How to get your skin ready for spring and summer

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How is spring in your part of the world (except for those down under, happy fall!)

Many people are emerging from the dry, cold weather of winter.  Skin may be a little dryer and duller after exposure to this prolonged frigid weather. So how do you get your skin ready for al fresco dining and picnics in the park?

It’s time to change up your skincare routine so your skin will be renewed along with the new season.  I’ve been gathering a couple of components of my skincare routine and transitioning to a few other favorite products to really perk up my skin.  I’ve gathered a few tips below so you can refresh your skin too.

How to Get Your Skin Ready for spring and summer

1. Exfoliate

Say good bye to winter skin, literally, by taking it off. Use a gentle exfoliant to remove those dry, winter worn upper layers and reveal the skin underneath.

I like to use a gentle exfoliant that doesn’t have too many harsh physical exholiants, which can cause damage to your skin if the particles are too rough. Instead I opt for one that lightly removes the outer layers of the skin making it fast for absorption of other serums and moisturizers. I still use Japanese brand Cure natural aqua gel which I first discovered a few years ago and still gently and effectively exfoliates.

2. Brighten

Brightening skin is a necessary step after exfoliating skin – it’s all about building up your skin’s strength and repairing it.  Collagen helps the strength and elasticity of your skin and can even be found in natural ingredients, like avocado oil. Look for an ingredient like vitamin C to boost collagen production and increase circulation in your skin. Serums are a concentrated form of ingredients like vitamin C and a small dose after a cleansing and exfoliation will enable your skin to more readily receive its benefits.  I’m looking for a new brightening serum and will try out a few new ones soon (I’ll report back if they’re good!)

3. Moisturize

Of course you’ve been moisturizing all winter right? How else could you keep the dry skin at bay. Well moisturization doesn’t stop with the warmer weather. But you can opt for the lighter creams and lotions in the warmer weather. Break out the moisturizers with key ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid.  Ceramides help maintain the skin’s natural barrier and retain water in the skin. Hyaluronic acid also helps to retain moisture in the skin by attracting water to the top layer of the skin.  I like drugstore brand Cerave because it’s full of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.  I’m looking for natural options too.

4. Do double duty with your foundation

I only wear certain types of foundations – basically it has to benefit my skin as well as evening out my skin tone. I’ve been using BareSkin serum foundation a lot lately because it isn’t just providing coverage (which I need with all my freckles and acne scars), it also delivers a daytime serum to smooth out my fine lines and spots for the long run. It’s amazing that a foundation makes my skin better, but I’ve been happy with it so far!

5. Remember the sunscreen

Fess up – have you used sunscreen lately?  Shorter day times and more times indoors certainly have made us want to stay inside and snuggle up with a loved one and a favorite book or show. But if you’re going out, you can’t forget your sunscreen. Protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays by opting for some broad spectrum sunscreen (see my post about sunscreen here). I’m lucky that my serum foundation has sunscreen but if I’m out for a while, I’ll also apply a separate sunscreen. After all, my skin has to look good for all those spring and summer parties right?

What are your tips for getting your skin ready for spring?

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