6 Ways to Update Your Skincare Routine This Spring
After a long, dark winter, spring is finally right around the corner. Wearing sundresses and spending more time outdoors calls for extra skin protection, so here are six ways you can care for your skin this spring.
1. Exfoliate
The harsh winter weather can cause a buildup of dead skin cells, leaving your skin looking dull and flaky. Because you’re probably going to be showing your arms and legs more in the summer, it’s important that you exfoliate away those dead skin cells to uncover a fresh layer of vibrant and smooth skin underneath. In addition to renewing your skin’s texture, exfoliating can also make it easier for your skin to absorb other products, such as lotions or balms.
There are two main types of exfoliants: physical and chemical. Physical exfoliants contain tiny particles such as sugar or salt grains, which are gently scrubbed all over the face to remove dead skin cells and stimulate blood circulation. On the other hand, chemical exfoliants work on a deeper level, breaking bonds between skin cells and causing them to slough off. These exfoliants have a smoother texture and can also hydrate the skin, which is ideal for those with dry skin. Whichever exfoliant you choose, your skin will look radiant and smooth for spring.
2. Moisturize Your Lips
While it’s easy to know if your lips are chapped in the winter, it may not be so simple in the spring. The skin on your lips is extremely thin and sensitive, which means that it’s essential to keep up your moisturizing routine even when it gets warmer outside. Products like vanilla mint chapstick can protect your skin cells, prevent chapped lips and make your lipstick or lipgloss go on smoother.
3. Don’t Forget About SPF
Spending more time outdoors means more exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays. Although the sun may feel great on your skin, it’s important that you protect it in order to keep it looking healthy and vibrant. It’s generally recommended that you wear an SPF of at least 30, even when the sun isn’t shining brightly. This is because the clouds don’t block all of the sun’s UV rays. In fact, up to 40% of the sun’s rays still penetrate through the clouds on a cloudy day.
Be sure to look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. While UVB rays cause sunburn, UVA rays can prematurely age your skin by causing wrinkles and age spots. Therefore, it’s important that you use a sunscreen that offers the highest level of protection.
4. Wear Less Makeup
Wearing heavy makeup can wreak havoc on your skin, especially when the weather gets warmer. Thick foundation can clog your pores, causing breakouts and skin irritation, and it can even prevent your skin from cooling itself down, causing you to feel even hotter. Take advantage of the warmer months by letting your skin breathe. Switch out your heavy foundations for a mineral face powder or BB cream, and don’t forget to put on sunscreen before applying your makeup.
5. Switch Your Moisturizer
The changing weather means that the heavy moisturizer you used all winter isn’t going to benefit your skin this spring. Because of the increase in humidity and rain, a thick moisturizer can make your skin appear greasy and may even lead to breakouts. Therefore, it’s best to switch to a lightweight moisturizer. Be sure that your moisturizer is non-comedogenic, which means that it won’t clog your pores and cause breakouts.
6. Wash Your Makeup Brushes
It’s time to include washing your makeup brushes into your spring cleaning routine. Your brushes accumulate dirt, oil and bacteria that are then deposited onto your face every time you use them. In general, dermatologists recommend that you clean your most-used brushes every seven to 10 days and your less-used ones a couple times a month.
With spring approaching quickly, it’s essential that you update your skincare routine to keep your skin looking fresh and vibrant. Following these six tips can help you make a seamless transition from winter to spring skincare.
