Skin Care and Sun Protection Year Round
It's not just the summer months that demand special attention be paid to skin and sun protection. In fact, winter months require special attention to sun protection, because when the clouds are in the sky, it's easy to forget that the sun can still damage the skin. Skin should be kept moisturized and protected year -round. With each season, skin care differs slightly.
Skin Care for the Summer
Ah, the sunny summer days of youth. Swimming, outdoor activities, mowing the lawn, playing sports, or enjoying a day at the beach-even if all you're doing is BBQing outside with family and friends-the summer sun can be harsh and cruel, particularly to your skin.
After using sunscreen with a high SPF protection (45SPF is a good choice), the most important thing you can do for your skin, and your body, is to drink plenty of water during the summer months. Dehydration of the skin begins long before dehydration of the body kicks in.
Next, be sure to bathe or shower using lukewarm waters, with a gentle skin exfoliater and pat your skin dry. Do not rub skin to dry it. While skin is still slightly moist, apply an even coating of herbal or natural lotion or skin moisturizer to the body, paying particular attention to the face, elbows, knees and ankles.
Skin Care for the Fall
The fall months bring crisper, cooler temperatures. The sun might not be shining as brightly or as warmly, but it's still sending its damaging rays to your skin. While a moderate amount of exposure to sunlight during the fall is important, to help with vitamin absorption and good health as well as helping with mood, SPF sun protection should be worn whenever outside for extended periods of time. SPF protection should be focused particular on the nose and cheeks or exposed shoulders during the fall.
Again, keep hydrated. It's easy to dehydrate in the fall and not realize it, because there is no intense heat like the summer months. Drinking plenty of water and other fluids helps skin year round. You might be tempted to increase the temperature of the shower or bath during the fall, but dry skin will be a likely side effect of doing so. Warm water is best for skin. Keep skin moist with a good lotion or moisturizer.
Skin Care for the Spring
The spring is the month when being outside is most likely to lead to sunburn. The temperatures are just comfortable enough to need bake the skin, but not quite warm enough to remind to put on sun protection. During the spring, a hydrating lower SPF lotion can help protect from the sun while allowing some of the good effects of the sun reach the skin. Always reapply regularly when gardening or staying outside for an extended period of time.
Again, drink plenty of water to keep skin hydrated during the spring, and a good exfoliation and skin scruff will slough off old skin and keep the good new skin fresh and supple. Still, keep with a lukewarm to warm shower or bath, and use a good moisturizer. .
Skin Care for Winter
Winter, of all seasons, is the harshest on skin. Not only does skin not get much sun exposure, but it is more likely to burn when it is exposed to the sun. The reasons for this increased risk of burn is two-fold: 1) the skin has less pigment to it to naturally protect it, therefore it's more open to burn and 2) temperatures usually fool people into not realizing the sun actually is shining.
Winter also brings with it cold temperatures, harsh winds, and freezes, all of which are tough on the skin. Skin tends to dry and crack during the winter months. Special care should be taken with hands and feet during the winter months. If you have access to or can afford to buy a paraffin soaking kit, the skin on your hands and feet will definitely benefit.
Don't let the cold temperatures trick you into thinking a hot shower is good for you during the winter. A warm shower is still the best, and a hot shower can scald cold tissue of the hands and feet when not properly warmed before contact with the water. Never rub the skin dry in the winter, as this can add to the drying and flaking. Instead, pat the skin dry and apply a thin layer of fragrance free mineral oil over the skin and let is absorb into the skin prior to dressing. You can apply your favorite lotion or moisturizer over the mineral oil after it has absorbed.
Wearing socks and gloves when exposed to the elements during the winter will keep the skin on your hands and feet protected. Wearing socks over oiled feed at night can also prevent the calluses and cracked heels of the feet.
Skin Care for All Seasons
The number one thing you can do to keep your skin protected and glowing is to stay properly hydrated and to eat a well-balanced diet, including fresh fruits and vegetable. You'd be amazed what the right diet can do for your skin and complexion. Always use a good sun protection product when in the sun for extended periods, and a good moisturizer and lotion to prevent skin from turning dry or flakey.
Your skin is the largest organ on your body and it's the only one that lives on the outside of your body. It cannot be easily replaces when damaged, neither can it be easily repaired and the damage done to skin can often be unsightly and permanent. Take care of your skin and your body, year round. Remember, it's the only body you have!