Climate Change Skincare

Dear Adriana,
Soon I will be relocating to Dallas, Texas from Seattle, Washington, and I am concerned what this life change and climate change will do to my skin. Any ideas?
Thank you!
Alison

Hi Alison,
You are absolutely right. Stress of a move mixed with a new climate can be a recipe for a skin disaster. Your skin will undoubtedly go through a difficult transition period during the move and it could last anywhere from a few weeks to many months.
First important thing to do is to combat stress. Stress and breakouts have a direct link because of hormones that are released by the brain when stress is perceived. As usual, these hormones increase oil production, oil fills up the pores, pores are sealed by layers of dead skin, bacteria grows, and Whamo! Big problem.

Texas has generally mild winters but you can count on very warm and very humid summers. We know heat increases sweat production, and because of the effects humidity, that sweat isn't able to evaporate. The sweat mixes with oil, bacteria, make-up, and sunscreen, and the result is a slippery, face clogging mess!

So, luckily there are lots of things you can do to combat this new, fun situation!

You will want to use a gentle clarifying cleanser. As I've mentioned before, I really like the brand Murad. They have a nice clarifying cleanser that uses salicylic acid to kill bacteria, and everyone I've talked to whose used it likes it because it doesn't make your skin super dry.
For those out there who prefer products with all naturally derived ingredients, no preservatives or parabens, my favorite new line is called Starflower Essentials. It is made right there in Texas and it is fabulous! Starflower has a Grapefruit Cream Cleanser that is wonderfully decongesting and detoxifying. It uses witch hazel, aloe vera, dandelion and hops, is gentle and effective, and it is so pure you could eat it!

In addition to your cleanser, you will probably want to use an astringent. Astringents are used to kill surface bacteria, remove cleanser residue and excess oil, and constrict the pores. It is of the utmost importance to choose an astringent that is alcohol free. Witch hazel is a wonderful choice. It has been used for hundreds of years to treat bruises, bumps, swelling, and skin lesions, so it's one of those super remedies that can do just about anything. Be careful, lots of bottles of witch hazel have a high alcohol content, which you do not want, so read the ingredient list.

Maybe look for an astringent that also contains lavender (balancing and antibacterial,) citrus (decongesting) or my all-time super favorite, ROSEMARY! Rosemary is amazing for its abilities to fight infection, regenerate tissue, increase circulation, and promote cellular detoxification. Love, love, love rosemary.

When selecting a moisturizer, remember you want something light. An SPF is nice, but always remember SPF's only stay active for 2 hours on your skin, so it's not your protection for the day. Also, many people report SPF in their moisturizer makes it feel heavier or oilier, so it may be best to choose one without.

For sunscreen, what I think everyone should be using, is mineral powder. More companies are popping up with the most convenient powder applicator ever: The powder is in a tube, with an applicator brush on one end. You carry it in your purse, and can bust a little out any time you need it. They are usually SPF 30, most are broad spectrum protection (protection from UVA and UVB) some come tinted, but most are translucent. Eminence Organics has one, as does Peter Thomas Roth and Colorscience.

After the move, and while you are getting settled in, your skin will be doing some settling in, too, and you may experience breakouts. Any time you change skincare products there is an adjustment period. Your skin hates change, and will protest. Be patient. Be consistent. Be gentle. Your life and your skin will calm down and (hopefully!) you will enjoy many fun years in your new home!