One of the best things about being located in central Texas is the mild winters and the chance for a 75 degree day in the middle of January, but big temperature swings between arctic blasts and heat waves can cause havoc on your hair and skin. The cold can be drying, and, even though that first warm spell can be a huge relief (one less sweater!), it can also cause the oil in your pores to melt and pool on the skin’s surface, causing a shiny appearance.
If you live in a more consistent climate, there are lots of tips for preventing dry winter skin, but if like those of us living in Austin you’re facing rain, sun, and the chilly winds all in one weekend, here are a few skin care tips for weathering those big changes in temperature. 
When It’s Cold
- Keep the moisture in by switching to a creamy cleanser, rather than using a gel. Additionally, make sure you wash with cool water to avoid the drying effects of warm water.
- Take it easy on the astringents, peels, and other drying treatments. Contrary to logic, removing all the moisture and natural oils from your skin can actually make it greasier as your skin tries to compensate for the lack of moisture. This can give the unattractive appearance of irritated and flaky skin with a slick oil finish.
- Keep using sun screen. Even if you don’t see the sun UV rays can still damage your skin. Many moisturizers also contain a light SPF and can be a good solution to the finicky winter weather of Southern climates.
- You don’t need to exfoliate as much as you might think, especially if your battling skin that has become flaky with the cooler temperatures. Save that scrubbing for when the weather warms and your skin is hydrated.
When It’s Hot
- Avoid the oil slick by switching to a gel or foam cleanser, and keep your moisturizers light. Thick creams will only compound the problem.
- Consider using a beta hydroxy acid (BHA, or salicylic acid) exfoliant. This will help to penetrate pores and release skin cells that clog pores and lead to breakouts.
- More sun screen! We all love the healthy glow of a tan, but when those sunny days sneak up on you in the middle of winter you want to protect your skin from sun damage and its many negative effects.
- To ameliorate shine consider keeping blotting papers with you, which can offer shine-control on the go.
There are lots of tricks to keeping your skin under control, even when the weather isn’t, but it’s important to remember that everyone’s skin is different.
Are you finding it hard to care for your skin in Austin’s erratic weather? Contact Four Points Dermatology to make an appointment for a consultation and the best Austin dermatologists.
