The trees are full of buds, the flowers are beginning to bloom and the weather is slowly starting to warm up. Spring is finally in the air. As you get ready to spend more time outside, you might be looking for ways to update your skincare routine. Below you’ll find four tips to get your skin ready for the upcoming season. It’s time to say goodbye to the dullness of winter and hello to a healthy spring glow.
Increase your SPF
With spring comes the promise of longer days and more daylight hours. Because of that, you need to make sure you have a sunscreen that can keep up. Hopefully you’ve been wearing SPF through the colder months. But if you’ve gotten out of the habit because winter had you staying indoors, it’s time to break it out again. Experts recommend wearing a sunscreen with at least an SPF 30 rating (or higher) that is water-resistant with broad-spectrum coverage. And don’t forget to reapply every 2 hours to keep the sunscreen performing at its best. It will help protect against harmful UV rays that can lead to skin disease and premature ageing.
Lighten your Moisturiser
Thick, heavy creams are great for winter skin. When the weather is cold and dry, they help nourish your skin and lock in the moisture that it needs. But those same creams might not feel as great in warmer weather when we’re more likely to sweat. And it just so happens that as humidity starts to increase, the air provides your skin with an additional moisture boost. That’s why spring is a great time to switch to a lighter moisturiser. Try opting for one that’s gel-based. It will absorb quickly, feel more lightweight and still protect the skin’s moisture barrier without feeling sticky.
Exfoliate Regularly
Exfoliating can help brighten up your skin for spring. But you don’t need to use a scrub to buff away dead skin. In fact, that can actually cause more irritation. Instead, go for a chemical-based exfoliator with AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) or BHAs (beta-hydroxy acids). The active ingredients in these exfoliators prove extremely effective in getting rid of dead skin cells and leaving skin more radiant. Dermatologists recommend starting out slow, using an exfoliator just once a week. And don’t forget to do a patch test on your arm first so you can check for a reaction before using them on your face.
Add Retinol to your Routine
If you’re concerned about fine lines or wrinkles and have started looking into Botox but haven’t tried retinol, first, consult this Botox guide so you can better understand it. And second, give retinol a try. It’s an anti-ageing powerhouse ingredient that increases cell turnover for a fresher complexion. Plus, it can help address fine lines and wrinkles without any down time, making it a great addition to a spring skincare routine when you want to get outside and enjoy the weather. If you’re new to retinol, this is another product to integrate slowly. Look for one that is available over the counter with a lower percentage of 0.25. Then, apply it every third night. Make sure you’re wearing your SPF during the day to help manage any drying or irritating effects that the sun can increase while using retinol.
