Refresh Your Skincare Routine For Spring
Spring has sprung, and with spring comes time to refresh your skincare routine. From adapting to the change in weather, to combating seasonal allergies, refreshing your routine for the change in season is a game changer. When it comes to my own routine, the change in weather means switching to my summer foundation shade, replacing foundation altogether with a BB or CC Cream, opting for warmer colors in the makeup routine, and introducing treatments to help with congestion, dull winter skin, and prepare for more sun exposure.
Skincare is personalized, so I’m diving into some of the top general tips for switching up your skincare routine for spring. I’ve learned in esthetician school the benefits of different facials, ingredients, and products, so I’ll be applying what I’ve learned to how to take care of your skin in the spring.
Refreshing Dry, Dull, & Congested Skin
After months of battling the cold and rapidly going from cold to indoor heating, our skin can feel dry, dull, and even flaky. The rich creams that kept our skin protected during the harsh winter months can become too heavy as the weather warms up, often leading to congestion when our skin no longer needs that intense level of hydration. Here’s some changes to combat dull & dry winter skin as we move into spring:
Introduce Gentle Exfoliation: slough off those dead skin cells and reveal a fresh goal with enzyme masks, soft facial scrubs, and mild peels.
Switch To A Lighter Moisturizer: hydration doesn’t need to weigh your skin down, so focus on ingredients that will give hydration without feeling thick on your skin, like hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
Incorporate A Brightening Serum: Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Licorice Root, and Kojic Acid are just a few ingredients that can help revive dull skin and promote even complexions.
Not sure what kind of brightening ingredient is best for you? Here’s a mini breakdown on what each of the ingredients mentioned above do:
Vitamin C: antioxidant to fade spots and even out complexion
Niacinamide: Vitamin B3; reduces hyperpigmentation & improves skin texture
Licorice Root: lightens dark spots & soothes redness
Kojic Acid: lightens pigmentation
While many of these ingredients treat similar concerns, it may come down to which ones work best with your skin.
☀️ Sun Exposure
Longer days means more time outside and more UV exposure. Of course, you should always be using SPF throughout the year, since even on a cloudy day, UV is still present. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen daily and remember to reapply every two hours.
*For sensitive skin, you may want to use a mineral sunscreen to minimize irritation.
🌿 Seasonal Allergies
As with sun exposure, with more time outside, we’re going to face an increase of allergies. This is especially true during the spring due to increases in pollen as plants start to bloom. Sadly, this increase in pollen won’t just lead to gorgeous flowers, but allergies that cause inflammation, puffiness, redness, and potentially increased sensitivity for our skin.
Focus on calming and strengthening your skin’s barrier with soothing botanicals like chamomile, calendula, evening primrose oil, and green tea.
Be gentle when exfoliating and cleansing your skin. Over stripping the skin can increase irritation.
Perfect Timing For Certain Treatments
Spring can mean increased humidity along with the heat, which can cause an increase in oil production. This is why spring is a good time to consider treatments like a light chemical peel, microdermabrasion, or a hydrating facial. Microdermabrasion and a light chemical peel exfoliate the skin, removing excess dead skin cells from the top layers of the skin. It is important to remember to avoid sun and protect your skin from UV after getting an exfoliating treatment done. Overall, focus on treatments that will balance your oil production, rather than trying to strip it all away.
*When it comes to picking a treatment, remember not all treatments are good for all skin types. Just because your favorite influencer loves getting a treatment done, does not mean it’s the best one for you.
The Best Facials To Book In Spring
As I already mentioned, this is more of a general list since everyone’s skin is different and requires a personalized treatment.
Deep Cleansing Facial: this type of facial can include extractions to cleanse the pores of acne, whiteheads, blackheads, and other impurities. This can be exceptionally beneficial for dull, clogged, and oily skin. It will remove buildup and help renew skin.
Enzyme & Light Peels: gentle exfoliation will slough off dead skin cells, which can dull and clog your skin, potentially adding texture. These two treatments can promote glowing skin with little downtime, although you must remember to avoid sun exposure for typically 24-48 hours afterwards. This is best for dullness, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone.
Hydrating Facial: replenishing moisture can be essential for maintaining your skin’s health. This facial can help reduce irritation, improve overall tone, enhance product absorption, and renew your complexion. Best for dry, dehydrated, and sensitive skin.
Customized Seasonal Facial: Of course, facials will always be customized to your skin type and conditions. A seasonal facial might focus on specific ingredients to target seasonal goals, like congestion, increased sun exposure, and drying weather.
My Top Spring Skincare Tips:
Always remember your SPF! ☀️ During the warmer and sunnier months, I like to carry smaller sunscreens in my purse for reapplication every two hours.
Don’t skip exfoliating. Like many things, exfoliating has to be done with moderation. You don’t want to strip your skin and over exfoliate, but you also don’t want to skip out on it. Daily exfoliation helps improve texture, reduce fine lines, and most importantly, it will increase your product absorption. Exfoliation is key if you want your skincare products to work their best. 🧖🏻♀️
Hydration is key. 💧 This includes moisturizing and drinking water.
Remember, facials are a pillar of skincare. Facials are a luxury, but they also cover an array of concerns. You’d be surprised by the difference a personalized facial can make in your skin’s health.
As we step into a new season, remember to give your skin a little extra love. From introducing a brightening treatment, to upping your SPF use, and more, the treatments and tips mentioned will help you renew, nourish, and protect your skin. Now is the perfect time to treat yourself and your skin to something fresh and revitalizing, so you can head into spring with radiant and healthy skin.
Curious which facial is best for you skin? DM @IsabelaC116 or comment below. I’d love to help you choose the perfect treatment for your unique needs.