From Rain To Shine: Adapting Your CBD Skincare Routine To The Seasons

When summer turns to autumn, just like we instinctively alter our wardrobes to adapt to the new, colder temperatures, our skincare routines should adjust to help our skin adapt to the cool climate. This is something lots of us do not even consider. Some of us may perhaps start to wear sun protection in the summer (although this should be used all year round) and possibly amend our preferred shade of concealer, but often not much more than that.

Whilst there is nothing we can do regarding seasonal shifts (aside from moving somewhere with a milder climate), that does not mean our skin has to suffer the consequences. Many people complain of dry skin in the winter and oily, acne-ridden skin in the summer. While both of these problems are equally vexing, the solution could be as simple as amending your skincare routine to fit the seasons.

With a few simple tricks and tips, your skin could be glowing all year round, and with our MANTLE CBD skincare range, you can turn to nature to find the perfect balance. Read on to learn about how the changes in weather may impact your skin, and how you can best adapt your skincare routine to keep your complexion in harmony with the seasons.

How and Why Does Our Skin Change From Season to Season?

Looking after your skin is a daily routine, no matter the temperature outside. The changing seasons call for some adjustments to your skincare routine. But how and why does our skin tend to freak out during the slightest shift in temperature?

Heat and humidity tend to increase our skin’s oil production, so your skincare products may require a little tweaking. The moisturiser you may have relied upon to prevent winter dryness is likely to be too heavy during the warmer seasons. Even if you have been wise and used a winter moisturiser with sun protection to protect your skin from winter’s UV rays, such as SPF 15, you will almost certainly need a higher SPF for when the sun is out in all its glory. 

The skin really likes consistency, so when external factors, such as weather, changes at a drop of a hat, it can be a bit of a shock to the system. Rapid fluctuations in temperature can take a massive toll on our skin as it does its best to adjust to the new environment. For example, as we move from summer to autumn, the temperature and humidity can drop quickly, which means our skin must work harder to sustain adequate hydration levels as the chilly weather and cold wind start kicking in.

When the skin is subjected to cold temperatures without any preparation, it can lead to cracks in the outer skin layer, imbalance, and loss of hydration. These all can have a severe impact on the overall health of your skin. One of the leading causes of these cold-weather symptoms is that the natural skin barrier becomes disrupted during the winter months, making it more susceptible to irritation.

It is not just the change in temperature alone that can cause these skin troubles. The subsequent lifestyle changes we make as it gets colder outside, such as taking hot showers and using central heat in our homes, also contribute to our skin’s dryness and general imbalance.  

On the flip side, as the weather starts to warm up and humidity increases, our skin has to adapt yet again. As your skin begins to adjust to warm or hot weather and humid air, this can often leave it feeling greasy and heavy as more oil gets trapped on the skin’s surface. It is essentially the complete opposite of what occurs from summer to autumn, or autumn to winter.

So, while we may be more than ready to run right into the sunny seasons, our skin will be thankful for a little time to adapt. Considering the type of skincare products and matching them to the weather can help our skin make a seamless transition between the seasons.

Adapting Popular CBD Skincare Products

As CBD becomes an increasingly popular ingredient in skincare products, it is worth understanding how to adjust to suit the seasons. Here are some tips on how to adapt some of the most loved premium skincare staples to ensure your complexion stays in tip-top shape:

