As the days get warmer and the sun shines brighter, it's time to spring clean your skincare routine! With the changing season comes a shift in your skin's needs, and adjusting your skincare accordingly is essential. From moisturizers to serums and sunscreen, learn how to transition from winter to spring skincare for healthy and glowing skin all season long!
Get Rid of Products that are Past Their Expiration Date
Now is the perfect time to go through your skincare stash and start fresh! Check all your products for expiration dates. Many products, such as moisturizers and serums, have an expiration date printed on the packaging. If there isn't an expiration date listed, check the product’s consistency, scent, and colour - if any of these have changed, it’s best to discard the product.
Don’t forget about your makeup! All mascaras should be thrown away after three months, and eyeliners and shadows should be tossed after six months. Lipsticks can usually last up to two years but check for changes in colour or texture before use.
Clean Your Makeup Brushes and Applicators
Now that you’re getting ready to transition your skincare routine for the spring season, it’s essential to make sure that you also pay attention to the hygiene of your makeup brushes and applicators. Makeup brushes and applicators tend to gather bacteria, oil, and dirt that can be harmful to your skin over time. Giving them a deep clean at least once a month is best to prevent potential breakouts or infections.
To get started, mix a small amount of mild shampoo or brush cleanser with warm water in a bowl. Swirl each brush and applicator in the mixture and then rinse with lukewarm water. Gently squeeze out any excess moisture from the brush and place it on a paper towel to dry.
Once your brushes and applicators are completely dry, spritz them with a sanitizing spray, like an alcohol-based one, to further reduce the risk of bacterial growth. This will also help maintain the shape of the bristles. Let the brushes dry again before using them.
Give Your Skin a Break from Harsh Chemicals and Fragrances
As you transition from winter to spring, it’s essential to give your skin a break from the harsh chemicals and fragrances that are often found in winter skincare products. These harsh ingredients can be drying and irritating, which can cause a range of skin issues. Instead, look for products with natural ingredients such as essential oils, honey, shea butter, and jojoba oil that are less likely to irritate sensitive skin.
Look for products free of synthetic fragrances and dyes, sulfates, parabens, and alcohol. Read labels carefully to ensure you use the best products for your skin type. You can also opt for natural fragrances such as lavender or peppermint products to help invigorate and refresh your skin without harsh chemicals.
If your skin is feeling especially dry or irritated, consider switching up your cleanser for a gentle, hydrating one. Your cleanser should be free of abrasive ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulfate and not strip away your skin’s natural oils. A gentle cleanser will help keep your skin hydrated and protected from the elements without causing any irritation or discomfort.
Introduce Lighter Products into Your Skincare Routine
As the weather warms up, it's time to lighten up your skincare routine. This means ditching heavier creams and oils that you may have been using to protect your skin from winter weather and instead switching to products that will give your skin the hydration it needs without being too heavy. Think lightweight lotions, gels, and serums specially formulated to absorb quickly into the skin and provide hydration without leaving behind a greasy feeling. Look for products that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin to help keep your skin hydrated and balanced. It's also important to use lighter formulas of cleansers, toners, and moisturizers that won't strip your skin of its natural oils. More lightweight formulas have more delicate textures, so opt for creams, milks, and mists over balms, waxes, and clay masks. These lighter formulas are easier for the skin to absorb and help keep it looking healthy and nourished.
Don’t Forget the Sunscreen!
With the arrival of spring and the warmer weather, it's time to start thinking about adding sunscreen to your skincare routine. Sunscreen is one of the most critical steps in protecting your skin from damage and aging. The sun’s rays can cause wrinkles, age spots, and skin cancer!
It's essential to choose a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF rating of at least 30. For extra protection, use a product with a higher SPF. Look for ingredients like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, avobenzone, or oxybenzone.
For daily use, look for products that have a lightweight feel and are easy to apply. Consider a moisturizer, foundation with built-in SPF, or a tinted facial sunscreen for a more natural look. If you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors, reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating.
Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to all exposed areas of your body, including your face, neck, ears, hands, arms, and legs. To get the full benefits of sunscreen, you must apply enough (about a teaspoon for your face and two tablespoons for the rest of your body). So don't forget to lather up before heading into the sun this spring!
As the weather changes from cold and dry to warm and humid, adjusting your skincare routine is essential to keep your skin healthy and glowing. With the right products and techniques, you can protect your skin from the sun, prevent breakouts, and keep your complexion looking its best. Whether dealing with dry skin, oily skin, or anything in between, our tips and tricks can help you achieve the perfect springtime glow.