Whenever spring approaches, people everywhere know it’s time to switch up their skincare routines. Warm weather means new outfits — from sundresses to short sleeves to sandals. It’s important to tackle those flaky spots and add a layer of protection. This way, you’ll be prepared and look terrific all at once.
1. Scrub Away Dry Patches
Before you put on your favorite skirt, you’ll want to make sure your legs look brand new. While you’re in the shower, grab a body scrub or polish. These handy mixtures wick away dead skin and leave you with a blank slate. Choose a product made up of sugar or salt, plus clay, oils and other helpful ingredients. For conditions like keratosis pilaris, you’ll want to go for a chemical exfoliant.
If an ingredient list includes polyethylene or polymethyl methacrylate, stay away. Otherwise known as microbeads, these tiny plastic balls can damage your skin — and the environment. Luckily, governments around the world recently banned this harmful debris. If you do come across an old container of body scrub in the back of a cabinet, it’s best not to use it.
2. Choose a Light Moisturizer
When it’s cold outside, our skin becomes super dry. As a result, we slather on heavy lotions whenever possible. As spring arrives, the air slowly gets more humid — and that’s a win for everyone who struggles with flaky, scratchy skin in the first place. It’s time to bring out those lightweight moisturizers and sprays.
Opt for a daily moisturizer geared toward normal to dry skin. If you still feel parched, follow up with a facial mist. For those of us with oily skin, we know all too well that humidity increases shine. Find an oil-free gel moisturizer that includes niacinamide. This nifty vitamin helps to reduce oiliness, as well as acne and pore size.
3. Do a Face Mask
There’s no better time than now to perform a reset on your face. Accomplish a dewy, fresh look with a peel or facial, or tackle acne with charcoal. Use a face mask to unwind and relax — all while you achieve some impressive results. You can also use a hydrating gel mask to alleviate dry skin.
Look for ingredients like vitamin C and pineapple enzymes. These additions exfoliate and soothe skin to produce a natural glow. If you’ve spent too much time in the sun, go for matcha, cucumber, or oatmeal. You’ll be able to calm sunburns and dry skin quickly. If you decide to use a product with acids, be sure to follow the directions and apply sunscreen before you leave the house.
4. Pamper Your Feet
Before you break out your favorite footwear, it’s time to get your toes into gear. When it’s warm outside, our feet become susceptible to a fungus that’s not unlike an athlete’s foot. To avoid related issues, you’ll want to pay a little attention to your feet.
Keep your feet dry at all times. Whether you’re at the gym or on a hike, it’s essential to take an extra pair of socks. Moisture can gather, especially when it’s humid outside. Avoid rubber and vinyl materials that don’t offer a lot of ventilation. If your feet do get wet, dry them off as soon as you can.
This way, you won’t have to deal with any problems — and your manicure will stay beautiful.
5. Apply Enough Sunscreen
As spring rolls around, we tend to venture outdoors more and more. As a result, we become exposed to the sun’s harmful rays. While it’s essential to wear sunscreen throughout every season, the next few months are crucial.
A zinc-based sunscreen should be the final step in your morning skincare routine. Physical sunscreens reflect UVA and UVB rays away from your skin but don’t cause any harm to our oceans’ coral reefs. If you don’t plan to swim, you can apply your favorite chemical sunscreen instead. As long as you choose a product with a high SPF, you’re in the clear.
Use These Tips for a Skin Reset
Before you put on your favorite warm-weather outfit, make sure you give your skin some love. Then you’ll be able to enjoy the season in style.