Desert/Dry (warm/dry or cold/dry):
Desert or dry climates such as those found in the American Southwest and West can range from very hot in the summer months to cold in the winter months, but have the consistent characteristic of very low humidity. Hot temperatures combined with low humidity (such as you would find in Arizona or Southern California) suck the moisture from your skin, literally baking it. Wind and cold combined with low humidity (such as you might find in high desert or mountain regions) can cause dry, flaky skin as well. Dust and dirt blowing in the air contributes to clogged pores. Dry climates can also cause certain skin conditions like eczema, keratosis pilarsis, psoriasis and dermatitis to flare up. Skin cancer is a concern in dry climates as well, where sunny days with little or no cloud cover are plentiful and the sun's rays are strong.
The first and most important thing you need to do to keep your skin healthy in a dry or desert climate is to use adequate sun protection.
Avoid sun exposure when it's at its highest, between about 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., if possible. Also remember that even if it's cold, sunny and dry, you can still get sunburn, so protect your skin when you're hitting the slopes or going for a mountain hike. If you plan to be out for a long period of time in a dry or desert climate, reapply sunscreen frequently. Since sun protection should be reapplied about every 2 hours, we recommend
Colorescience Sunforgettables as an elegant powder product that can be applied and reapplied over makeup.
After protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays, the next most important thing to do is keep it hydrated. Start from the inside out by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. It's generally recommended that you drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses per day and even more if you are exercising or if it's very hot.
Minimize the number of baths and/or showers you take daily and use warm to cool water if possible as very hot water can further dry and irritate skin. Avoid irritating washes or soaps. Instead opt for a mild, moisturizing cleanser such as
Francesca Nutrient Cleanser with soothing Lavender and Chamomile.
When you get out of the bath or shower, gently pat your skin dry and use plenty of moisturizer (on the body and face) to keep it hydrated. If your skin is overly dry already, or prone to "chicken skin bumps," try
Francesca Body Moisturizer which is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants and glycolic acid. It helps correct most dry skin concerns and is ideal for dry elbows, heels and knees.
For the face, try
Francesca High Potency Lotion, a formula that restores skin to a healthy moisture balance while protecting it with skin-saving antioxidant vitamins and nutrients. Moisturize in the morning, and again before bed to retain moisture round the clock.
Consider a Francesca Antioxidant cream for intensive hydrating that nourishes and rejuvenates skin overnight by restoring lost moisture and promoting healthy cell turnover.
Tropical/Humid:
Climates that are tropical or very humid, such as areas in the Southeastern United States and parts of the Midwest present very different skin challenges. Humidity can put the pores into overdrive, sweating to cool you down, but clogging them, causing oily skin and breakouts, especially during the summer months.
Obviously if you live in a tropical climate with high humidity, you also face the dangers of sun damage and skin cancer as noted above, so sunscreen is imperative here as well. Since oil build-up can be an issue, opt for light non-greasy formulas like
Francesca High Potency Lotion.
To keep the hard-working pores clean and clear in warm, humid climates and weather, light facial peels and microdermabrasion can help. Always make sure you remove all makeup and cleanse the skin before bed as well so your skin can "breathe" overnight.
Combination Climates:
If you live in the Midwest, Northeast or other parts of the country, you may experience a mix of climates depending on the season. It may be warm and humid in the summer and cold and dry in the winter. You should vary your skin care regimen based on the guidelines above depending on the season you are in. Extreme weather conditions can wreak havoc on the skin, so pay attention to what the climate is doing and adjust your routine accordingly. You will likely have "winter products" and "summer products" and some that overlap for year-round use depending on your skin type.
City/Urban:
Although it's not technically a "climate," urban environments have certain factors that affect the skin. High levels of smog and air pollution can clog the pores and choke the skin, as well as cause free radical damage that accelerates the visible aging process of the skin.
These tiny airborne particles do more damage than most people realize. Because of their small size, these pollutants are often able to easily penetrate tissues, airways and other membranes. Others are so small they can be easily absorbed by the skin or mucus membranes of the mouth, airway and nasal passages resulting in damage.
Ozone, one of the main components found in smog, promotes tissue destruction through a strong chemical reaction and free radical damage that results in loss of collagen and cellular integrity.
If you live in the city (especially a large one), take steps to protect your skin against the pollutants it can encounter by staying well hydrated. Not only does water help increase circulation and eliminate waste from the body, but it is essential to help skin retain that supple yet firm appearance. In addition to drinking plenty of fluids, make sure your skin's ability to fight off free radical damage is enhanced. Antioxidants are a great weapon in the fight against free-radical damage caused by pollutants. We have a variety of antioxidant rich skin care products that can be customized to each individual's needs. Boosting internal antioxidant activity by eating foods rich in pomegranate, melon and green tea will enhance the overall benefit.
Wherever you live, or visit for extended periods, just remember to take the climate into consideration when determining your skin care routine. We can help you select products ideally suited to both your skin type, the environment and the changing seasons!
