A change in the seasons is the perfect time to reassess your routine and make some valuable updates to the kind of products you apply to your face on a daily basis , so take note because these are the skin care swaps guaranteed to help your complexion recover from a dull and dreary winter .
Carry On Cleansing There is nothing quite as comforting as removing that layer of make-up , grime and oil that accumulates on your face during a long day . When the weather is cold , cleansing tends to involve the use of a cream or oil to melt away the day while providing vital nourishment for a tight , parched complexion . Now that the season of chilly winds and frosty mornings is behind us , this type of cleanser can feel heavy and unctuous on the skin , so switch to a lighter texture like a milk , lotion or gel instead . Your skin will be left feeling just as clean but noticeably fresher and better prepared for the rest of your routine .
Lighten Up Your Moisturiser The arrival of spring usually means a period of calmer , less unpredictable weather is ahead which means your moisturiser requirements will have shifted slightly . Hydration is still key but the skin no longer needs a thick protective layer to survive the elements day to day , so rich creams and balms that helped to lock in moisture during the winter can prove stifling in milder temperatures . For the easiest transition , whatever your skin type , ditch oil-based creams and lotions for water-based formulas for greasefree hydration and make sure your final choice is packed with Hyaluronic Acid , the best ingredient to quench the skin ’ s thirst .
Switch Don ’ t Ditch the Exfoliator If you couldn ’ t bear to use acids on your slightly prickly , weather-beaten complexion during the winter , we don ’ t blame you . Most people
After a season of dedicated Retinol use , make springtime the season when you reign things in a little .
tend to switch to grainy scrubs during this time for less intensive resurfacing but now that things have settled down , you can crack out the AHAs once again . Daily or twice-weekly application of a good acid-based toner or overnight treatment will swiftly rid your skin of dead and dulling cells that have lingered on the surface for far too long while clearing out congested pores to help combat annoying breakouts . Glycolic Acid works well for exfoliating experts but Lactic Acid is a great way to ease yourself back into the swing of things .
Rejig Your Retinols After a season of dedicated Retinol use , make springtime the season when you reign things in a little . Most people tend to up their Retinol dosage or frequency of application during the time of year when strong sunlight is minimal , in order to prevent unwanted sensitivity and inflammation from rearing its ugly head , but spring means more sunny days ( hopefully ) so you need to be smarter with your Retinol usage . If you are happy with the concentration you are currently at , stick with it but knock down the number of nights you apply it , and if you are almost out of your favourite treatment , replenish your stocks with a Retinol product crafted with a slightly lower percentage .
Bring Back a Separate SPF With the possibility of more days out and increased daylight , now is the time to reintroduce a separate sun protection product into your routine . During the winter , you could get away with only applying a moisturiser with added filters to provide your skin with protection against UV rays , but the promise of increased UVA and UVB light means this swap is essential . Dry skins should opt for creams and lotions while oily or sensitive skins should try gels and mineral powders , each with at least SPF30 for optimum protection .
ISSUE # 03 | 2017 | SkinHealthMagazine . com 11