Seasonal change has a direct impact on the most sensitive part of human skin. When the weather becomes slightly cool or dry after intense heat and humidity, the level of moisture present in the air suddenly drops. North Indian cities like Lucknow, Kanpur, Delhi, Jaipur and Patna see huge fluctuations in temperature during seasonal changes. Light sunlight during the day and cold winds in the morning and evening weaken the skin's natural protective shield (skin barrier). As a result, trans-epidermal water loss (evaporation of natural moisture from the skin) begins to increase rapidly. Many people face sudden facial strain, dryness, flaky skin, redness and even sudden acne breakouts. Dermatologists clearly believe that just as we change our attire according to the season, in the same way it is very important to update our skincare products and routine from time to time. Right Time to Shift to Sulfate-Free and Hydrating Cleansers During summers or rainy days we often use salicylic acid or foaming face washes to control excess oil. But as the weather increases, such strong cleansers also strip away the essential oils from the skin. As the changing seasons begin, replace foaming face wash with a gentle, creamy or hydrating lotion-based cleanser. Face washes containing glycerin, ceramides and aloe vera clean the dirt and grime from the facial surface, without causing any irritation or pulling. Avoid washing your face more than twice a day and do not use very hot water while washing your face, because hot water absorbs the natural moisture of the skin. A wise move from light gel to rich cream moisturizer. Selection of moisturizer is the most important step in transitional weather. If you've been using water-based or oil-free lightweight gels until now, it's time to switch to a slightly more nourishing emulsion or ceramide-rich moisturizer. Apply the Hyaluronic Acid Serum to slightly damp skin and immediately lock in with a thick barrier-repair cream. Ceramides, fatty acids and shea butter strengthen the cement between the skin cells, so that cold and dry external winds do not steal the internal moisture of the skin and the face remains soft throughout the day. Never skip applying sunscreen even in mild sunlight. As soon as the weather becomes pleasant, people often assume that there is no strong sunlight now, so there is no need for sunscreen. This thinking proves to be most harmful for skin health. In fact, even when the heat of the sun is less felt, up to 80 percent of the sun's ultraviolet rays (UVA and UVB) pass through clouds and mild sunlight to reach the ground. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and break down collagen, causing premature wrinkles, pigmentation and dark spots. Therefore, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 or 50 every morning 20 minutes before going out. In the changing seasons, you can choose a hydrating sunscreen with moisturizing properties that provides sun protection as well as nourishment to the skin. Gentle Exfoliation and Deep-Nourishing Homemade Face Mask When the weather changes, the layer of dead skin cells starts accumulating rapidly, due to which the face starts looking lifeless and dull. Using scrubs containing hard walnuts or apricots at this time can cause peeling of the skin and rashes. Instead, use a mild lactic acid or chemical exfoliant only once a week. At home, you can make a gentle pack by mixing one teaspoon honey, half teaspoon raw milk and a pinch of oats powder. Oats and milk gently remove dead skin cells, while honey acts as a natural humectant to seal moisture deep within the skin. Pay close attention to internal nutrition and lifestyle adjustments. External skincare products cannot give full results unless your body is nourished and hydrated from within. In the changing weather, the feeling of thirst decreases, due to which people drink less water. Avoid this habit and drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of lukewarm or normal water throughout the day. Include seasonal fruits like apples, oranges, pomegranates as well as almonds, walnuts and chia seeds rich in omega-3 fatty acids in your daily diet. These healthy fats keep the inner cells of the skin flexible and glowing. Additionally, get at least 7 to 8 hours of deep sleep at night, as this is when the skin completes its natural repair and rejuvenation processes.
