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Perfect Skin from Inside Out Module 13

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Module 13: Hot and not Bothered, Cool and Protected – Seasonal Skin

Care

Table of Contents

Module 13: Hot and not Bothered, Cool and Protected – Seasonal Skin Care ....................................................... 1

Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 2

This module consists of the following items: ............................................................................................... 2

13.1. Summer ............................................................................................................................................. 3

13.2. Autumn .............................................................................................................................................. 9

13.3. Winter .............................................................................................................................................. 13

13.4. Spring .............................................................................................................................................. 15

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Introduction

When the weather changes with the season it can cause havoc upon your skin. It is essential to try and

incorporate different products into your regime to suit each season and adapt to your skin’s changing needs.

Skin care depends on the individual and at times it can be quite personal, however, due to seasonal shifts, it is

always important to keep your skin and its health in mind.

In module 5 you will learn about specific weather patterns of each season and how they affect your skin.

Moreover, you will also learn how to fight the elements to maintain healthy skin all year round.

This module consists of the following items:

13.1. Summer

13.2. Autumn

13.3. Winter

13.4. Spring

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13.1. Summer

The summer sun can offer your skin and your overall beauty a number of benefits, but with these benefits also

come some challenges. The greatest problem related to the hot summer months and your skin is the over-

exposure to the sun. Sun damage is not just limited to the obvious sunburn; it is also the leading cause of

premature ageing as this is the time when you are most likely to develop fine lines and wrinkles due to an

excessive amount of free radicals in your body.

Certain skin conditions like rosacea and eczema can worsen in extreme heat and too much time in chlorinated

pools or the salty sea can strip your skin from its natural oils causing either dryness or an overproduction of

oils.

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Summer Sun and your Skin

Hot humid weather means sunshine, which is why the single most important thing you can do for your skin in

the summertime is to apply sun cream with a high SPF. In the summer months you swim, you sweat more,

and generally your body heats up, which is why it is essential for you to reapply your sun cream at least every

two hours to make sure you remain protected, and more if you are swimming. Higher SPF sun creams will

give you a longer protection against the harmful UV rays, but even still there is a high chance you could sweat

it off.

Look for mineral sun creams with a high zinc oxide mineral content. This will help protect your skin

more and prevent you from developing sun spots, wrinkles, uneven skin tones, and melasma, which is a

rare skin condition that results in a change of your skin’s pigmentation.

Make sure you apply a high SPF sun cream every day to protect your skin against free radical damage.

UV rays are a leading cause of free radicals in the body. Protect yourself more against these free radicals

in the summer months by applying moisturisers that contain green tea extracts and vitamin C. These two

ingredients will provide your skin with enough nourishing antioxidants to neutralise the free radicals.

After returning home from a day out in the sun, it is essential to deep cleanse your skin. This process will

help clean your skin’s pores, removing any leftover sun cream and any other debris that has become stuck

in your skin’s pores. Clogged pores will result in acne breakouts and blackheads; however, this can be

easily avoided by ensuring you have a clean face. Additionally, your skin will look brighter and healthier.

Every morning massage an SPF moisturiser into your face in circular motions. A daily moisturiser with

an SPF 20 is perfect for everyday use. Using an SPF moisturiser not only protects your skin, it also slows

down the process of premature ageing and strengthens the skin. Your SPF moisturiser should be worn

under your regular SPF 45 cream. Your face is the most sensitive area when it comes to skin care, so make

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sure you opt for a broad spectrum high SPF cream that is oil-free. Look out for creams that have UV

filtering to protect each individual cell.

Your body needs a lower SPF factor, but it is essential to apply an SPF 20 or higher cream to all your

body’s areas that are exposed throughout the day such as your arms and legs. Sun creams with alpha lipoic

acid and coenzyme Q10 will nourish your skin and also give it a more radiant look. If you are going to

stay outdoors for more than 30 minutes, it is necessary to apply a higher SPF sun cream. Opt for SPF 45

that is both waterproof and has UVA/UVB protection to ensure you will remain protected in water too.

Your lips are delicate areas and will also need protecting because they can burn. Wear an SPF 30 lip balm

that has a red tea tree extract which helps protect your lips against the sun.

When in the sun, it is also imperative to protect your hair and scalp from the sun. Hair dries out in the sun

and your scalp can easily burn, which is why it is recommended to use a leave- in conditioner and scalp

protector with an SPF 30, vitamin E and a green tea extract. The combination of these ingredients will

leave your hair softer and more manageable and at the same time it will protect you from any sun damage

to the scalp.

