After months of a harsh winter, the warmer spring days are finally here. A much-needed refresh is necessary, especially for our skin. The cold, dry air and indoor heating often leave my skin dehydrated, dull, and flaky. Now is the perfect time to switch things up and focus on hydration, repairing the skin barrier, and reviving the glow.
Here are my top beauty essentials and rituals to revive and repair my skin this spring:
Hydration
Winter’s dry air can strip the skin of its moisture, leaving it tight and dehydrated. This is why my number one focus is hydration and moisturization.
- Hydrating cleanser: It’s time to switch to a gentle formula, I prefer water-based with ceramides and glycerin
- Hydrating toner or essence: I like to use a serum with Hyaluronic acid to lock in the moisture
- Rich Moisturizer: As someone with oily and acne-prone skin, I tend to go with a light serum, since I am already using serum like hyaluronic acid.
Gentle Exfoliation
The cold weather can lead to a build-up of dead flaky skin cells. However, you don’t want to go overboard and over-exfoliate which can cause skin irritation. I usually opt for a gentle yet effective method to clear and revive my skin.
- Enzyme Cleansing mask: I’ve recently started using a gentle clay mask. When choosing any kind of cleaning mask go for one that is soothing and hydrating.
- AHA/BHA exfoliating toner: 1 to 3 times a week I use a BHA liquid exfoliator, with a moisturizer and leave it as an overnight mask. Be sure not to mix it with retinoids, vitamin C, and other strong acids to avoid skin irritation.
- Exfoliating cleanser: I like to switch between a hydrating exfoliant in the morning, and a stronger exfoliant in the evening after coming home from work, or the gym to make sure I unclog my pores.
Repair, Nourish, Strengthen
- Barrier Repair Cream: If you use retinoids as part of your skincare routine, using a nourishing cream 1 or twice a week to repair your skin barrier is essential. I usually look for specific ingredients like ceramide, peptide, and squalane.
- Facial Oil: As someone with acne-prone skin, oil-based products are not my go-to, I would usually go for light or water-based. However once in a while, I will add a few drops of rosehip oil to lock in moisture, and a dewy finish.
- Overnight/Sheet Masks: Perfect for deep hydration while you sleep, or quick results in 10 minutes.
Brightening & Glowing
After winter, my skin tends to look dull and uneven. To revive that glow I used gentle brightening ingredients in my skincare routine.
- Vitamin C: I use it every morning with my moisturizer to help uneven skin tone, and boost collagen production
- Niacinamide: A must for me, to help balance oil production
- Azelaic Acid: A great product for acne-prone skin. I use this at night to help fade hyperpigmentation from acne scars.
Sun Protection: Non-Negotiable
As the sun becomes stronger in spring, SPF is a must to prevent further damage and maintain the hard-earned results of my skincare routine.
- Lightweight Hydrating SPF: I use SPF every day, it’s a non-negational step for me. Especially if you are using Azelaic acid and retinoids. Look for a broad-spectrum SPF 30-50 with a dewy finish.
- Tinted SPF: An easy way to even out your skin tone, while staying protected.
Skincare From Within
Healthy, glowing skin isn’t just about products, it starts from within. Along with my skincare products, I focus on hydration, and seasonal eating to keep my skin at its best.
- Water and Teas: It can be hard to drink water during the winter, which leaves us dehydrated and is reflected on our skin. Now is the time to fill up your favorite water bottle and start chugging. If you have difficulty drinking plain water, add flavor: Lemon, 1 tsp of honey, fruits, and cucumber. You can also add tea to your routine in the morning and before bed.
- Seasonal Eating: While it’s not something we no longer need to practice, as we get food all year long, It’s a great idea to take advantage of seasonal foods. They tend to be cheaper, and fresh
- Healthy Fats: Avocados, salmon, nuts (Almonds)
- Veggies: Carrots, broccoli, Beets, Asparagus, etc…
- Fruits: For collagen and anti-oxidant: Berries, citrus (oranges, lemon…), Apricots, Kiwi