In most parts of the world, the year is divided into four major seasons – spring, summer, autumn and winter. There are some places in the world, which are hot throughout the year and then there are also those places, which are constantly cold. However, majority of people have to brave through the four seasons and it is their skin and hair that is most affected during the changing months. This adverse effect can be minimized by following few easy rituals which are elaborated below. You also need to remember that as the season changes, you have to alter your regular skin regime, if you wish to maintain that natural glow, forever.
Spring
This is perhaps a season that is loved the world over, because the weather is pleasant, the flowers are starting to bloom and staying outdoors is easy. However, this is also the time, when most of the people are outdoors, often forgetting the all-important sunscreen.
Here are the things that you should and should not do, during the spring months
- As is the case with any month of the year, you need to make sure that you know your skin type, because this will enable you to purchase the right type of skin care products.
- Your skin type will also decide how quickly your skin can get sun burn, which is why you will need to buy sun protection with the appropriate amount of sun protection factor.
- Talking to your dermatologist will give you a good idea about which types of skin care products are ideal for you.
- While the sun might seem pleasant and comfortable, it is crucial that you apply sun screen lotion, every time you step out. Apply it liberally on all parts of the body, which are likely to be exposed to the sun.
- If you are planning to spend time in the pool, invest in a sunscreen that will not dissolve in the water.
Summer
The summer season is probably the most dangerous time of the year for the skin, because one is more prone to sweating and tanning. And no matter how the tan looks on you, a tan is never good for you, because it is an indication that your skin has become damaged.
Here are the things that you should and should not do, during the summer months
- No matter what you are planning to do, make sure that you apply liberal amounts of sunscreen on your body and face. Irrespective of your skin type, it would make sense to wear a sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or above.
Whenever
you are stepping out, wear clothing that will protect your skin. Wear pants, shirts with long sleeves, hats and sunglasses to ensure maximum protection. Choose cotton clothing as it will allow your skin to breathe. These days, you can even purchase clothing that offers sun protection.
- If you notice any change in your skin colour, moles or pigmentation, then you should not ignore the same. It is advisable to visit a dermatologist at the earliest.
- While sunbathing might seem like a comforting thought, you need to remember that the sun will definitely cause damage. Taking breaks or dips in the water might provide temporary relief, but it will most certainly not prevent the skin from burning.
- Aloe vera might provide you with temporary relief, but it is not sufficient to protect you from skin cancer. Every time you step out into the sun, without protection, you are increasing the chances of skin cancer and though aloe vera could help with the sunburn, it will not reduce the chances of cancer.
Autumn
When leaves start falling off the trees, and there is a slight chill in the air, it signals the arrival of dry skin. This is the time when the skin starts losing moisture, which is essential to keep it looking healthy and supple.
Here are the things that you should and should not do, during the autumn months
After the harsh summer months, the autumn season will provide the much required relief to the skin and allow the skin to heal from the aftermath of sun, water and chlorine. However, it is important to remember that this is also the time, when the chill is in the air which will dry your skin out.
- Since your skin starts becoming drier during this season, invest in a moisturiser, as opposed to a daily lotion. Choose something that has a thicker consistency, as it will
provide a stronger layer of protection to your skin. The cream will provide a much required oily barrier of protection to your skin. - Your bath routine will also require some change – instead of showering in cold water, switch to warm water and invest in good exfoliators. Exfoliate during bath and apply the moisturiser immediately after to seal in the hydration.
- Most people tend to forget their lips, which is why you need to make sure that you invest in a good lip balm. Apply it as and when required and you could also choose a lip balm that has sunscreen in it.
- This is a time when hands get really dry, because for many people, their hands are constantly in and out of water. Autumn would be the best time to start applying a good hand cream to ensure that your hands stay soft and moisturised throughout.
- Even though the sun might not seem strong enough during these months, you will still need sun screen. So, whenever you are stepping out during the day time, make sure you apply sunscreen.
Winter
There are several people who are fond of the winter season. This is the time when you can bundle up in soft and warm clothes, spend time outdoors soaking in the gentle sun and gorge on hot soups and stews. While your skin will certainly benefit from the fruits and vegetables that you consume during the winter months, the sun will still not be your friend.
Here are the things that you should and should not do, during the winter months
It is important to remember that the cold winter months are also the harshest for your skin, mainly because of the dryness. One has to struggle with chapped skin, cracked heels and even irritation in this season.
