Nothing made me realize that I needed to change my skin care routine faster than moving from Florida to Chicago.
In Florida, the tropical humidity made my skin dewy more often than not, which sounds great. But it also came with a lot of sweating and keeping my combination skin type more on the oily side. I used the lightest moisturizers possible and double cleansed religiously.
Chicago in the summer was very much the same way. (Though thankfully it wasn’t NEARLY as hot!)
When winter time came around, I introduced moisturizing products and heavy night creams I never thought I’d use in my life.
The fact of the matter is, your skin’s needs change. Whether it’s because of the seasons, your hormones, or your environment, we live in a dynamic world.
There are times when we have to worry more about environmental stressors. Or getting older. Or any number of things. Changing your skin care routine isn’t just normal, it’s necessary.
But when is the best time to reassess your routine? Take a moment to consider these factors first.
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Change Your Skin Care Routine When You Move
Maybe, like me, you lived in a more tropical environment and moved to a drier one. Or you went the opposite way. Maybe it’s hotter. Or colder. Or more humid.
I found that after about a month, my skin’s needs had changed based on the new place I found myself in. And this was after using the same routine consistently for nearly six months.
While my routine didn’t change drastically, I still had to add a couple new products that I wouldn’t have needed before. And the most drastic change to my skin care routine came in the winter.
Needless to say, your environment plays a huge factor in what happens to your skin.
Take into consideration the climate of where you’re going. See what the average temperature is like. Check into the amount of precipitation. Look at the humidity levels.
If you’re moving to a city, or are in one already, keep track of the air pollution. You can usually find this on a weather app.
It’ll be a good indicator of what kind of products you’ll need and when to change it up.
Change Your Skin Care Routine Seasonally
Another time that’s perfect to assess your skincare is as the seasons change. If you live in an area where the seasons are drastic, it’s best to reassess as soon as you feel the change in the air. For me? I assess twice a year. Usually that’s late spring – when it’s getting hot – and late fall – when it’s getting cold.
But if you notice that your skin fluctuates from season to season, do a quick assessment. It may be a good time to change your skin care routine if your products aren’t packing the same punch.
I’ll know that it’s time for me to switch it up when a moisturizer that was fine before starts feeling like too much. Or if that same moisturizer isn’t doing enough anymore. That’s usually an indicator of winter dryness to the southern, summer humidity.
With the colder weather, I’m not as oily, but I’m much drier. That’s when I up my moisturizing routine. And of course, to cut back on oiliness, I switch to lighter weight moisturizers.
There’s also something wonderful about adding face masks to your routine. I love having a clay-based mask in the summer and hydrating one for the winter. And of course, a generous amount of sheet masks.
As You Age
Your skin’s needs are going to fluctuate throughout your life. My skin care routine was different in my teens than in my twenties. And my skin care for my thirties? It’s different, but I know myself better now thanks to my own routine.
Our hormones change over time. Some of us decide to have children which can change your skin’s needs as well.
If you’re moisturizing daily on a consistent basis, you’re already ahead of the game! But if you’re new, know that as you get older, your skin will start to dry out. This is because your skin won’t hold water like it used to. Your skin cells don’t renew like they used to and you’re producing less collagen.
So it’s important to get into the habit of moisturizing as much as you can. Especially when it comes to your night routine.
A good moisturizer will keep water in your skin. This keeps it looking youthful, plump and dewy.
I would recommend investing in an amazing night cream. It doesn’t have to be expensive.
I’m partial to the Korean skin method which has some amazing products that won’t break the bank.
One of my hands down favorites is Belif’s Moisturizing Bomb (not to be confused with the Aqua Bomb – another fave!) If your skin is feeling particularly parched, I’m also a fan of Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream.
Remember, you don’t have to upend your entire routine! Give it time to work its magic. Most skin care products recommend using it for at least three to four weeks. And if you find that after that time that it’s not doing its thing, switch up. Always do what’s best for you.
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Sources:
Yes, Your Skin Type Can Change—Here’s What You Need to Know