Acne is a lot more common in the summer months. Even if your skin was blemish-free during the other

seasons, it is highly possible to see more blemishes and pimples during the hotter periods of the year. The

very hot temperatures and your outdoor activities will result in more sweat. When your sweat mixes in

with the natural oils, creams, and dirt on your skin’s surface, your pores will become more clogged

resulting in acne breakouts. You will have to use a cleanser that is formulated for oily skin twice daily.

Cleansers that best suit oily skin types are gel-based cleansers. Additionally, at night, you should apply

ingredients that are going to dissolve the debris deep in your pores. Ingredients such as salicylic and

glycolic acid work best.

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Shiny skin is inevitable in the summer months. Even if you do not have an oily complexion normally, the

hot summer’s heat and humidity can turn anyone’s skin shiny. By simply adding a toner that has salicylic

acid into your regular skincare regime in the morning will help, however you need to read the label first

to ensure that the toner’s properties will not strip your skin of its natural oils and cause you irritation. Look

for toners that have 0.5% salicylic acid content or a toner with the same properties which are natural.

Sunburn is common during the summer months no matter how much sun cream you apply to your body.

The most important thing to do with sunburn is to keep it cool. If you have burned yourself, stay out of

the sun and heat for a few days and try to cool your body’s temperature by taking cool showers. Avoid

using any aggressive kinds of body or facial scrubs and skincare products. The best natural thing that you

can put on sunburn is Aloe Vera. This can be found in many skincare products or you can break off a leaf

directly from an Aloe Vera plant if you have access to one and rub the sap on the affected area. Aloe Vera

helps reduce stinging; it also takes away the redness, prevents peeling, and heals the skin. However, if you

think your sunburn is more severe than usual, contact a doctor who will prescribe some medicine for you.

Insect bites will usually go away by themselves if you do not scratch them. However, if you need to

relieve the itch, try using a hydrocortisone cream on them.

Blisters occur from the friction of the sweat and your shoes in the summer months. Before your blisters

come, stop them by sprinkling a little bit of flour or absorbent foot powder onto your feet to prevent your

shoes rubbing. When you have blisters already, apply some antiseptic lotion on it and some moleskin.

Avoid wearing shoes and if you need to go out, wear flip flops. Soaking your feet in salty water will

remove any grime and infection and be sure to leave your blister open at night so it can breathe and dry

out.

Razor burn is also more common in the summer months due to sea salt and discomfort from the sun.

Symptoms of razor burn include rashes, bumps, and ingrown hairs. If you already are suffering from razor

burn, do not shave until your irritation clears up because if you shave, you will just aggravate it more.

Apply an anti-inflammatory cream that has hydrocortisone in it or a soothing lotion that contains Aloe

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Vera in it. To prevent shaving rashes always apply a shaving gel afterwards to prevent ingrown hairs

growing.

Freckles and liver spots are more common in summertime. To prevent them, wear plenty of sun cream

and keep reapplying throughout the day. If you are looking to try and correct the blemishes caused by the

sun, use products that contain alpha hydroxyl acids which will help even out your skin’s tone and make

you appear more youthful looking.

When your skin is deeply hydrated it always appears better and looks healthier than dried out parched skin.

Depending on your climate and the levels of humidity will depend on the moisturiser you use. Rich

moisturisers work better in hot and dry climates and a humid climate requires a lighter moisturiser due to the

amount of moistness in the air.

Exfoliate your face twice a week to remove dead skin and boost the blood circulation of the face.

Exfoliating will brighten the skin and also make it easier for the skin’s pores to absorb the moisturiser

better.

Look for products containing Hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid helps with the skin’s rejuvenation process

by retaining more moisture. It also regulates tissue repair and as a result the skin is kept soft, supple, and

hydrated. Hyaluronic acid is able to hold up to approximately a thousand times its weight in water, which

is why moisturising products with this ingredient always work better.

Heavily scented soaps dry out the skin and strip it of its oils. If you want to avoid parched skin in summer,

use a mild unscented soap.

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Drink more water. Typically, a person needs about 8 glasses of water a day, but in the summer months the

need for water increases up to 10 glasses. You lose a lot of fluid through sweating therefore it is essential

to consume more water. If you do not like plain water by itself, add a squeeze of lime or lemon juice for a

better taste.

Eat a well-balanced diet full of fruit and dark leafy greens that have a naturally high fluid content, which

makes it easier to absorb directly into the skin’s cells. This absorbs much quicker than water.

Summer is the best time to increase your supplement intake. Supplements containing zinc, selenium, and

vitamins C and E kill free radicals that have been caused by the harsh UV rays. They also help the skin

retain its moisture better and as a result there is an improved elasticity.