- Moisturisers will be your best friend during this period and you need to make sure that you pick out a good cream, as opposed to a lotion, because you will need a thicker layer of protection.
- Standing under the hot shower might seem quite comforting, but you need to remember that hot water will rob your skin of essential oils. It would be best to use warm water and apply generous amounts of moisturiser, immediately after your bath.
- While you might pay a lot of attention to your face, there are other parts of your body, which need just as much attention. This includes the lips, hands and feet, which is why you need to invest in appropriate skin care products.
- And even though the sun feels really warm and comfortable, make sure you apply sunscreen, which you can either mix with your moisturiser or apply after the application of moisturiser.
Skin is the largest organ of the human body and for most people, taking care of it does not extend beyond washing it daily or perhaps applying some moisturiser. However, the human skin is much more sensitive than most people realise and it needs to be taken care of more diligently. Fortunately, with the advance in modern sciences, taking care of the skin has become quite easy, but knowing what is right is what makes all the difference.
What is important to remember is that the skin changes with age and that is why, it is important to alter the skin care regime as well. It is also imperative to remember that with age the problems related to the skin also change, which is why the solutions will also have to change. Wisdom would also lie in understanding that beautiful skin needs constant care and attention and this would be the result of good habits, which start right from the childhood.
There is a range of skin problems that can appear immediately after birth and while many might disappear within a few days, some problems may extend over a longer period of time. Some of the most commonly noted skin conditions in babies include moles, congenital skin lesions and vascular birthmarks. Some of these can actually be treated quite easily and it is best that the treatment be started as early as possible to reduce physical and psychological problems, later on.
Perhaps the most common problem encountered by adolescents is that of acne and often the scars that come along with it. To most people, acne is nothing more than a few pimples, but the fact of the matter is that acne can range in severity. Pimples and mild forms of acne often tend to clear out on their own, however, the more severe versions could leave the adolescent scarred, both physically as well as mentally.
This is the stage of life, when every man and woman wants to look their best at all times. However, this is also the time, when the first signs of ageing start to appear, especially on the faces of those who do not take care of their skin, from the early stages. If acne had not been taken care of during the adolescent years, there could be scars, which will now become harder to deal with. Similarly, there could be problems related to excess or unwanted hair, which should be easy enough to remove. This is also the right time to start thinking about how to prevent wrinkles!
For most people, this is still a part of the ‘young age’, signs of ageing will become more visible at this point of time. Constant exposure to the sun will also start showing its results, which could include pigmentation, fine lines and even tanning. People who are smart enough will get their skin checked immediately and undertake preventive as well as corrective measures for the same, because timely intervention can help.
This is the time when the signs of ageing become most prominent. However, if you have been taking care of your skin from the start, there would be little to worry about. This would be the time, when you would have to pay a little more attention to the fine lines, crow’s feet, pigmentation and sun spots. Staying active and having a proper skin care regime should take care of most of the commonly seen problems. It is also important to eat right and drink plenty of water.
If you have been eating healthy, exercising, and taking care of your skin, from the early stages of life, there should be little for you to worry about. There will be appearances of fine lines and wrinkles, but these can be taken care of, quite easily.
Tips to choosing the best products for your skin:
It is important to understand no skin care product will work like a miracle – changing your skin overnight. By choosing skin care products that match your skin type, you can be sure that regular usage will bring about a healthy glow. You need to remember that simply because a product has a huge price tag, it might not be perfect for you. The ideal product for you will be one that suits your skin type and is in accordance with specific problems that your skin might have.
Before you head to the nearest drug store or supermarket to pick out skin care products, keep a few things in mind:
- Make sure that you know your skin type, because only then you will be able to pick out the most suitable skin care products.
- Having a proper a skin care routine is just as essential and you need to make sure that once you have implemented a routine, you stick to it.
- While many products might claim to be miraculous, they are not, which is why you need to be wary of them.
- Do your share of research before you purchase a product, because the better informed you are, the better are the chances of you buying the right product. In order to understand the product, look at the ingredients, as this will give you a good enough idea.
- Sunscreen is extremely important, because it will protect your skin from the harsh rays of the sun and delay the process of ageing too. So, look for skin care products, which have sunscreen in it as well, because this will help you save on your pocket!
If there is still any confusion, feel free to talk to a dermatologist, who will be able to guide you into the right direction.
Dr Aman Dua shares skin care tips for winter with Mail Today. Checkout the complete article
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