How to prep dry skin for spring
Winters can be tough on dry skin —indoor heat and extreme temperatures outside can leave skin looking dull by the time spring rolls around. Additionally your skin can feel tight and look flaky which is easy to hide under hats and scarves. However once it gets warm again and your face isn’t covered by hats and outerwear, you’ll definitely want your face to look its best. If you’re looking to prep your skin for the spring, we’ve got the lowdown on how to turn your dry skin into healthy-looking skin.
1. Cleanse Gently
Colder temperatures can be harsh so while you still absolutely need to cleanse your skin every day you can go with a gentler formulated product in the fall and winter. Try a cleansing milk if your skin is dry, this will add moisture and restore your skin’s balance. You will loosen and remove dead skin cells from skin’s surface, which will help reveal fresh-looking skin.
2. Exfoliate
In the winter dead skin cells you accumulate on your skin which makes it hard for your products such as moisturizers to work as intended. Your best bet is to slough off dead skin cells from skin’s surface with a soft towel or non-abrasive liquid scrub. Use a product formulated with antioxidants to help your skin look more radiant.
3. Use Oils
The months before spring starts are a great time to use facial oils or oil-based serums. Look for products formulated with Vitamin C and E as these are particularly effective in restoring your skin’s brightness. Apply after cleansing and exfoliating so that the product can work on your skin and achieve maximum effectiveness. You may want to pair this step with a gentle face massage.
4. Hydrate You Skin
After you cleanse or use facial oil apply a thin layer of moisturizer to hydrate and replenish skin. Use products formulated with glycerin and ceramides. If you are applying moisturizer directly after showering make sure to do this as soon as possible. When water evaporates off your face it also draws out moisture and makes it look and feel more dry. Do this within 60 seconds of washing your face. Find the best daily moisturizer for your skin and use it diligently as winter turns into spring.
5. Hydrate Your Body
It’s very important to hydrate your body from the inside as well as the outside. Watch your water intake. Failure to drink enough water makes it hard for your skin to feel and look hydrated.
6. Mask
Find a mask that is formulated with antioxidants — they will help your skin look brighter and healthier and also help skin fight free radicals. Apply to your face after cleansing and let it soak in for 10-15 minutes. Afterwards your skin should feel nourished.
7. Sunscreen
Now that you’re likely to start spending more time outside, SPF is more important than ever. Always make sure you are wearing at least SPF 15 or higher when you go outside. Your skin will be extra sensitive to the sun after months of not being exposed. Try to avoid long sun exposure times to avoid sunburns and skin damage. Apply sunscreen in the morning before you leave the house and reapply every 2 hours if outside.
8. Eat Antioxidants
With the arrival of spring also comes a whole new set of fruits and vegetables that are in season. Try to fill your pantry with antioxidant rich foods such as leafy greens, berries and carotene-rich foods such as carrots and squash. Eating healthy antioxidants will can help your overall health as you transition from one season into the next.
