Taking Care of Your Skin Post-Summer and Pre-Winter

Skin is the largest organ of the human body, and it's also the outermost. Naturally, it takes the most heat (pun intended) from the sweltering summer temperatures, and similarly, from the cold that comes after in the winter. Now that summer is coming to an end and cooler temperatures are on the way, it's a perfect time to repair the damage caused by the sun and prepare for the challenges of winter cold.

Summer Skin Repair

In the summer, it's easier for both our bodies and skin to get dehydrated from the hot weather. Symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth, infrequent urination, fatigue, dizziness, and dry skin. In fact, dehydration not only causes dry skin, but also irritation, redness, and scratchiness. Therefore, the first step in your summer skincare regimen is to drink enough water. When you do this, your skin will benefit, as will your entire body.

If you've done that over the course of the summer, great. If you haven't, there's no time to start like the present. If by the end of the season your skin has become red and dry, start drinking at least eight cups of water a day. This will help your body rehydrate, and your skin will automatically benefit.

Additionally, the hot summer sun can cause damage to the skin's moisture barrier, which can lead to more dryness and loss of elasticity. This can make you look older than you actually are. To repair the skin's moisture barrier, avoid exfoliation, wash your skin with cool water (not hot), wear sunscreen, avoid products with fragrance, and use a high-quality moisturizer.

As you follow these guidelines to repair any damage that was caused in the summer, you can also start fortifying your skin against the cold winter weather. Unfortunately, each season poses its own challenges!

Winter Skin ChallengesCold weather can also dry out and damage our skin, whether it's from the actual cold outside or dry heating indoors. Hot showers, which we tend to relish in the winter, actually cause more damage by drawing moisture from our bodies and removing the skin's natural oils. This can cause dryness, itchiness, and cracked skin.

To prevent this, try avoiding long hot showers and baths in the winter, even though they are very tempting. Warm water is fine, or at least limit the time you spend in hot water. Using a moisturizer is also crucial to help lock in and maintain moisture, and it's best to apply within three minutes after bathing.

Another winter skin care tip is to use a humidifier. If you spend most of the day in a room that's heated, a humidifier will help add moisture to the air. In general, try to minimize the amount of time you use the heating or don't set it at such a high temperature.

While it may sound funny, don't forget the sunscreen in the winter. Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean the sun isn't shining. If you plan to spend a few hours outside on a crisp, sunny day, make sure to protect your skin.

In all seasons, there are certain foods that are known for being skin-friendly. These include berries, beans, carrots, and nuts, among others.

Skincare and Feeling Your BestWhile your skincare routine isn't usually considered part of your overall health, it can impact your daily life and how you feel about yourself. When your skin is fresh and radiant, you feel great, and the same is true for the opposite.

When you feel good about yourself, your entire outlook on life can change. In fact, your entire quality of life can change, making the difference between just getting by and living life to the fullest.

When you have a high quality of life, you can get lower rates on life insurance. Insurance companies consider your overall health when you apply for a policy, and people who are mentally and physically healthy usually get the best rates.

Sproutt insurance advisors are available to help you determine what kind of life insurance is best for you. Simply answer a few questions and we will find the best-value plan for your lifestyle, needs, and budget.