Our skin doesn’t stay the same all year. It goes along with the weather and temperature shifts. That’s why we have a blooming season, while some months leave our skin looking dull and uneven.
Fret not. There’s nothing wrong with you. Many factors you may not know about affect skin quality. Thus, if the seasons change, so should your skin care routines to keep the glow year-round.
Sun Exposure and Melanin Production
Sun exposure, particularly the UV rays we get, is one of the biggest culprits for our darker tones. When they hit our skin, it encourages melanin production. While its intention is to protect us from the damage, higher melanin causes a tanned look. The effect is pretty obvious when we go to the beach.
Melanin production drops during colder months as we don’t encounter sub that much. Without that melanin boost, our skin gradually returns to its natural shade. This transition can make the complexion appear lighter or more uneven.
Weather and Skin Hydration
Changes in temperature and humidity also affect our skin tone. But unlike the effects of sun exposure, it happens in ways that we can’t easily notice.
Dry air during winter strips moisture from the skin. The same can be the effect of artificial indoor heating. Dehydrated skin often looks dull and lacks radiance.
Warmer weather increases oil production. This natural glow can sometimes give skin a richer appearance, making it seem more vibrant. When hydration levels drop, the skin’s tone can appear flat or uneven.
Fake Tan and Seasonal Adjustments
For those who prefer a sun-kissed look all year, fake tan helps maintain a consistent glow. When summer fades and natural tans disappear, self-tanning products bridge the gap. With it, there’s no need for risky sunbathing!
During colder months, self-tanners fade faster. The skin becomes dry and sheds quickly, which may cause uneven skin color. Exfoliate before application and moisturize daily so the tan lasts longer and fades evenly. Some people adjust their self-tan shades seasonally. Their secret is using a deeper tone in summer and a lighter one in winter for a more natural transition.
Skincare Products That Affect Tone
What you put on your skin affects how the skin appears. It’s a sensible rule to take note of. Some ingredients brighten, while others make skin issues more problematic. This is why you must read every ingredient and check feedback from different users. Those skin products that increase sensitivity to the sun do more harm than good.
Exfoliants remove dead skin cells to reveal the radiant skin underneath. They seem very helpful at first, but they do have a dark side. Frequent exfoliations make your skin more prone to sun damage. Now that’s one thing to be careful about!
Vitamin C is known for boosting radiance. It helps maintain a glow even when sun exposure is minimal. On the other hand, we have Retinol and AHAs. They speed up cell turnover, which can sometimes make skin appear lighter as older cells shed away.
SPF protects against dark spots caused by UV rays. So, even if it’s winter, do not skip applying sunscreen.
Adapting to Seasonal Changes
As pointed out earlier, the way to go around maintaining a consistent skin tone through changing weather is making ample adjustments.
Hydrating more in winter prevents dullness. Switch to hydrating serums to keep the skin barrier strong. In summer, stick with lightweight moisturizers and SPF to keep the skin protected without clogging pores.
Skin tone naturally changes. But applying the right care at the right season keeps it looking healthy.