• Cleanser - During the cold seasons, opt for creamy cleansers that dry skin with added moisture. When the temperatures start to climb during Springtime, the skin does not need quite as much assistance in the moisture department. Our skin naturally produces more oil, so instead of using a thick, hydrating cleanser, use more lightweight products, such as a gel formula. If you have an oily complexion all year round, an oil-removing cleanser can also help control excess sebum (the skin’s natural oil, which may cause acne if produced in large amounts). These cleaner options will still give your skin the deep clean it needs and help with hydration levels without adding extra oil in the already oil-producing months.
• Moisturiser - In the winter months, our skin will do well to get extra hydration it needs from thick moisturisers and face creams. Unlike in the colder months, our skin naturally produces more sebum and retains moisture in the spring and summer seasons. It is still a good idea to use a moisturiser every day, no matter the season. There is a common misconception that oily skin does not require a moisturiser; many people think it will only add grease and shine to an already glossy complexion. In reality, if you choose not to moisturise at all, there is a risk your skin may generate even more sebum to compensate for the lack of hydration. A good solution for this is to use a lightweight moisturiser. It will absorb quickly and provide your skin with the balance needed. Try using a moisturising product that has skin-soothing and plumping ingredients like hyaluronic acid, bakuchiol, and shea butter to give you that summer glow.
• Serum - Serums, such as The Glow Serum, make a great addition to any winter skincare routine. They are great at penetrating deep into the skin cells, and with just a few drops, they can provide a nutrient-rich boost we need during the colder months. When spring comes along, you don’t have to give up serums altogether, but you should think about reaching for a lightweight formula. While oil-based serums are fantastic at locking in moisture during the autumn and winter, warmer temperatures and humidity require our skin to be able to breathe. By making the simple swap of an oil-based to a water-based serum in the summer instead, you will get the same effects from all the ingredients, but without the added ‘weight’. Using an oil-based serum in the summer can run the risk of greasy skin and breakouts. This is not a look any of us enjoy, whatever the weather. 
• Sunscreen – This is a must, all year round. It does not matter where you live or the temperature outside. We can pretty much all agree that sunscreen is the key to healthy skin, even in Scandinavian climates. Harmful UV rays can have a damaging effect on our skin’s health, inside and out. It can cause fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots on the outside and even more severe damage on the inside, leading to some significant health issues. So, with this in mind, SPF is essential. Many of us are at fault for only thinking about slathering on sunblock when we are spending time in the sun, but in truth, sunscreen should be a regular part of your skincare routine. Just like you wash and moisturise your face every day, put on that sun protection. You can most likely get away using a moisturiser with an added SPF in the winter, but it is worth using something more substantial during the warm sunny months. Whether it’s a moisturiser with added SPF or a light sunscreen that won’t clog pores, there are plenty of skin-protecting products out there that won’t clog up your pores.
• Exfoliator – After the long cold winter, your skin can end up a bit rough and dry. So, if you would like to get a natural summer glow, you will need to get rid of those leftover layers of dead winter skin. This does not mean vigorously scrubbing your skin in an oil bath. A gentle exfoliant will suffice. By gently removing the dead skin, it will reveal a fresh, clean face without causing irritation. When it comes to exfoliating, a gentle hand is best. There are a few ways you can go about exfoliation. There are scrubs, peels, and exfoliation tools, but some are more suitable for specific skin types than others. If you enjoy a good exfoliate, you can choose to continue using exfoliating products throughout the summer, although less frequently. Once or twice a week tends to be enough for most skin types, and be mindful that many exfoliants can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Selecting CBD skincare products with niacinamide and Shea Butter is excellent for combatting UV damage.  

Skincare Tips For The Seasons

Now that we have learnt a bit more about how we can adapt our standard skincare products let’s take a journey through to seasons to find out how each one may affect our skin and what we can do to make the transitions a little easier for our faces and our skin in general.

Spring Months 

When the weather warms up, we all want to get outdoors and enjoy the change in season. There are some essential factors to know that can potentially save your precious skin from sun damage. Having a basic awareness of your skin type is a great start. Depending on the pigment of your skin, how easily your skin will burn will vary. It may help if you put this into consideration by selecting the level of SPF in your sunscreen lotion. For example, if you have fair skin with freckles, your skin is likely more sensitive to UV rays than darker olive skin. Although the Spring weather may only just be warming up, you should liberally apply sunscreen before going outside.

Summer Months

Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a ‘healthy tan’, as a tan (by definition) means the skin has been damaged. It does not matter what type of skin you have, or how it responds to the sun; you should always apply an SPF sunscreen. Even when it is overcast or feels a bit chilly, it is still possible to achieve a sunburn, so protect your skin.

