Spring is the ultimate time of year for a fresh start! Your outlook on the future is more optimistic, and the smell of blooming flowers is in the air. But there is more to this exciting time of year than new beginnings: It is also prime season for your skin to break out!
Changing seasons can be hard on your skin, and spring is no exception. In fact, the change between winter and spring can be some of the most challenging months on your skin — it’s cold, dry, then warm and humid, all within a few weeks.
As the seasons change, so should your skincare regimen. The winter season has finally ended, and it is time to put away those heavy creams and ointments. That means that your skin will need some extra attention and TLC. Therefore, following a skincare routine designed for the spring season is important.
Here are 8 essential tips for your skincare routine in the spring season:
EXFOLIATE REGULARLY
Exfoliating the skin is crucial in any skincare routine, especially before the warmer months arrive. The drier winter air can leave skin looking dull and flaky. Our Advanced Licensed Aesthetician, Natalie Mays, says, “Exfoliating helps slough off dead skin cells that have built up from the colder weather and prepares your skin for the new season ahead.”
Exfoliating can help remove dead skin cells and reveal smoother, brighter skin. In addition, exfoliating promotes cell turnover and collagen production, resulting in healthier, younger-looking skin. Choosing a mild exfoliating product is also important to avoid irritating your skin. However, over-exfoliating can be detrimental to your skin, be sure not to overdo it.
Natalie recommends the Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads. This proprietary combination of AlphaRet and a triple-acid complex (glycolic, lactic and salicylic) provides additional exfoliation and skin rejuvenation benefits to improve fine lines, wrinkles, and skin imperfections.
WEAR SUNSCREEN
It might seem strange to talk about sunscreen when it is not summer yet, but it’s always essential to protect your skin from damaging UV rays. Make sure you apply sunscreen daily with at least an SPF of 30.
Dr. Martha Hickmann, a board-certified dermatologist at Dayton Skin Care, offers this advice, “Applying a layer of sunscreen daily will help prevent premature aging, sun damage, and skin cancer! Apply your sunscreen as soon as you get out of the shower so that your skin can absorb it while you get ready. You can also wear a wide-brimmed hat for added protection when spending extended periods outside in direct sunlight.”
Dr. Hickmann’s sunscreen choices cover a wide range of sun protection needs:
- Alastin Hydratint is ideal for all skin types that provides long-lasting hydration, offers powerful antioxidants to protect skin from pollution, IR rays and blue light, and evens and brightens skin with a glowing tint.
- EltaMD UV Daily and ISDIN Ageless are perfect for damaged and aging skin with their lightweight formulations. These UV protectors offer superior hydration and antioxidants to boost radiance and diminish fine lines.
- EltaMD Sport is a face and body lotion for active adults and children that will not rinse off in water or drip into the eyes and sting. It is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
- Skinceuticals Daily Brightening UV Defense SPF 30 combines broad spectrum UV protection with a potent blend of discoloration-correcting and hydrating ingredients for brighter, more even skin.
- Skinbetter Science Tone Smart SPF68 Sunscreen Compact is a NEW category of 100% mineral-active sun protection in a tone-adapting compact that provides a hint of color. You no longer have to make the impossible choice between efficacy and elegance when choosing a mineral sunscreen.
USE THE RIGHT CLEANSER
A good cleansing routine will help your skin look its best by preventing breakouts and removing dead skin cells. You may have used a creamier cleanser during winter, but as the weather warms up, you need to switch to a lighter formula that won’t clog your pores.
A gentle cleanser cleanses and refreshes your skin without stripping away natural oils. In the spring, you will want something that feels light and hydrating but won’t leave behind any residue on your skin. Our aesthetician suggests, ” Alastin Gentle Cleanser is excellent for sensitive skin and SkinCeuticals LHA Cleansing has salicylic acids to address breakouts, declog pores, brighten sin, and smooth irregularities. Both are foaming cleansers that deliver even exfoliation and are suitable for oily, combination and aging skin.
