Have you noticed leaves starting to bud? Birds singing outside your window? That means spring is upon us! And as all these changes take place in the world around us, it’s time for us to make some changes to our skincare routine.
The winter season’s dry, frigid air does a number on our skin, and every year we (rightfully) respond with lotions, creams, and serums galore. However, while these products work great in the colder months, they’re not well-suited for the milder springtime weather. Learn how to transition your skincare products from winter to spring to prevent breakouts and skin damage.
How Does Our Skin Change in the Spring?
Your skin’s oil levels, hydration, and sensitivity change as it adjusts to the seasons—in the winter, your skin tends to be drier and chapped, while in the summer, you may be more prone to clogged pores and breakouts. The springtime’s warmer temperatures and extra humidity cause your skin to:
- Produce more sebum
- Release more water
- Increase melanin production
- Use more antioxidants
Knowing these changes are coming, it’s important to adapt your routine to keep your skin healthy and glowing year-round.
5 Tips for Transitioning Skincare From Winter to Spring
1. Lighten Up Your Moisturizer
It’s time to swap your daily moisturizer (which is likely an ultra-hydrating formula designed for the winter months) with something a little lighter for spring. Skin tends to hold more water when the weather is warmer, so you don’t need quite as much hydration as you do during the chilly, super-dry winter months.
In fact, sticking with your winter moisturizer may lead to clogged pores or excess oil. When choosing a new spring moisturizer, look for something lightweight and non-comedogenic. No matter what, don’t skip moisturizer completely—you need hydration at all times of year to support your skin barrier and prevent transepidermal water loss.
2. Step Up Your Sun Protection
Now that winter is coming to a close, relying on the SPF in your makeup or moisturizer won’t do the trick anymore. In order to protect your skin against the sun, make sure to add a separate SPF to your daily spring and summer routine (although it’s good in any season, for that matter).
We recommend using at least an SPF 50+, like the SkinBetter Science Sunscreen Stick. This mineral-based sunscreen is dermatologist-tested, transparent, and easy to apply. Plus, it’s super convenient to throw in your bag and take on the go. (Remember, re-application is important! And don’t forget to apply to your chest and neck, not just your face.)
3. Bring On the Exfoliation
It’s time to rid your skin of dead skin cells and unclog those pores after a harsh winter. Reach for a gentle exfoliating cleanser, like the Restorsea PRO Foaming Cleanser, for daily use. Or, try a gentle exfoliator, like the Revision Triple-Action Exfoliator, to cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate for that sunny, springtime glow. Oily and acne-prone skin types can exfoliate 2 to 3 times a week, while dry and sensitive skin types should stick to once a week to avoid irritation.
For even deeper, more intensive exfoliation, there are aesthetic treatments like the SaltFacial (offered at AESTHETICS 360°), which involves super-fine salt particles to restore, replenish, and rejuvenate your skin. Plus, because of sea salt’s antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects on the skin, it also aids in the release of toxins and impurities.
4. Add More Antioxidants
As the days get longer and the sun starts to come out more, the risk of UV damage increases. In order to battle the damaging rays and other free radicals, you’re going to want to boost your antioxidants. These will help protect your skin from environmental stressors while also brightening your complexion.
It’s recommended that you add an antioxidant-rich serum into your routine—particularly one with plenty of vitamin C. The Alto Defense Serum by Skinbetter Science contains vitamin C and E, as well as 17 additional antioxidants.
5. Clean Out Your Cabinet
Spring cleaning doesn’t just apply to your home and wardrobe! Your skincare products need a once-over, as well. A good rule of thumb is to throw out any product that’s been open for more than six months (unless otherwise specified on the product).
Old and expired products can create a breeding ground for bacteria. (Yuck!) A product’s efficacy also starts to decrease the longer it sits on the shelf, making active ingredients (like retinol or Vitamin C) particularly useless. There is also a slight risk that they may cause rashes or allergic reactions.
Pro tip: To prevent your bathroom cabinet from turning into an overwhelming mess of products you only use once, try to avoid buying “trending” skincare products you see online. Oftentimes, they’re not as effective as medical-grade skincare products, and end up just sitting on your shelf once all the hype dies down.
Step Into Spring With AESTHETICS 360°
Are you ready to catch that springtime glow? Then contact us today to schedule a personalized consultation with one of our aesthetic specialists. They’ll listen to your concerns, goals, and skin history before making recommendations for medical-grade skincare products that are proven to get results. Experience the 360-degree difference!
