Sunday, April 06, 2014
As of today, spring has officially sprung and we couldn’t be more excited to soak up the sunshine and celebrate the season. While you may be jumping for joy to get back in the great outdoors, your skin may need a little more convincing. Winter months have a tendency to wreak havoc on your skin – low humidity in combination with recycled heat and less fresh air can leave your skin looking dull, dry, rough and wrinkled.
Start the season off right and show the world your best side with these tips for springtime skincare:
Springtime care should be aimed at repairing Winter havoc and prepare the skin for future aggressions. Using a mild and mildly acidic, hydrating cleanser, for both body and face, is the perfect way to thoroughly remove all Winter build-up while replenishing lost moisture and without causing tightness/dryness afterward. Dead skin cells need to be rehydrated in order to effectively loosen up. Rinse with purified water or a mildly acidic toner, never with heavily chlorinated/fluorinated water.
Pamper yourself with a Facial
Spring is a great time to book an appointment with your favorite aesthetician. Your aesthetician can detect any changes in your skin, and guide you in the right direction for your new routine! It’s also nice to get those pores cleaned out and healthy for the new season.
Steam
When taking warm showers in moderation, the released steam could actually be useful in creating an at-home spa experience, all while eliminating a tired, dull look for a more naturally glowing complexion. also recommends taking advantage of the steamer or sauna at your gym. The steam will open up your pores, pushing out that stagnant oil that’s been building up during the winter months, This will also encourage new skin growth because it will make it easier to exfoliate all the flakiness from colder temperatures. For those who experience too much shine during the summer and peeling from drying in the winter, could benefit from occasional steam. That’s why it’s so important to clear the pores out to make way for the increased oil production of spring. However, avoid over steaming to avoid stripping the skin of its natural oil.
Exfoliate
The cold, dry days of winter may be over, but your dry, flaky skin remains. Spring is a good time for deep exfoliation and cleansing. During winter, much of our skin is out of sight, out of mind. Long pants, long sleeves, and warm socks may have prevented you from seeing the rough, dry skin building up on your feet, knees, and elbows. Slough off that old layer of dry skin and make room for spring.
Supercharge your skin with Super-foods
A diet rich in antioxidants like carotenoids vitamins A and E, algae and essential fatty acids is extremely beneficial for Springtime skin as it will kick-start sluggish skin conditions and reveal a brighter, rejuvenated complexion.
Protect
It is important to increase protection against UV radiation during this time of the year. Spring`s solar radiation is more intense than it may seem and the skin is even more sensitive to its effects. Choose a product rich in biological filters like Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, sesame, Shea butter and raspberry oils, etc. These filters act as free radicals scavengers and they also help to restore our skin`s natural oils. Remember to apply 15-30 minutes before sun exposure and re-apply it every 1-2 hours.
Due to Winter inclemencies and Spring allergies, the skin becomes extremely sensitive and reacts aggressively to any stimulus/aggression, including your everyday skincare products and picking at your blemishes. It is necessary to adopt protective and preventive measures. Avoid any potentially irritating/PH disturbing products and opt for hypoallergenic, 
containing immune-boosting active ingredients.
Moisturizing is the key to keeping the skin in good shape throughout Spring and Summertime and repair Winter damage. Moisturize twice per day with nourishing, gentle, non-clogging formulations. Layer your moisturizer, this means that you will apply it immediately after toning while the skin is still damp. Apply 2 or more layers if needed.
