Just as your body needs different clothing to protect it against the changing weather, your skin needs a different skin care regime to properly protect it from the elements. As the body’s largest organ, skin is far more delicate than you probably realize. Here is a closer look at how winter versus summer affects skin and its care.

Why is skin care different in winter than in summer months?

Winter months generally are colder and drier than summer months when heat and humidity levels are on the rise. When skin is exposed to the harsh winter weather, it takes a beating, becoming excessively dry, irritated and chapped. Clothing protects most skin but we often fail to protect our faces. Moving indoors isn’t any better. Constantly running heaters and dehumidifiers sap every bit of moisture from the air.

During the summer, temperatures warm and more skin becomes exposed to the elements. Higher temperatures and humidity levels increase the amount of sweat the body produces in an attempt to cool off. As an unintentional consequence, skin becomes oilier and more prone to pimples and other irritation. Swimming is great way to cool off however exposure to harsh pool chemicals and salt water can lead to excessive dryness.

Tips for protecting skin during the winter months:

Apply sunscreen regularly because you’re just as likely to sunburn in the winter as you are in summer. Apply a sunscreen, moisturizer or make-up with a minimum SPF of 15. Be sure to protect lips by wearing lipstick or lip balm with sun protection. Stop licking lips!

Moisturize. Add moisture to inside air by turning on a humidifier. If you don’t have one, place a pan of water near radiator or heat source. Plants help moisturize the air. Add moisture to your body by using emollient-based soaps, lotions and creams.

Take shorter, warmer showers and baths. Hot water strips away natural oils as does staying submerged in water. Adding moisturizers to bath water helps, but take care when exiting as tub will be slippery.

Reduce the number of times you apply toner after cleansing and use toners with no or low alcohol levels. Gently exfoliate using a washcloth or scrub to remove dead skin cells and stimulate skin.

Tips for protecting skin during summer months:

Always protect your skin from the effects of ultraviolet radiation by applying sunscreen, wearing sun protective clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible. Stay out of the sun when it’s strongest, between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm.

Excessive sweat and oils clog pores so use a cooling cleanser containing salicylic acid to keep skin blemishes under control. Cleansers made with eucalyptus or menthol extracts feel good and help keep pores clean and open.

Change your moisturizing products because skin doesn’t need as much moisturizing protection during summer as it does during winter.

Always rinse your body with cool water after swimming to remove chlorine and salt.

A facial mask applied once a week will deep-clean pores and help skin retain its natural pH balance. Use a mister to keep skin cool and moist.

About Valentina Chistova

Valentina Chistova NJ Skin Care Expert

Valentina Chistova is a world-renowned aesthetician and beauty expert whose experience encompasses all facets of skin care
and body treatments. Internationally trained, educated and certified,
Valentina has devoted more than twenty years to her profession.

Valentina is a member of the National Cosmetology Association and a
CIDESCO candidate (Comite International Desthetique et de Cosmetologie
Desthetique), which is the highest degree of beauty therapy
certification available in the United States and worldwide. Most
recently, Valentina completed a rigorous training program with the
Spanish organization Wontersaf, one of the world’s leading centers for
trichology, capillary diagnostics and scalp and hair treatment to
combat hair loss and other hair dysfunctions. Valentina also holds a
Registered Nursing Degree from Kharkov State University and Cosmetology
degrees from the Kharkov Medical Institute in the Ukraine and the Capri
Institute of Cosmetology in New Jersey.

Valentina is the owner and director of skin care for Aquamedica Salon and Day Spa in Long Branch NJ.