In addition to changing with age, your skin can also change from day to day. The environment and the climatic conditions in which you live are major influences on the condition of your skin. Long-distance travel is a specially stressful situation for the skin. However, if you make simple adaptations to your skincare routine, you can stop problems before they start, avoiding the need for rescue operations that require time and effort.

Hot, Dry Atmospheres
Air-condition and central heating makes life difficult for your skin. The humidity in some offices is lower than the Sahara Desert! As a result, the atmosphere robs your skin of precious moisture, leading to general dryness and flaking, and chapped-even cracked-lips.

Normal, Dry and Sensitive Skins
These skin types suffer especially in dry atmospheres. The skin on your face may feel tight and you will be able to see fine lines on its surface. If this happens, use a richer, more high-powered moisturizer.

Oily and Combination Skins
If your skin tends to be oily and your indoor environment stimulates the sebaceous glands and makes the situation worse, use an oil-free moisturizer, blot any oil coming to the surface of the skin with a tissue and be sure to cleanse thoroughly night and morning.

Action plan for overcoming the effects of a dry, hot atmosphere

• Place bowls of water near radiators. The drier the room, the faster the water will evaporate. Alternatively you could invest in a humidifier.
• Keep a check on the temperature indoors and, if possible, turn the thermostat down.
• Drink water throughout the day rather than tea or coffee.
• Remember that they are diuretics and cause water loss.
• Don't sleep in an over-heated room. This can cause fluid retention in the face, leaving you with a puffy complexion and bags under your eyes the next morning.

The Deep Freeze
Cold, harsh weather conditions are the worst environmental challenge your skin will face.

Chilly temperatures restrict the blood circulation to the skin, so it looks pale and devitalized. They also make the texture of your skin rough when touched and it often looks dull. The protective acid mantle is reduced too, as the glands are less active in cold weather. In addition, cold winds and dry atmosphere take moisture away from your skin. After the age of thirty your skin's moisture levels naturally decrease, so it is even more vulnerable to adverse environmental conditions.

The effects cold weather has on your skin are as much as fourteen times worse when the air is also dry, and can be ten times worse in high winds.

If you are skiing, your face is in for an even tougher time. At high altitudes, the lack of oxygen increases the skin's sensitivity to cold and the sun's ultraviolet rays dehydrate and age the skin.

Action Plan For Overcoming The Effects Of Cold Weather

• If you wash your face, do so at least half an hour before you go outdoors. This gives your skin a chance to dry thoroughly. Of your face is slightly damp, the wind has an extra-drying effect.
• Wear a richer moisturizer.
• Apply night cream to replenish moisture lost from the skin during the day.
• If your skin is flaking, avoid abrasive scrubs. Use a very gentle complexion exfoliator.
• Remember to take care for your hands and nails, too, as the skin here can also suffer in cold weather.
• Always apply waxy lip salves or balms to your lips, which are especially vulnerable to dehydration.
• Add oils and moisturizing gels to your bath and apply body-lotions every day.
• Never come in from ice cold weather and immediately roast yourself in front of a hot fire, as you will dry your skin excessively; the rapid contrast in temperature can also break capillaries, leading to red thread veins.
• If you are skiing or outside in sunny, but cold weather, apply protective lotions on any part of exposed skin. In cold weather you will not be warmed by the heat of the sun on your face so that it may be burning. If there is snow, it will reflect on the sun, increasing its damaging effect. You will need special sun protection products if you are going out in sub-zero temperatures. Other products contain a higher percentage of water and may freeze on the skin, breaking the tiny capillaries. Use products specifically formulated to protect the skin in cold and windy conditions and use sun blocks on your lips. Re-apply sun protection products frequently during the day.