Spring is already here, and your skin is probably feeling it. The cold days are almost gone, and with them, the dry, sensitive and itchy skin. However, the sudden changes in the temperature from cold to warm can cause some issues with our skin.

Our skin is susceptible to environmental changes. Different temperatures and humidity levels can affect our skin by producing more oil, making breakouts and acne pop out. That is why it is essential to consider your skin type when creating a routine and consider external factors that can boost or harm your face. 

Besides the above, pollen can cause allergies for up to 30% of people worldwide, making their skin prone to flare-ups like inflammation and reddening. There are plenty of treatments to soothe these symptoms, but if you see that your skin gets worse, you may have to visit a professional for better guidance.  

Spring can be tricky, but it is also one of the most beautiful seasons of the year. Everything looks pretty and renewed, flowers are blooming, and naturally, you want to be part of that landscape.  

In this post, we will let you know our tips and best recommendations to help your skin be reborn again in a way that will make you feel like a caterpillar coming out from its cocoon to become a butterfly. 

USE A LIGHTER MOISTURIZER

Ted Lain, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, explains that "springtime brings more humidity and higher temperatures, which requires a tweak to your sun protection, as well as your anti-aging regimen."  

Heavy creams and oils can be our best ally in winter, but the result will be different when you apply this type of product to a sweaty face. They are a great option when we want to reduce water loss, but in spring, the temperature and the humidity increase, so we don't need that much protection anymore.  

A lightweight moisturizer is key to keeping your pores clear and avoiding clogged ones with excessive oils. Use a water-based formula with hyaluronic acid to give your skin a glowy boost. You can still use dry oils, especially at night, to help your skin retain moisture. Our dry oil is a great formula that absorbs quickly and won't leave your skin sticky.  

Remember that hydration not only comes from creams but also from the fluids you drink during the day. When the temperature goes up, it's important to drink enough water to keep your body hydrated and your skin optimal. 

EXFOLIATE YOUR SKIN (GENTLY)  

Even though our skin can regenerate naturally, sometimes it's good to give it extra help, especially after harsh situations like very cold weather. Winter makes us have dry skin, which causes a buildup of dead skin cells.  

When you exfoliate your skin, you remove that layer with only dead cells that cause a dull appearance. This also helps your skin regenerate better and show a healthier and "renewed" look while allowing other products to absorb better.  

Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, says that "many people avoid exfoliation during the winter months because it can dry out the skin, but as the weather warms up and the humidity increases, we are better able to tolerate acids and stronger formulations of active ingredients." This means that spring is the perfect season to try chemical exfoliators and get the best results from them.  

You can also use physical exfoliators, but either one you decide to go with, remember that you can do it a maximum of two times a week, and remember to give your skin the proper hydration after each treatment. 

PROTECT YOUR SKIN FROM UV RAYS  

People associate sunscreen with summer, but the truth is that UV rays are present all year long, even if it’s cloudy or if you are inside your home.   

UV rays can pass through windows and clouds, so you should always –and we mean it- wear sunscreen. Never underestimate the damage of UV rays. When you protect your skin from them, you are protecting yourself from sunburn and early aging, hyperpigmentation, fast cell degeneration, and, most importantly, skin cancer.  

If you are in exteriors, remember to reapply every two hours and support your sunscreen protection with the right apparel like UV-protected shirts and hats.  

Also, if you don’t want to ruin your makeup by applying sunscreen, you can use a spray version on your face that will keep you protected and your makeup untouched! 

DON'T FORGET ABOUT YOUR LIPS  

Lip care must be included in your skincare routine; they are also made of skin and are very delicate to sudden changes in the environment. You probably know that because in winter, they are the first ones to crack up, and under the sun, they are also the first ones to get burned. Always remember to keep them moisturized using an SPF balm. 

JUST LIKE THE MOISTURIZER, CHOOSE LIGHTWEIGHT MAKEUP PRODUCTS 

Instead of foundation, use BB creams. They are lightweight and offer sunscreen protection (remember to always apply a good amount of sunscreen before applying makeup, even if your makeup contains sunscreen) while giving you a natural finish.  

When the weather is warm, you should avoid dry and cakey makeup because, combined with sweat and humidity, the result is something you won't want on your face. Your lines and pores get more visible, and it becomes a layer of product that everyone will be able to see.  

An excess of products can also clog your pores, and in fresh weather, it is important to let your skin breathe. The fewer products, the better. Stick to the basics and use a BB cream, concealer, and blush, and you will be ready to go feeling pretty and natural. If you have oily skin, you can complement these steps with a powder to absorb oil excess. 

INCLUDE ANTIOXIDANTS, ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE UNEVEN SKIN TONE

We all want perfect skin, but that is utopic. That doesn't mean that you cannot improve certain things on your skin. Nobody likes pigmentation, especially when it's sun-induced (sunspots are notoriously difficult to erase). But Dr. King says that antioxidants are beneficial during the spring and summer months to avoid sun damage.   

When your skin is exposed to UV rays, free radicals are created. They can damage your DNA and accelerate the decrease (this occurs naturally while we are getting old) of collagen and elastin production. Using can prevent this from happening by stabilizing the free radicals and helping to combat sun damage.  

As you can see, creating a skincare routine is a matter of taking a lot of things into consideration. The important thing is always to adapt our regimen to our skin type and the weather and environment we are living in. For more information about your skin, remember to check out our blog and discuss your concerns with a specialist.