Facials that use products full of antioxidants will help your skin remain oxygenated and repair any damage

that has been caused by the sun. In summer it is a good idea to get a facial once every two weeks.

Reduce your intake of alcoholic and caffeinated drinks as they dehydrate your body more.

Food and condiments that have a high sodium content naturally draw the water from your body which also

contributes to dehydration. Foods that are excessively high in sodium are processed foods such as frozen

pizza, canned soups, crisps, and canned vegetables.

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13.2. Autumn

Autumn is typically wet, cold, and rainy. In autumn the temperature drops dramatically and when it is not

raining, the air is typically dry, which will cause your skin to lose its moisture. It is unpleasant to walk around

in and it is also harmful for your skin. When you get caught out in rain, your skin becomes waterlogged. As a

result the skin softens, rubs, and can become more damaged. Walking in wet socks and shoes can also be very

painful and the likely result will be sores and blisters on your feet.

Autumn is a good time to help renew and rejuvenate your skin after the harsh summer and before the cold

aggressive winter. There are a number of skin issues that could affect you in autumn which include:

Rough

Dehydrated

Dry

Dull

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External measures to help maintain your skin in autumn

1. In autumn use a moisturising cleanser. It is recommended that you switch your moisturiser to a creamier

gentler one. This will add some extra moisture into your skin and at the same time protect it from any

environmental aggressors.

2. Avoid products containing heavy metals such as fluorine and chlorine. These will disrupt your skin’s acid

mantle and cause an imbalance.

3. Use a toner that is mildly acidic with hydrating properties. This will help finish the cleansing process of the

skin and restore its pH balance.

4. Skin damage from the summer results in a cellular buildup on the surface of the skin. You need to remove

these dead skin cells, which is why you need to use a natural mild acidic exfoliator. This will help your skin

absorb the nutrients better without causing any irritation.

5. To repair your skin from the summer and prep it for the winter you need to change your moisturiser to a

richer more emollient cream which will help your skin’s elasticity.

6. To fix the skin damage from the summer, treat your skin weekly. Try applying seasonal fresh fruit directly

onto the skin which will brighten dull skin, lessen hyperpigmentation, and at the same time stimulate cellular

renewal.

7. Autumn is the time when your lips begin to dry. Start moisturising them daily to protect your lips from

getting cracked in the forthcoming winter months. For the best results use a non-petroleum-based lip balm.

8. Your hands become drier in the autumn and winter months. Start moisturising your hands during the autumn

to protect them throughout the winter to ensure soft supple hands.

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Internal measures to help maintain your skin in autumn

1. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day. This will help maintain your skin’s

moisture and get rid of toxins. For every coffee or alcoholic drink, you have, you should have an extra glass

of water to prevent further dehydration.

2. Eat food rich in antioxidants and Omega-3 essential fatty acids. Vitamins A, C, and E can help reverse the

skin’s damage from the summer and at the same time help prepare it for the cold winter by restoring the skin’s

immune system and natural glow.

Seasonal autumn food that you need to consume for healthy skin

Avacados

Apples

Bananas

Carrots

Chestnuts

Beets

Clementines

Garlic

Cranberries

Grapefruit

Grapes

Kumquat

Kiwi fruit

Oranges

Pomegranates

Persimmons

Sweet potato

Quinces

Tangerines

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Fungal Infections

During autumn it is rainy and cold and as a result there are more chances of getting fungal skin infections such

as athlete’s foot or ringworm. Fungal infections are typically red and itchy and caused by dampness. Avoid

allowing your skin to remain wet for a long period of time and to prevent the onset of fungal infections, bathe

in lukewarm water and religiously use antifungal creams, soap, and talcum powder. Dry your feet well,

especially in hard to reach places like in between your toes.

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13.3. Winter

The cold temperatures of winter can wreak havoc on your skin and this combined with a lower humidity can

often cause windburn. When your skin is affected by windburn, your skin is stripped of all its natural oils

leaving it red, dry and sore. Your natural oils are essential because they assist in filtering out harmful UV

radiation and they also help keep your skin moist. When they have been stripped, your skin becomes more

vulnerable to the extremities and sunburn even though the sun is nowhere near as intense as it was during the

summer months. Additionally, oils from your lips are stripped resulting in dry lips that can become chapped

and open.

Skincare Mistakes People make in the Winter:

Not changing your moisturiser and using a thicker one is a big mistake. In winter your moisturiser needs

to be heavier and thicker to fight the cold dry air otherwise your skin will become flaky and dull-looking.

Skipping sun cream is also another mistake. Even though there may be no sun, you can still get skin

damage from the sun in winter. Sun cream should be worn all year round no matter what.

