As the season changes, so should your skincare routine. With warmer weather and more time to spend in the sun, it’s easy for dirt and sweat to build up on the skin. It’s important to keep your skin happy, healthy, and balanced. Here are some tips for updating your skincare products and practices for spring and summer.
EXFOLIATE
As part of your skincare routine, and for different reasons, you should exfoliate year-round. You might want to scrub a little harder as you brush away dead and flaky skin brought on by the dryness of winter. Exfoliating more often also helps this process. Keep in mind you should be careful not to strip all the oil from your skin. It's natural to show more skin in the summer, but more exposure means more space for dirt and air pollutants. If you live in humid climates, walking outside may cause you to sweat in the summer. Exercise and more time in the sun may also create more chances to sweat. Try exfoliating with this body wash to avoid breakouts and keep your skin smooth and clean.
SWITCH MOISTURIZERS
In winter, you should use a thicker moisturizer to heal your skin from the dryness caused by heaters. Come spring, you should switch to a lighter moisturizer and continue to use it through summer. This will keep your skin soft and smooth as seasons transition from one to another. Spending time in the sun and excessive heat can dehydrate your body. If you feel sweaty, keep in mind water is leaving your body. You may also feel more oily because your body produces more oil in response to dehydration. Don’t put away that moisturizer though - here are five things you should consider as you enter the summer months.
PRACTICE SKINCARE SPRING CLEANING
It’s that time of year when you may feel the urge to purge and clean your home from floor to ceiling. When the seasons change, you want to make room for new things. Spring cleaning also offers you a chance to go through all of your skincare products and tools. Start by checking to see which products have expired. The FDA requires products with active ingredients to list expiration dates. This is common on many acne washes. Toss out products that you opened last spring and summer. Acids often get stronger over time and can damage your skin. If you received skincare gifts over the past few months that you aren't going to use, donate them. You could also ask friends, family, and colleagues if they want any of these products. Remember to clean or replace all tools and applicators used in your skincare routine. Saving this step for last means you won't have to worry about using old or expired products on clean devices.
UNDERSTAND SKINCARE PRODUCT INGREDIENTS
Before you stock up new skincare products, empower yourself to make informed decisions. Learn how to decipher and understand common ingredients and their benefits. Determine your skincare goals, then use your knowledge and start checking ingredients. This helps you shop smarter and pick products that will support your needs. You may want to brighten your skin in spring, then soothe and strengthen after sun damage in summer. Here are five names you may find in the listed ingredients and their effects on skin.
1.Citric acid:
- An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA)
- Derived from fruits such as lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits
- Antioxidant and anti-aging effects
- Exfoliates, treats hyperpigmentation (brightens and evens skin tone), strengthens barrier, reduces fine lines
- Avoid excessive dryness and retinol (Vitamin A) products
2.Glycerin:
- Natural component in the body that attracts moisture from air
- Plant-based when used in skincare
- Hydrates, moisturizes, lightweight and non-comedogenic (won't clog pores)
- Pairs well with hyaluronic acid
3. Aloe Vera:
- Natural skin soother, used in different forms
- Plant-based
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects
- Hydrates, moisturizes, soothes, heals, repairs
4.Tocopherol:
- Form of Vitamin E, an antioxidant
- Plant-based or synthetic when used in skincare
- Strengthens barrier, protects from sun damage, soothes, heals
- Use once a day, avoid retinol (Vitamin A) products
5.Parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, isobutylparaben): *Dresdner Essenz products contain NO parabens*:
- Chemical preservatives that prevent bacterial growth in products
- Extend product shelf life
- Mimic estrogen hormones, absorb into body, may cause hormone imbalance
- Avoid if there is no long-term need to store product
CLEANSE WITH AROMATHERAPY
With more pollen in the air, your skin may absorb more toxins and harmful chemicals. The essential oils in aromatherapy flush out these toxins and cleanse your body. Lavender, jojoba, patchouli, and rosemary oils help to detoxify and revitalize your skin. When used holistically, these essential oils can help treat symptoms of spring allergies. Lavender is also a natural bug repellent and helps to soothe itchiness as bite treatment. Try incorporating these aromatherapy bath oils into your spring and summer skincare routine.
TRY NEW SKINCARE PRODUCTS
Change keeps life interesting. As winter turns into spring and spring into summer, take on the risk of trying new skincare products. Try a new body wash or hand cream. You may find a new favorite item. At Dresdner Essenz, we offer paraben-free products made with natural ingredients. With a holistic approach to health and wellness, our products nourish and replenish. By updating your skincare routine for spring and summer, you enhance your well-being. Shop cruelty-free and natural products at littlemetime.com.