Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Seasonal Skin Care

Seasonal Care of your Skin

Our complexion is affected by the environment and the weather. Just as nature slows during autumn's passage into winter and comes alive again during the spring and summer, the skin reflects this cyclic pattern. Taking the seasons into considerations as a part of your skin care program is important to maintain a truely effective routine.

  • Winter :

    When the temperature drops skin problems soar. No matter what your skin type, you will experience some degree of dryness and dehydration. This is because the protective film, which covers the skin, is no longer fully able to carry out its function against the environmental aggressions. So, take action at the first signs of trouble.

    Fight the Frost

    Wind rain and cold are real problems for it as the lipids, which form the protective barrier in the corneal layer, are less efficient. Sudden changes in the weather are also bad for the skin': going from cold to hot or from hot to cold encourages the little red veins on the cheek and nose to dilate. It is important to act quickly when the first signs of sensitivity appear. Gingko biloba, in the form of capsules or creams, is great for repairing the elasticity of the capillaries.

    Warm winter woolies

    Once again dehydration is the biggest threat to your skin in cold weather conditions. This happens when the lipids in the intercellular cement, which provide the cellular cohesion, begin to disperse.

    Don't think twice about buying a cream for very dry skin, such as a cold cream, low in water but high in oil content. It will deposit hydrating agents on the skin's surface and leave a light protective film. In winter you get out your heavy wooly clothes, so do the same for heavy skin. Use natural oils (jojoba, wheatgerm, for example) to reinforce the effects of your protective day or night cream.

    Take extra care of sensitive skin

    • Lips are fragile

      The lips are extremely delicate with a very fine corneal layer and high vein content. The skin of the lips is ultra-thin and does not contain any sebum, which that they have no natural protection from cold and dry-ness. To avoid chapped lips it is essential to apply a hydrating balm at regular intervals. The best ones are those containing natural ingredients: honey grapefruit, plant extracts etc.

    • Hands Care

      Your hands take a lot of wear and are in frequent contact with harmful substances such as detergents and hard water. Without protection they will suffer horribly in the cold. I the winter, more than any other time, you should use a hand cream, preferably several times a day. The ones with silicone, honey or lanolin protect the skin whilst the ones with shea tree butter or glycerin nourish the skin. After you wash your hands always be sure to dry them thoroughly before applying the cream.

  • Spring :

    spring is the time for the skin to normalise from the winter cold. All of nature begines to wake up from the long winter rest, and so does the skin. spring time weather isn't too hot or too cold and the skin reflects thus by normalising - not being oilier or drier than usual. During the spring, the skin is reovering from winter exposure.

    You can start using a lighter moisturizer than the one you may have used during the winter. Sun protection as always needs to be maintained.

  • Summer :

    Proctecting the skin from sun is the main skin care issue of the summer months. Avoid excessive sun exposure where your sunblock regularly and don't forget to include the tops of the ears, lips, and the backs of your hands. Provide addesive protection for the eye area by wearing large sunglasses that blocks uv rays.

    Sun exposure stimulates the glandular activities in the skin which is great for dry and mature skin. Your skin care program should include skin facial misting during this season.

    Cleansing and toning is usual but you may need to change your moisturiser to a lighter formula. Drink pleanty of Water these hotter months.

  • Autumn :

    Autumn is a time for the skin to normalize, as all of nature begins to slow down for the winter. Recovering from summer exposure is the focus for autumn skin care.

    The skin may require additional exfolitation to get rid of the surface skin cells damage by the summer. the skin may be flaking or peeling. Green papaya, alpha hydroxy acids, and dry brush massage are excellent for removing the dry dead skin cells.

    Cleanse as usual and if you are experiencing flakiness you may want to avoid using toner until the skin become normal. Replace your moisturiser with a heavier one. Use humidifire if you have begun to use the heater in your home or at work.

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