Using too much toner is not good for your skin in the winter. Toners dry out the skin and at this period

you need to adjust your skincare routine to include more moisture instead of making it less. Instead of

using an astringent toner try using natural rose water to freshen your face.

Not including oils into your beauty regime in winter is a mistake because it is the number one way of

combating winter dryness. You can apply the oil directly onto the skin or add a few drops into your

moisturiser to help not only hydrate your skin, but also retain the moisture too. The best natural oils include

coconut or jojoba oil.

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Ignoring your hands and feet during the winter will result in painful cracked skin. Protect your hands and

feet by putting lotion on your feet and hands and covering them with socks and gloves when you sleep.

Taking a scalding hot shower will dry out your skin. If you want to keep your skin feeling nice and

hydrated, stick to lukewarm showers.

Not using an air humidifier will cause your skin to become dry. There is less humidity in winter and the

lack of moisture in the air will dry out both your skin and hair resulting in flaky skin and lackluster hair.

Achieving Soft Skin in Winter

Because the winter air is dry and frigid outdoors and the indoor heat is intense and parched, your skin’s natural

protective barriers crack and as a result it is more difficult to repair itself. Here are a few things you can do to

protect your skin in winter and help it stay soft and smooth.

Winter is a time when skin flare-ups like keratosis pilaris are common due to the extra dry areas of your

skin on the upper arms. Use a mild lotion which contains salicylic acid and exfoliate the dead skin cells,

especially around your hair follicles to reduce the bumps.

To avoid dry chapped hands use wipe-off soap-free cleansers or an alcohol-free hand sanitizer. Washing

your hands repeatedly with soap and water contribute to dry hands due to the moisture being sucked out.

It is common to have drier patches or rough elbows and knees in the winter. Choose a rich hydrating body

scrub or make your own simple mix of honey and sugar. When applied topically humectant honey can

help reduce inflammation of the skin and the sugar helps to increase the circulation of the skin, which is

particularly helpful when your blood flow is diverted in winter from the skin to your core to keep you

warmer.

Keep your arms and legs from looking scaly by using a lotion with a 12% lactic acid content to hydrate

skin and resurface it.

Exfoliating will brighten your skin and will allow for the moisturiser to penetrate better. Use a gentle

exfoliator that has rounded polyethylene micro-beads.

Buff away your feets’ calluses with a specially formulated hydrating foot scrub or a pumice stone. After

scrubbing, apply a thick moisturiser while your feet are still slightly damp. If you have stubborn dryness

and cracked skin use an Rx cream with urea or glycolic acid. Put on a pair of thick socks and wear them

overnight.

Different materials can aggravate your skin in winter, especially if you have eczema. Wear fabrics that are

naturally woven such as cotton or a cotton flannel blend. Avoid any cotton that has a blend of synthetic

fibres as they are more likely to irritate sensitive skin in winter.

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13.4. Spring

Spring is a difficult month in terms of weather and your skin. The weather is temperamental, which makes

you less prepared when you go outdoors and more likely to be caught off guard. As it becomes warmer, it is

likely that you will begin shaving those areas of the body that remained hidden in winter. However, if you do

not look after your skin and it is unprepared, you could end up with a painful razor burn.

Spring is the time to prime your skin and body for the upcoming summer months, which is why a few more

alterations to your usual skincare regime need to be made.

When it is spring, you can switch to a lighter textured cream for the face and body. Such a cream will be

able to keep the skin hydrated without producing too many natural oils which cause clogged pores,

breakouts, blemishes, and a shinier complexion. Start using a skin shammy** as part of the cleansing

process to make sure your face is fully free of dirt and grime buildup.

Using a body brush daily will help stimulate more circulation and fight clogged pores and ingrown hairs.

Body brushes also help lessen the appearance of your body’s cellulite especially if you use this in

combination with a body gel. Additionally, you can get a green coffee body wrap done which will assist

in defining and contouring your body. Always use a body brush that has natural bristles as these tend to

be gentler on the skin.

A weekly exfoliation will help remove all the dull dry skin and will allow your other products to penetrate

the skin better. Look for products that contain jojoba beads, sea salt and fruit enzymes as these are gentle

exfoliators that will not damage the skin’s capillaries.

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Protect your skin with an SPF sun cream every day to avoid pigmentation damage and premature ageing.

Look for products with titanium dioxide to keep the skin supple.

If your skin is stressed, cool it down with a spritz of a skin hydrated or alternatively treat yourself to a

homemade facial.

** A skin shammy is a soft skin cleansing cloth usually made out of organic material