We advise that you use an antioxidant like Skinceuticals CE Ferulic Vitamin C serum which delivers advanced environmental protection while improving fine wrinkles and early signs of aging.
We also support a new product for pigment problems like sunspots, age spots, freckling, and melasma. Cyspera, also called cysteamine, is a novel intensive pigment corrector for the face, cheeks, forehead, nose, and upper lip. It can be used on all skin types and has the benefit of minimizing skin discoloration. It is formulated without hydroquinone or retinol.
Lastly, we highly recommend Retinol to improve fine wrinkles and acne. Retinol can be used as a daily regiment along with other acne prevention treatments like LHA cleansers and salicylic acid.
Skin Care Options with Dr. Jose Barrera
Even during these difficult times, we all must take care of our skin, health, and personal strength. Follow this advice from Dr. Barrera, and your skin will glow and be a source of empowerment and confidence. If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment to discuss any skincare issues, don’t hesitate to call (210)-468-5426 or schedule a virtual consultation. Dr. Barrera and his MedSpa team offer IPL, facials, laser treatments, chemical peels, and a variety of other excellent skincare options. We are here to offer our expertise!
