When was the last time you completed every single step of your skincare routine? Do you find that your skin responds well to it throughout the year, or do you feel like something is missing?
We know enough now to be aware that great skincare goes beyond just a good moisturizer. It’s about adapting to your skin’s seasonal needs to keep everything in balance.
Ready to be refreshed? Check out our nine favorite spring skincare tips. Your skin will love you for it!
The Difference Between Winter and Spring Skincare Tips
What once worked in the winter months might not work as well once the weather warms up. Now that your skin is ready to be shown off, it’s time to slough off an entire season of dead skin, and bring back the glow we all associate with springtime.
If you aren’t sure where to start, checking out the best monthly subscription boxes might be a good place to start. Take the guesswork out of your skincare line, and leave it up to the experts.
1. Remember Sunscreen
You’re likely going to be spending a lot more time outside now that the weather is warmer. And even though you should be wearing SPF all year round, make sure to wear a sweat-proof SPF of at least 30 (or higher). Reapply throughout the day and find a formula that is gentle on your skin.
2. Switch to Lightweight Moisturizer
The winter climate is extremely drying on your skin. It’s likely that you have been layering on rich moisturizers to keep your skin hydrated and soft.
Now that the winter winds aren’t ripping at your face, lighten up. Find a lightweight moisturizer containing ceramides, glycerin, and niacinamide. You can even make your moisturizer work double-duty, and find one with SPF 30 or higher.
If you feel like you need an extra layer of moisture during the week, opt for a once-a-week moisture mask. A 5-minute mask will help kick start that glow you’ve been looking for.
You can even use a gel or water-based formula if you’re not quite sure where to start.
3. Be Gentle With Your Eyes
If you’re an avid user of eye cream (as you should be), make sure you’re using gentle products around the eyes. Since springtime is also technically allergy season, you’ll want to avoid irritating your eyes with both pollen and intense chemicals around the sensitive eye area.
4. Get Rid of Expired Products
You’re probably already spring cleaning the rest of your house– why not make sure to attend to your medicine cabinet as well?
Typical expiration periods include:
- Lipstick: 18–24 months
- Lip gloss: 12–18 months
- Foundation & concealer: 12–18 months
- Mascara: 3–6 months
- Liquid eyeliner: 3–6 months
- Cream products: 12–18 months
- Powder products: 12–18 months
Throwing out expired products will keep you from using them on your skin. Expired products are more likely to cause sensitive reactions and breakouts. Makeup won’t apply as easily (or as smoothly) if it has expired in your cabinet over the winter.
5. Change Up Your Cleansers
While you may have your favorite serums and moisturizer, cleanser is a good place to try something new. You’re probably almost out of what you’ve been using in the winter months–why not find something new?
Start with making sure to wash with a light cleanser in the morning and a hydrating cleanser at night.
Try out micellar water instead of a traditional cleanser. it’s a great product for dry, itchy skin just coming out of a long winter.
Don’t forget to exfoliate. If you prefer, combine your cleansing time with a multi-tasking product containing AHA. It’s almost like having a facial from the comfort of your own home, and keeps you from accidentally over-exfoliating.
6. Pay Attention to Your Nutrition
Water is essential to skin health. It flushes out toxins and keeps your skin hydrated.
Eating plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits will supply your skin with the antioxidants needed to protect your skin from sun and environmental damage. Beauty is truly more than just skin deep!
If you’re looking for an additional edge, try a collage supplement to support smooth skin, as well as optimal joint health.
7. Give Yourself a Peel
If you have rough patches from the winter, it might be time to take an extra step beyond daily exfoliation. A mild glycolic or lactic acid peel will help smooth out those problem patches and encourage new skin growth. It’s also great for hyperpigmentation and provides an anti-aging benefit.
8. Give Your Body Some Love
It’s not just about your face– don’t forget to take care of the rest of the skin on your body! Use moisturizer all over your body as soon as you get out of the shower. Use a foot peel or body scrub to smooth everything out and to encourage the lotion to apply smoother so it can get right to work.
Try five minutes of dry brushing before the shower to exfoliate and excrete toxins.
9. Switch to Light Foundation
If possible, swap out the heavier foundation you’ve been using for a light CC or BB cream. This will keep your pores from clogging in the warmer months. There are many options out there that still effectively cover blemishes and hyperpigmentation while allowing your skin to breathe.
Love The Skin You’re In
It’s your skin– it’s something meant to be taken seriously. And as the seasons change, it’s important to remember that our bodies (and our needs) are changing too.
If you’re ready for the next step beyond spring skincare tips, check out the rest of the blog.