Moving to a New Zip Code this Summer? Take Inventory of Your Skin Care Products

It’s the middle of summer, and you’re moving from Seattle to Sacramento for the career opportunity of a lifetime. Not only should you take stock of all the items you’re leaving in storage, but also you should take inventory of your skin care products. Why? Just as you’re new city will bring a bit of culture shock, so too will your skin confront a climate shock.

Fear not, Dear Traveler. Make a few friends, and the city will be more amicable. Find a new skin care regime, and your skin will feel like it’s in its element. Here are a few recommendations for adjusting your skin care routine as you move or travel from climate to climate. Pack these in your skincare arsenal, so you can confidently face Mother Nature in all her regional variations.

Northwest

Seattle: Rainy. Overcast. No sun. Right? Yes and no. While it’s true that the Pacific Northwest tends to have a good deal of rain and humidity that accompanies it, never underestimate those UV rays. Although your skin may suffer the damaging effects of the sun, Pacific Northwesterners don’t tend to get the benefit of the sun’s vitamin D. In fact, many are vitamin D deficient due, at least in part, to the lack of sun exposure. Seems unfair, huh?  While your hair may be a little frizzy due to the rain or moderate humidity, your skin will generally revel in the moisture, except when it’s cold in June and you blast the indoor heaters (which strips the air of moisture).

Recommendations:

• 30 + SPF non-comedogenic, oil free sunscreen & make-up.
• Gentle Exfoliation with either an alcohol-free cleanser or a soft Konjac fiber sponge and an unscented glycerin bar.
• Supplement with vitamin D and or use topical vitamin D that contains a transdermal carrier.
• Moisturize in the summer with a lighter moisturizer.
• In winter, especially in indoor heating, moisturize with a heavier moisturizer, containing hyaluronic acid and an oil compatible with your skin, e.g. argan or emu oil.

Southwest & West

Sacramento: Sun more often than not. Hot and dry summers. And mild winters. Right? Pretty much. In regions like these and the Southwest, UV rays are extremely powerful. Also, the heat combined with low humidity means this climate is warm and there’s little moisture in the air.

Recommendations:

• Hydrate your skin from both inside and out. Drink plenty of hydrating liquids and moisturize as much as possible.
• Bathe less often or at least use tepid water; hot water and constant bathing will make skin drier.
• Start a year-round night and day regimen of a serum containing hyaluronic acid and oil.
• Additional moisturizer on top of the serum, believe or not, is necessary. Depending on your skin type, look for moisturizers with ceramides, glycerin, and petrolatum.
• Be diligent about sun protection with 30 + SPF non-comedogenic, oil free sunscreen & make-up. Note: for any climate the American Cancer Society has excellent tips for protecting yourself from UV rays.
• Use a humidifier to put moisture back into the air.
• Treat sun damage. Consider microdermabrasion, or, at the very least, gentle exfoliation with the Konjac fiber sponge discussed above. Also, try a product with Retinol to help skin turn over.

Southeast

Think New Orleans. Fun, sunny, hot and humid. In the summer, its climate is much like the Midwest and Northeast. For comparison, consider a St. Louis or New York City summer. Similar, huh? Well, if you have never experienced extremely hot temperatures and high humidity together, you are in for … dare I say, a “treat”?

Recommendations:

• This climate tends to induce perspiration more than other climates, so diligence is required to stay hydrated.
• Sweating can also lead to acne. Humidity can lead to oil production, which can lead to acne as well. So, unclog those pores: gentle exfoliation with the Konjac fiber sponge helps remove dead skin that contributes to clogged pores and the bacteria that causes acne.
• If acne persists, be sure not to over-scrub or poke at pimples. You’ll irritate them. Use a mild cleanser to remove makeup and grime twice a day. And before getting pimple products, research to find out whether Proactiv products and similar ones really work (answer: not for everyone). Note: acne is not exclusive to this region. But, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne is the most common skin condition.
• Instead of piling on lotion, sunscreen and makeup, purchase one product that does everything. Use lighter tinted moisturizer that has a 30+ SPF, especially during the day or while active.
• At night, you can hydrate your skin with a serum containing hyaluronic acid and an oil, as above.

Midwest & Northeast

The Midwest and Northeast have more climatic extreme throughout the year than some other regions. If you’re visiting or staying in these locations for long, your make-up bag will be stocked with more items to help your skin adjust to the climatic changes of the seasons. But for the warm humid summers, the same recommendations given for the Southeast apply here.

Good luck, Traveler. Keep these recommendations in your handbag and you’ll find these summer tips helpful in any zip code to which you venture!