12 ESSENTIALS FOR SPRING-READY SKIN

Spring has sprung! Warmer weather is officially here, and that means it’s the perfect time to change your skincare routine. Even a small difference in the temperature, humidity, intensity of the sun, or a long list of other factors can seriously impact on how your skin looks and feels.

Winter skin is often drier, while summer and spring skin may be oilier, but every person is different. Your goal should be to adjust to the heat and sun without going overboard now that warmer weather has returned. These tips will put you on the right path.

CHANGE YOUR FACE WASH

Heavy, creamy cleansers with moisturizing effects are great for the winter months, but your skin needs something normal when the weather warms up. Patients who have oily skin are the exception; if that’s you, you might benefit from a foaming cleanser instead.

But that’s not the only reason to make a switch. Heavier products also have a tendency to leave extra residue behind, something you just don’t need.

CONSIDER A GENTLE EXFOLIATOR

Exfoliating products gently scrub away dead skin cells and debris, but it can be hard to find the right balance between scrubbing power and gentleness. Too much during the winter months can actually dry you out, especially if your face already looks dry. On the other hand, too little can leave behind a layer of dead skin cells, making you appear dull or even tired.

The fix is moderation. Limit exfoliation to once in a while during the colder months; increase it to a few times per week during the summer. Make sure the exfoliant in your scrub is gentle enough to not cause damage to your skin. Reserve harsher scrubs for occasional use and scrubs with smaller particles for daily washing.

SWAP MOISTURIZERS

Winter weather is cold and dry, whereas the spring months bring rain and humidity. This changes how skin care products absorb. Most of us slather on thicker moisturizers during the cold months, but they’ll just make your skin feel oily and greasy when the weather changes.

The fix? Look for a lighter, less oily product that absorbs well so you don’t feel like you have a lot of products caked on your face. Moisturizers in the form of gels, serums, and lighter lotions will work better than heavy creams.

STEP UP YOUR SPF GAME

The reality is you should be wearing sunscreen daily, but a lot of people cheat during the colder winter months. Get back into the right habit by including products that contain sunscreen – and be sure to apply it in the morning and throughout the day, especially if you are spending time in the sun. Look for foundations with a high SPF, if possible. If you can’t find one you like, grab a finishing powder so you can re-apply it to your face without messing up your makeup look.

STAY HYDRATED

We tell people all the time to stay hydrated in the winter. People who don’t feel as warm and sweaty from time in the sun tend to drink a lot less when it’s cooler out, leading to chronic hydration. Don’t let your good water-drinking habits die as the seasons change, even if you don’t feel as thirsty. Staying hydrated helps your skin maintain its natural glow while flushing toxins from your body.

ESTABLISH AN EXERCISE ROUTINE

Exercise isn’t your usual piece of skin care advice, but it’s important. Regular exercises promotes the healthy circulation of oxygenated blood throughout your body. This makes all of your cells happy, including those in your skin, which becomes nice and glowy, slightly pinker, and just nicer with the right balance of oxygen.

Not feeling like running 5 miles? That’s okay! You don’t have to do anything crazy. Start with short walks or some gentle stretching and yoga.

USE CLEAN, ORGANIC MAKEUP PRODUCTS

Makeup products are just like everything else we put on our bodies. Cheaper products are often full of chemicals and unknown (or at least unpronounceable) ingredients. Look for lighter, natural mineral makeups instead of your usual over-the-counter drugstore formulas. They tend to be free of mineral oils, parabens and other highly comedogenic ingredients (meaning they clog your pores). They’re also lighter and feel better on your skin during the warmer spring and summer months!

SPRING CLEAN YOUR MAKEUP BAG

Spring cleaning your house? Spring clean your makeup collection, too!

While the FDA doesn’t have guidelines for makeup expiration, most beauty experts say you should toss your regularly-used mascara after one month. Foundations should be tossed every six months; lip and eye products every year. Constantly touching your brush to your product and your face transfers bacteria, especially you don’t wash your brushes regularly.

WASH YOUR MAKEUP BRUSHES

Speaking of washing your brushes, did you know you should be washing your makeup brushes at least once per week? You should wash even more often if you are acne-prone or have other skin issues to consider.

Haven’t been washing? Make it a part of your new spring cleaning routine. Toss brushes that are too damaged to truly clean and replace them. You don’t have to spend a ton of money on brush cleansers. Use some gentle soap (even baby shampoo) and warm water, then rinse and let your brushes dry in the sunlight.

TREAT YOUR SEASONAL ALLERGIES

Wait… What do allergies have to do with spring skin care? As it turns out, just about everything.

Spring allergies irritate the eyes, make your under eye areas puffy, and cause discomfort that leads a lot of people to rub their faces. Talk to your physician, dermatologist, or allergist if you are having trouble keeping your symptoms under control. You may need a topical medication to calm your skin, or you might simply need to adjust your oral medication routine for the season.

DON’T IGNORE YOUR ECZEMA

Are you among the 10 percent of adults struggling with eczema? A lot of people find their conditions flare up in the spring. This is especially true if they spend time outdoors. Natural treatments, like sunflower seed oil, can soothe the skin. Talk to your doctor or dermatologist if your symptoms resist treatment. There are newer and better options for reducing your symptoms the right way.

INVEST IN MONTHLY FACIALS

The benefits of facials – where do we start?! You get expert attention from a highly-trained aesthetician and you get some time to yourself to relax. The specialist performing your custom facial will be able to closely assess your skin, determine what issues are really impacting your complexion, and tailor your treatment to your needs. They’ll even be able to give you recommendations for skin-appropriate products to use between sessions. What’s not to love? No matter what your skin issue, this is a good option for you to try if you want to fix it.

Spring is a great time to get outside for some sunshine and fresh air. Just make sure you’re doing all you can to protect your skin and keep it healthy in the process. Wear hats and UV resistant clothing, keep your sunglasses nearby, and reapply your sunscreen as often as possible. Your skin will thank you!