If you’re like many people, as soon as the weather warms up you switch out your winter woolens for lighter, more colorful spring and summer clothes but what about your skincare?
Do you remember to “summer-ize” that too?” If not, you could be doing your skin a disservice, according to New York City dermatologist, Marnie Nussbaum, MD.
“Our skin has different needs depending on factors such as temperature, humidity and indoor heating or air conditioning,” says this skincare expert. “Couple this with how much time you spend outdoors. If you keep using the same cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreens year-round, you need to make some adjustments,” says Dr. Nussbaum.
It is generally accepted that most skin types, even those with issues like acne, may experience levels of dryness in the cold months. That’s true even if you live in an area in the Southwest, where temperatures may be moderate, but humidity levels may sink down. If humidity is very low, your environment will actually “borrow” moisture from your skin
This is why we use thicker, more occlusive moisturizers in the colder months.
Lighten Up For Warmer Weather:
When warmer weather begins to appear with more moisture in the air, you can often switch to lighter-weight products.
Start by incorporating a gentle cleanser into your daily routine. One to check out is Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser which is a make-up remover and cleanser in one that leaves skin feeling refreshed without over-drying. Use it in the morning to start your skincare routine and then again before bedtime to cleanse away dirt and makeup.
Another cleanser to try is CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser which is a gentle face wash with ingredients like ceramides to help reinforce the skin’s barrier and help lock in moisture.
Sunscreen Protection is Must:
Even if you’re not at the beach, and just “out and about” you are still being bombarded by the sun’s damaging rays, even on cloudy days.
You can wear cosmetics with SPF but you need to re-apply these products often.
“If you choose to opt out of using makeup when the temperature climbs, your choice of a moisturizer with at least SPF 30 is key because it needs to include a sunscreen. This is wise all year, but definitely in the spring and summer,”
“If you’re just running errands or spending a short amount of time outdoors you still need to apply sunscreen. Make sure you apply at least SPF 50 if you plan to be outdoors at a pool or beach or taking Fido for a long walk in the park” advises Dr. Nussbaum.
Don’t forget to re-apply sunscreen every two hours. Pair sunscreen protection with a wide brim hat and sunglasses
Get a Body Check:
Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall an annual body check is a good idea
Dr. Nussbaum emphasizes beginning the season with a thorough body check with a dermatologist. “This is the most essential step you can take at least once a year,” she stresses.
We know that what you can’t see, can hurt you and that includes the sun’s rays. Skin cancer is on the rise and striking women at younger and younger ages. This is especially true of deadly cancer called melanoma. A lesion the size of a dime can be fatal.
A great daily facial sunscreen to try is Skinceuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50. It is a tinted sunscreen fluid with 100% mineral filters that provide broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection, while promoting a more even skin tone. It is good for all skin types, including sensitive skin and is a dermatologist favorite.
Exfoliate:
some popular Glyderm products for at home use
In preparation for baring your skin to the delights of spring and summer, you might also want to shed some winter dryness with a series of glycolic acid facial peels. Best when performed by a dermatologist, peels like GlyDerm Esterified Glycolic Acid Peel (read the advicesisters.com review) are available in a series applied two to four weeks apart.
These peels safely exfoliate and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. GlyDerm Esterified Glycolic Acid Peels deeply hydrate to help create a plumper, firmer texture and leave skin looking renewed and glowing – just in time for summer.
Don’t forget to use a good sunscreen after you exfoliate your skin, especially after using products containing glycolic, alpha or beta hydroxy acid, as your skin will be more sensitive to the burning rays of the sun. That’s why it’s a good idea to start this kind of regimen months before the warm weather sets in.
Skin Safety indoors:
As you “summer-ize” your skincare routine, take into account what your particular skin will need. If you’re in an air-conditioned office, it will need plenty of moisture. Even in the confines of an indoor office, your skin needs UV protection as it is lurking in computer screens and fluorescent lighting. Even sitting near a window gives your skin exposure.
So, create a regimen that will serve your skin’s needs throughout the warm weather and enjoy!!
*Dr. Marnie Nussbaum is a NYC Dermatologist currently in private practice on the upper east side of New York.
She is a Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College and has served as a consulting dermatologist to the Melanoma Research Alliance. She is well trained in both medical and cosmetic procedures including laser surgery and facial rejuvenation.
