5 ways to alter your skincare routine for Spring
At the beginning of each new season, we like to assess our skin and see if our skincare collection serves us for the upcoming change in weather. Some of us may experience a difference in the way our skin behaves and it’s important to take notice of that. We all tend to get a little bit oily as the weather warms up and although a coveted glow is very much a good thing, there is a fine line between glow and grease! Here we take you through the ways in which we alter our routine for Spring and prep for the sunnier days ahead!
Opt for light layers and textures
The chances are, like us, over the course of the winter months you may have invested in thicker, heavier textured products. With warmer weather on its way we like to switch these out. Rather than that rich creamy cleanser or oil-based cream we opt for products lighter in texture. Gel based products work well as they are easily absorbed and are lightweight, so feel less overwhelming on the skin. Building light, water-based layers is key and is a great way to keep skin hydrated without feeling like your skin is suffocating. You know how during the warmer weather we may feel thirstier and more dehydrated? Well, the same goes for our skin! Essentially, we are looking at hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, panthenol, aloe vera and green tea.
We love Flow Cosmetics Hyaluron & Probiotics Deep Moisture Serum which is a fantastic all-rounder. It is so incredibly hydrating that oilier skins may get away with just this and SPF! It contains two different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to penetrate both the surface layer and also deeper into the skin tissue. This results in plump, well hydrated skin that feels instantly smoother and healthier.
Exfoliate gently
Exfoliation is still an important step as the weather gets warmer but not overdoing it is important. Skin can become oilier and congested quicker but it can also become prone to sensitivity and irritation. The key thing here is gentle exfoliation. Products that contain chemical exfoliators such as lactic acid, glycolic acid and salicylic can make the skin extra sensitive to the sun so we like to focus on using our Konjac Sponge. This will still gently exfoliate the top level of skin without weakening the protective barrier. We love using our Green Tea infused one as it is rich in antioxidants. Which leads us onto…
Increase your use of antioxidants!
These are extremely beneficial in fighting free radicals which are created when UV rays come into contact with the skin. This can then lead to inflammation, damage and premature skin ageing. Antioxidants will neutralise these free radicals and by definition they all contain anti- inflammatory properties which will help prevent sun burn and reduce your skins response to the sun’s harmful rays. Antioxidants such as Green Tea, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin A and Resveratrol (found in berries, peanuts and red grapes) have been thought to be the best.
Make SPF a priority
SPF should be a year-round essential in your skincare routine but if you have been perhaps a little lazy up till now, it’s time to fix that! Wearing an SPF30 or 50 will help slow down the ageing process and keep your skin in prime condition. It’s best to use a separate SPF from your moisturiser for optimum protection. The purpose of SPF is to sit on your skin and act as a barrier to UV rays. Moisturisers do the opposite by penetrating into the layers of the skin and adding moisture. SPF doesn’t need to do anything other than provide a protective layer so apply last after your moisturiser and before makeup.
Undertake a spring clean!
Spring cleaning really comes into play here, quite literally! The products you were using last spring/summer are most likely coming to the end of their life so doing an inventory can help work out what you do and don’t need. You can generally tell if a product is no longer stable by texture and smell, but keep an eye out for expiry dates and period after opening symbols. This is also the perfect opportunity to ensure your makeup brushes get a deep clean! We all tend to leave them a little longer than we should and they are prone to harbouring a ton of bacteria which can cause spots and inflammation.
Our final tip? Be kind to your skin, it's the biggest organ and deserves tender loving care!