While we may enjoy the mildest climate in Canada, YVR residents are known to get outside—so following a customized Vancouver skincare routine is essential to prevent damage from environmental stressors and maintain healthy skin for years to come. An outdoor lifestyle paired with urban pollution offers a unique set of challenges for the skin, but don’t worry! We will share how to adjust and adapt your routine according to the seasons and lifestyle choices. From a nightly deep clean to wash away the day’s impurities, to barrier enhancing serums and moisturizers, our expert guide covers all the steps necessary for vibrant and radiant skin. It’s time to work in concert with the climate and reveal your most radiant self—let’s dive into your ideal Vancouver skincare routine!
Vancouver skincare routine: Understanding skin type vs conditions
We traditionally think about caring for the skin according to skin type, but this is just a starting point in understanding your skin’s needs. In addition to skin type, most people will experience different types of skin conditions that can vary according to age, lifestyle choices, and you guessed it—climate. For the scope of this post, we’re zeroing in on how the Vancouver seasons can contribute to skin conditions such as sensitivity, dehydration, and more.
Spring and Fall
Conditions: sensitivity and dehydration
Allergens in the air during these seasons can affect more than your airways. It is quite common to experience increased skin redness, eczema, and puffiness when the pollen count is high.
Generally speaking, your body is responding to allergens by releasing histamine in the cells to defend your body. Unfortunately this translates to uncomfortable symptoms such as sneezing, and itchy eyes. The histamine release drives up inflammation in your body which can trigger hives, eczema and psoriasis as these skin conditions are connected to the immune system. This can all lead to the skin dryness and dehydration which can prolong inflammatory skin conditions.
Summer
Conditions: uneven pigmentation, dehydration, and congestion
Increased exposure to sunlight over the summer months can lead to skin dehydration and uneven pigmentation.
In the Northern hemisphere, summertime equates to extended hours of daylight which increases our risk of sun damage substantially compared to the fall and winter months. Additionally, according to a 202o study conducted by Nishimura et al. sunlight in late summer delivers 7‐times the dose of UV than sunlight in winter. With higher temperatures, longer days, and more potent UV radiation a combination of hyperpigmentation, dehydration and congestion (thanks to increased sebum production and sunscreen build-up) can be experienced over the summer months.
Winter
Conditions: dehydration, sensitivity, and dullness
Cold temperatures, forced air heating, and reduced humidity in the winter months can spell stress for your skin.
While we may not experience the severe cold temperatures that happen elsewhere in the country, cold coastal weather still impacts how the skin functions and feels over the winter months. Generally, your skin produces less sebum which can lead to dryness, while the temperature extremes going from the weather outside to indoor heating can contribute to dehydration. If left unchecked, inflammatory conditions like eczema and psoriasis can flare up too. These winter woes can add up to stressed and dull looking skin.
Vancouver skincare routine: Seasonal fine-tuning
Now that we have a clear understanding of how the climate can affect the condition of your skin, let’s explore the ways you can adapt your routine to help it thrive amidst seasonal changes.
Spring
If you suffer from seasonal allergies and are experiencing skin irritation, focus on products with anti-inflammatory and skin barrier enhancing properties.
Tone down skin redness and calm areas of sensitivity with this ultra-soothing moisturizing balm.
To sooth itchy swollen eyes, keep this powerful de-puffing eye gel in the fridge.
Hydrate and sooth with a 100% biodegradable sheet masque.
Summer
As the temperatures rise and the days get longer be sure to stock up on sunscreen, do a nightly double cleanse to properly break down and remove sunscreen, and use a brightening/pigmentation inhibiting serum.
A must-have in your nightly routine for removing sunscreen build-up.
Apply every morning after cleansing and misting for a protective anti-oxidant shield that also enhances photo protection.
Address melanogenesis from multiple angles to keep brown spots at bay and melasma in-check.
Our best selling sunscreen for a protective lightweight glow.
