Spring means warmer weather, fewer layers, and more time outside. But it also brings a host of skincare challenges. While the transition from winter to spring might put an immediate smile on your face, your skin might not be ready.
After all, it’s been accustomed to being under wraps and might need time and a few products to ease the transition. In this article, we share seven tips to help your skin glow so you’ll feel confident.
1. Always Wear Sunscreen
Of course, you should be wearing sunscreen all year long. But it’s even more essential in the spring and summer months because you’re likely spending more time outside. Too much sun exposure can lead to wrinkles, skin discoloration, and even skin cancer. Wearing sunscreen isn’t just about protecting your skin, but your overall well-being.
Apply sunscreen every time you plan to leave your house. Choosing a moisturizer or foundation with SPF built in can make this a no-brainer. Just be sure you are protected from both UVA and UVB rays. And don’t forget to reapply sunscreen every couple of hours while you’re outside.
2. Consult an Expert
Skin can be tricky. Even when you think you’ve figured it out, your skin can do a complete 180 and unleash an acne breakout. These sudden changes are even more likely when weather goes from warm to cool, or cold to warm. After all, your skin was used to one weather regime, and now it’s struggling to get used to another.
Instead of switching up your entire skincare routine or slathering on more foundation, seek expert help. A dermatologist or telehealth provider will evaluate your skin and offer suggestions to help keep your skin clear. Depending on the type of acne and severity, you may require prescription acne treatment. This could range from antibiotics to retinoids to even birth control as part of a customized treatment plan.
3. Revisit Your Makeup
You’ve probably noticed that your skin is a few shades darker in the spring and summer than in the winter. While it might not be a huge difference, you should still consider switching out your makeup products. You want your makeup to blend in seamlessly, right? That probably won’t happen if you’re using your “winter” foundation. To ensure your makeup looks flawless, consider going up a shade or two in color.
And of course, be sure you’re buying quality makeup year-round. As a rule of thumb, only buy items listed as “non-comedogenic,” which means they are formulated without pore-clogging ingredients.
4. Use Lightweight Products
During the winter, your skin might’ve required more nourishing products to keep it smooth and irritation-free. For example, you probably used a heavier moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated during the winter. Well, now that it’s spring, you can go back to a lighter moisturizer. In fact, consider using only lightweight skincare products.
Warm weather brings humidity, which leads to sweating. That means you don’t have to worry as much about your skin retaining moisture. Instead, focus on products that are lightweight, such as serums, which won’t clog your pores in the hot weather.
Keep in mind, this doesn’t mean you should throw your usual skincare routine out the window. Just take a look at your current products to ensure they’re the best fit for the season.
5. Apply Vitamin C
Vitamin C can not only erase fine lines and wrinkles, but it can also improve hyperpigmentation. Essentially, hyperpigmentation is when patches of your skin are darker than your actual skin color. It’s a common condition that can be caused by sun damage, acne scars, etc. If you spend a lot of time outside during the spring months, you might have some hyperpigmentation.
Enter vitamin C. You can buy it as a serum or moisturizer. Be aware, though, using vitamin C can make your skin more vulnerable to light. So you might want to only use it at night.
6. Wash Your Face Often
According to dermatologists, you should wash your face twice a day. Many people take this to mean they should wash their face in the morning and at night. That’s a reasonable approach, but it isn’t a hard-and-fast rule.
While washing twice a day is a good rule of thumb, you want to wash your face when it’s dirty. For instance, let’s say you did your usual cleansing routine in the morning and then took an afternoon kickboxing class. You shouldn’t wait until the end of the day to wash away the dirt and bacteria. Instead, clear away the grime after your workout and wash again before bed.
7. Include Antioxidants
Antioxidants can help protect your skin from negative effects of the environment (UV rays, pollution, bacteria, etc). Since you’ll be spending more time outside this spring, consider using skincare products with antioxidants. In addition to vitamin C, look for products with vitamin E, niacinamide (vitamin B3), or retinol (vitamin A).
You can also help your skin by consuming food rich in antioxidants. For example, citrus fruits, carrots, potatoes, and kale are packed with antioxidants. Wash them down with plenty of water. Keeping yourself hydrated will help your skin stay plump and moisturized.
Springtime is here. But there are still a few things you should do to prepare yourself for warmer weather. To ensure your complexion stays clear and smooth during these warmer months, you might need to make some changes. Thankfully, the tips above can help.