For additional protection, wear clothing that shields you from sun damage. Be sure to include a few select items in your wardrobe that can offer excellent sun protection. For example, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses, unbleached cotton, and tightly woven fabrics. There are also unique high-SPF clothing pieces on the market containing colourless compounds, fluorescent brighteners, or specially-treated resins that can absorb UV rays. Many of these SPF clothing pieces can protect your skin with an SPF of 30 or higher. 

If you unintentionally burn your skin, you can bring balance back to your skin with CBD skincare products. There are some unique skincare ranges, such as those specially formulated by MANTLE, as we have included some ‘hero’ ingredients to support your skin when sun-damaged:

• Vitamin E – Although it does not have any sunscreen action itself, vitamin E may provide extra protection against cell damage caused by sun exposure.

• Shea Butter – It has a natural SPF of between 6 to 10, so it can provide some added protection when used with conventional sunscreen (plus, it smells wonderful).
• Liquorice root extract – This is a natural skin lightening ingredient that contains glabridin, which some research has found to help reduce pigmentation in response to sun exposure.

Autumn Months 

As the temperature starts to drop, the dryer, cooler air arrives. This can cause the skin to lose precious moisture. Autumn can, however, provide a much-needed opportunity for your skin to recover from the strain caused by the sun, chlorine, and saltwater you may experience from too many summer trips to the beach or pool. Exfoliating and then applying moisturiser straight after a bath or shower can help seal in the moisture and necessary oils. This will massively help replenish the skin.

In autumn, it is time to consider switching from a lotion to a cream. As the air starts to become drier, the skin often needs a thicker moisturiser. Creams provide a more substantial oily barrier to provide hydration. You may notice your lips and hands becoming dry and cracked, so invest in a high-quality lip balm, such as The Calm Balm, and get into the habit of moisturising your hands to ensure they stay soft and balanced all winter long.

Although the sun may not seem to be making many appearances in autumn, carry on using sunscreen. Shielding your skin from the sun all year round will help prevent premature ageing. Opting for skincare products that have bakuchiol may also provide wrinkle reduction.

Winter Months 

For your skin to stay healthy during the winter season, it will need more than a woolly hat, gloves, and a warm coat to protect it from the cold weather. Cooler temperatures, coupled with blustery winds, can leave the skin cracked, chapped, irritated, and cause flare-ups of skin imbalances and other unpleasantries.

Continuing the autumn moisturising routine will help protect against the harsh winter elements. One of the simplest ways to protect your hands from dry air and cold temperatures, which can trigger skin imbalances, is to wear gloves. It can also help save your nails from becoming brittle and your cuticles from splitting.

As tempting as it may be, try not to take long hot showers. The hot water can strip the skin of its natural elements, which can contribute to dry skin. Instead, take shorter showers using lukewarm water and enjoy a premium CBD experience in the form of The Dream Mask afterwards to balance your skin.

As part of your winter skincare routine, Search for CBD products that have hyaluronic acid as part of yours. Hyaluronic acid is renowned for the potential effects it can provide for the skin. It has been found to especially be good at alleviating dry skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Another star ingredient to look out for is bisabolol. This ingredient acts as an anti-imbalancer that helps to calm and soothe your winter skin. Bisabolol is also known as a protector, shielding the skin from everyday external elements. It can help stimulate and promote the skin’s natural balancing process. With the potential of bisabolol improving the appearance of damaged skin by moisturising, restoring suppleness, and preventing signs of ageing with its antioxidant effects, it is essential in your winter skincare routine.

The Takeaway

If the seasons are transitioning and you notice your skin is taking a turn for the worse, take a moment to review your skincare routine. As the days start to get shorter and the weather finally becomes brisker, you may begin to notice some unwanted changes in your skin. These changes might be similar to the symptoms that can arise when winter turns to spring and when summer is in full swing. Your skin might feel a little tighter or appear drier.

What could be better than adapting our routine with the balancing effects of premium CBD? With MANTLE, you’ll be one step closer to having happy skin. Our hero ingredients will balance your skincare routine, no matter the season.