Seasonal changes

Problem: During the winter I use an emollient moisturizer you recommend and it works great, but during the summer it seems a bit much. Should I change what I do with the seasons?

Solution: Summer weather can absolutely require a change in skin-care products, particularly moisturizers. Instead of the richer or more emollient moisturizers you were wearing during winter to combat the dry heat indoors and the dry cold outdoors, consider using lighter moisturizers that come in gel or gel/lotion consistencies. Keep in mind that the major concept here is to cut back on the amount of moisturizer you use. Moisturizer is for dry skin, so if you don’t have dry skin, you really don’t need moisturizer (but there are other ways to give skin essential ingredients, such as serums).

Please ignore the fact that many moisturizing products are labeled “oil-free.” This is a meaningless term. What makes these products good for those with minimally dry skin is that they contain fewer thickening agents and emollients. Also ignore words and phrases such as “oil-control,” “lift,” and “firming.” None of these products can control oil, lift the skin anywhere, or firm it in a noticeable way.

Updated: October 5, 2015 — 3:07 pm