A physical broad spectrum and blue-light shield that is perfect for all skin types—especially sensitive skin.
Fall
After applying and reapplying sunscreen all summer, you may find your skin feeling extra-congested. Despite all your efforts, you most likely will have some uneven pigmentation to contend with. This along with dropping temperatures will mean your skin texture and tone will need some extra help.
If you are looking to repair summer sun damage, fall is the perfect time to bring retinol into your night-time routine. Just be sure to wear sunscreen daily, and if you experience any irritation or flaking reduce the frequency of use.
Retinol is beloved for its ability to repair sun damage, but it can be tricky to use. We love this formula for its gentleness. For more tips on how to use retinol, read this post.
Winter
Hydration, moisture, and barrier strengthening is the trifecta of happy skin in the winter months. Layer up your skincare routine not unlike you would layer up your clothing to shield yourself against the harsh winter weather for the best results. Up the ante with polysaccharide and ceramide-rich serums and moisturizers, facial oils, facial mists, hydrating masques, and so on.
The most hydrating facial mist we’ve found to date.
Drenches multiple layers of the skin with hydration.
The perfect winter moisturizer for ultra-dry and dull skin.
A leave-on masque that provides intense nourishment for dry skin.
Vancouver skincare routine: Seasonal lifestyle tips
Here’s a smattering of weather appropriate skincare and lifestyle tips to up-level your routine.
Spring
- Talk to your doctor or naturopath about boosting your immune system to better cope with seasonal allergies with a combination of vitamin C and quercetin.
- Keep hydrating sheet masques in the fridge and apply when you need to de-stress sensitive skin and reduce puffiness.
Summer
- Invest in a powder sunscreen to make it easy and appealing to reapply sunscreen throughout the day. In an ideal world, reapply every 2 hours.
- Accessorize your sun protection with sunglasses, scarves and hats.
- Don’t forget about sunscreen for your hair. Yep — it’s a thing!
Fall
- Enter into repair-mode. Schedule a consultation with your skin therapist to assess where your skin is at and put a plan into motion to address any sun damage you may have incurred over the summer months. This will also include adjustments to winterize your at-home skincare.
Winter
- Make hand cream and lip balm a permanent fixture by either keeping them in your handbag or stashing multiples at work, in your car etc.
- Cover up — keep your hands, face and neck protected from the wind and rain by wearing protective clothing. This is especially important for those who like to hit the slopes. Keep your face covered will prevent skin flushing that occurs when the capillaries become permanently dilated by environmental stressors.
- Supplements: vitamin D, hydrolized collagen, omega 3 These are seasonally appropriate suggestions, but we always recommend consulting your doctor or naturopath.
Vancouver skincare routine: Professional treatments according to the seasons
Spring
After a long and cold winter, your skin will be in need of a refresh. We recommend a classic facial for gentle resurfacing and extractions, paired with LED therapy to re-energize the skin.
Summer
Microdermabrasion is the antidote to skin texture concerns that come up in the summer months. A few passes of the diamond tip leave the skin ultra-smooth without the use of photo-sensitizing acids.
Fall
Consider a series of chemical peels to repair sun damage and lighten brown spots the summer sun brought to the surface. For best results schedule yourself in every two weeks and be prepared to glow!
If collagen induction is one of your skin goals, the fall is a perfect time to start a microneedling series before the holiday season and enjoy the firming benefits just in time for the new year.
Winter
One of our favourite winter-time treatments is microcurrent. Not only does it sculpt the face, it leaves the skin deeply hydrated and calm which is a must November through March.
Conclusion: Embracing the Vancouver skincare routine for glowing skin
Your skin is a complex organ that is responding to both extrinsic (outside) and intrinsic (internal) factors that are influenced by the seasons. What works for your skin in the summer is not going to be as effective in the winter. To strike the perfect balance and achieve your best glow, plan to adapt your skincare products and lifestyle habits to respond to the Vancouver climate.
