If spring has sprung, that means a break from the cold, dry winter air that may have turned your skin dull and rough. It’s the perfect time to undo the effects of the previous season and prep your face for warmer days ahead.
With a few simple steps, you can smooth and hydrate your skin to reveal a fresh new face.
- Exfoliate winter-worn skin. Use a gentle exfoliating face wash such as wederm Exfoliating Cleaner to remove dead skin cells and reveal the new cells beneath. Make small circles with your finger pads as you wash.
- Embrace hyaluronic acid for your face. A facial moisturizer with hyaluronic acid will attract water and give you dewy plumpness. Check out Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost products or wederm Pure Hydration hyaluronic acid serum.
- Consider a rejuvenating facial treatment. A chemical peel will slough off dead skin, fade age spots and allow a newer, brighter layer of skin to shine through. Another option is a HydraFacial treatment which exfoliates the skin and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Make an appointment with a dermatologist or cosmetic dermatology provider to determine which treatment will best suit your skin type and concerns.
- Switch from a cream to a lotion. If you’ve been using moisturizing cream on your body, it may be time to switch to a moisturizing lotion, which is lighter, unless your skin is very dry or sensitive. A cream is still ideal for rough areas such as the feet.
- Spring clean your makeup and skin care products. Discard any products you typically use in cold weather that will be past their prime next winter. You should also toss any sunscreen that is more than three years old or is expired. Throw out any makeup that’s almost used up, especially mascara and lipstick, as these can harbor bacteria. Wipe down the inside of your makeup bag or run it through the laundry if it’s machine washable. Wash your makeup brushes and sponges, too.
- Break out the sunscreen and lip balm. You need sunscreen year-round, of course. It’s also smart to use lip balm with 30 SPF or higher to prevent chapped lips and lip cancer. If you didn’t use it throughout the winter, start using it now. Consider a tinted lip balm for a seasonal pop of color.
- Update your wardrobe. If buying a new wide-brimmed hat and fashionable sunglasses will inspire you to wear them, it’s well worth the investment. When it comes to sunglasses, the bigger the frames, the better.
- Eat your fill of fresh produce. In spring, grocery stores and farmer’s markets are bursting with skin-nourishing fruits and vegetables. Foods rich in vitamin C, such as lemons, broccoli, kiwis and bell peppers, promote collagen production, which helps keep skin from sagging. Cherries and most berries are rich in anthocyanins, pigments that pack antioxidants and benefit the skin in a rainbow of ways.
- Drink more water as the temperature rises. The body needs more fluids when you sweat. While drinking more water won’t plump your skin unless you are severely hydrated, it will help your body flush toxins and could lead to a clearer complexion.
Article Written By: Maura Rhodes, a New Jersey-based writer and editor specializing in health and well-being.
