Change Skin Care Routines with the Seasons

By Maggie Staszcuk

Fall has come and gone, and winter is well underway, with its crisp, dry air and changes in weather—especially an increased chance for snow. Shifting into the cooler months and turning the heaters on means a call for an adjustment in our skin care routines. 

Fall and Winter 

Our skin is the first to notice summer’s transition into fall and winter. Falling temperatures bring colder, drier air; with less moisture in the air, the skin barrier can become compromised, leading to transepidermal water loss, dehydration, flaking, and cracked skin. As winter continues to settle in, skin can become sensitive, irritated, and inflamed as additional side effects of cold, dry air, and conditions like rosacea and eczema can flare up.  

To combat these conditions, avoid transepidermal water loss, and maintain the skin barrier, incorporate ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and shea butter into your clients’ services and encourage them to incorporate them into their at-home routines. Clients may benefit from the use of heavier moisturizers, serums layered under their creams, and a milk or cream-based cleanser. 

Spring and Summer 

Spring often brings allergy season, and the use of allergy medication can dry out the skin in the same way it dries out the sinuses. On the other hand, increased heat and humidity means skin may be more oily or sweaty. Spring and summer also mean more time spent outdoors, and subsequently an increased risk for sunburn and hyperpigmentation.  

To combat these conditions, clients should cut back on winter’s heavy moisturizer and use gel foaming cleansers that eliminate congestion. Regular exfoliation also helps to avoid breakouts that may develop from sweat and oil production. Of course, regular use of SPF is always advised.  

How to incorporate new products: 

1. Start with an audit of your clients’ current regimen.  
2. Assess their current skin conditions and their goals.  
3. Introduce one product at a time. 
4. For very sensitive skin, perform a patch test. 
5. Layer products. Winter may call for both a hydration booster and moisturizer and in spring and summer, the booster can be eliminated.  
6. Watch for negative reactions. Rashes and mass breakouts are a bad reaction. Any potential breakout activity should be brief. 

Pro Tips: 

The needs of your clients’ skin can change. This could be due to: 

• Changes in climate 
• The product not meeting the skin care goals of the client 
• The routine being boring  
• The skin not responding to a product or routine, despite using a skin care regimen consistently 

By simply changing up the skin care routine, even slightly, you are bringing positive disruption to the skin, which can:  

• Clear the complexion. 
• Heal the skin barrier. 
• Brighten the skin tone. 
• Hydrate the skin. 

Use caution not to switch up the skin care regimen too often, as this can slow your clients’ progress.  

Enjoying articles like this or want to learn more about something else? Let us know!   

For more useful tools to help advance your career and knowledge, join ASCP. We have education and career building resources at your fingertips with ASCP SkinPro, Free Online Scheduling, 300+ OnDemand technique videos, and more!

Not a member? Join today and get access to all of the benefits we offer to support you and your career as an esthetician.