Switch Your Moisturizer
During the winter months, most people use a thicker cream or ointment to create a barrier against the cold air outside, but you may find you need something lighter in the spring and summer. Switching to a lotion or gel-cream formula will help prevent clogged pores that lead to breakouts.
Be sure to moisturize twice daily after cleansing your face in the morning and at bedtime before you go to sleep. You need to keep your skin hydrated to stay healthy and glowing.
That means you need to choose the right moisturizer for your skin type. Natalie recommends:
- SkinCeuticals Daily Moisture – a lightweight lotion that won’t clog pores, Daily Moisture is ideal for normal or combination skin as it hydrates, nourishes, and helps reduce pore size.
- SkinCeuticals Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment – a lightweight gel-crème that brightens, smooths, and clarifies and is clinically effective for ALL skin tones
HYDRATE
Most people believe dehydration only happens during the summer because of the hot temperatures outside. However, this is not true! Dehydration can occur at any time of year if heat is involved.
Keeping hydrated is vital to healthy skin all year round, but it is essential during the spring months when allergies and colds can leave you feeling dehydrated. We tend to drink less water during the winter months because we are less thirsty or hot.
“As spring moves into summer, be sure to drink plenty of water so that your body is properly hydrated. Plus, drinking water can flush out toxins that may be causing blotchy or inflamed skin,” advises our board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Martha Hickmann.
EAT FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
Don’t forget those fruits and veggies!
We tend to eat more heavy foods that are not good for our skin during winter. It is time to switch things up and start eating healthier foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, that help keep your skin looking healthy, hydrated, and glowing.
Spring brings many different types of fruits and vegetables that you should add to your diet. This will help you get all the vitamins and nutrients your body needs.
Additionally, fresh fruits like strawberries, pineapple, and kiwi are packed with antioxidants that help repair damaged skin cells and prevent further damage.
CLEAN YOUR MAKEUP BRUSHES
You must clean your makeup brushes, especially after using heavy makeup during the winter season. When you use a dirty brush, they will be full of bacteria and transfer all that dirt on your face, clog your pores, and cause breakouts. Our advanced licensed aesthetician, Natalie Mays, suggests, “If you are using a foundation brush, clean it once a week. If you are using a beauty blender or other sponge, wash it every few days. It may surprise you, but I recommend using Dawn dish soap. It’s an antibacterial soap that is very safe and is incredibly effective at removing long-wear foundation that sticks to your brushes.”
EXERCISE REGULARLY
Exercise improves blood circulation, bringing oxygen and nutrients to all body parts. Regular exercise is excellent for the skin because it keeps the blood flowing and helps carry nutrients and oxygen to the cells. However, you should be careful after a workout since sweat can clog pores and create blemishes. A quick tip from Dr. Martha Hickmann — pack travel sizes of your favorite cleanser and moisturizer that you can use to wash and moisturize your face after your gym workout.
FINAL THOUGHTS FROM OUR DAYTON SKIN CARE EXPERTS:
Take care of your skin more during this time of year. You can’t stop the unpredictable weather and temperatures that often accompany spring, but you can take extra precautions to protect your skin from the changing elements. By doing so and paying close attention to the products you are using, you can ensure that this spring is enjoyable—and skin-friendly.
To address any skin care concerns about your skin, call to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hickmann at 937-293-5567. For more information on healthy skin care tips for the spring, call to schedule a complimentary skin care consultation with Natalie Mays.
Dr. Martha Hickmann is a board-certified dermatologist at Dayton Skin Care and Cancer Center who specializes in general, laser, and cosmetic dermatology. She compliments the practice with more than 15 years of clinical practice in dermatology serving the Dayton community. To schedule a medical or cosmetic appointment consultation with Dr. Hickmann, call our office at 937-293-5567.
Natalie Mays is Dayton Skin Care’s Advanced Licensed Aesthetician. Natalie earned her license from The Aveda Frederic’s Institute and has been an aesthetician for 4 years. She also earned her Makeup Artist Certificate from the Makeup London Academy in London, England, and has been a professional makeup artist for the last 8 years. For a complimentary skin care consultation with Natalie, please contact Dayton Skin Care at 937-293-5567.
