It’s the time of year to tackle spring-cleaning — and
not just your house or apartment, but also your cosmetics and skin-care products. The change of seasons is actually
an ideal time to reevaluate the skin-care products you're using and
incorporate new ones that will give skin the boost it needs as the weather
changes. Here, I’ll break down the top items you should invest in this
spring to ensure your skin looks its best.
A Lightweight
Moisturizer
The heavy creams required during the winter aren’t necessary as
the weather warms up. In the spring, the air is less dry so the skin doesn’t need
rich emollients as much. Those who still produce a decent amount of oil, in particular, may want to
switch to a more lightweight moisturizer.
To figure out if your cream is too heavy for the
change of seasons, take this test: Apply your moisturizer and wait five minutes. If after five minutes, you touch the skin and you can still feel
the moisturizer, it may mean that it’s too rich for you. Your skin acts like a
sponge. It takes in what it needs, and the rest sits on top. Moisturizers that
are too heavy can potentially clog pores.
Moisturizer With
SPF
While this should be a staple ALL year long, it’s never too late to
start protecting your skin. Sun exposure can cause skin cancer and contributes
to premature skin aging, so using a moisturizer with sunscreen
on your face and neck during the day is imperative to keep skin protected. Now
is also a good time to look at the formula you're using. If you have sensitive,
easily irritated skin, choose chemical-free formulas containing zinc oxide and
titanium dioxide, as they tend to be less reactive. Also, be sure the daily SPF
you're wearing protects against UVA and UVB rays. Which SPF number is best? I recommend a minimum of 30,
but the real key to successful sun protection is to apply it generously, so be sure
to put on a good coat and reapply throughout the day when you're outdoors.
Antioxidant Serum
In the spring, you may be spending additional time outdoors, which means
exposure to more environmental elements like sun and pollution. Using a serum
that contains antioxidants,
such as vitamins C and E, will help protect the skin while brightening and
providing powerful anti-aging results, as well as fading and evening out
discoloration. Keep in mind that not all types of vitamin C are compatible
with all skin types. If your skin gets easily irritated, look for a serum
containing ingredients like magnesium ascorbyl phosphate and ascorbyl methylsilanol pectinate. Additionally, researchers at Duke University Medical Center
determined that using a lotion or serum with vitamins C and E under sunscreen
actually provides four times the protection of sunscreen alone.
Chemical Exfoliant
After several months of cold, dry winter air, a buildup of dead cells might
have caused your skin to look dull, tired, and sluggish. Spring is about
revealing fresher, brighter, and light-reflective skin, and a chemical
exfoliant will help get it smooth and soft. Look for products that contain
glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids, or enzymes like papaya, pineapple, or
pumpkin. By removing dry skin cells, you make way for new, healthy plump skin
cells while also lessening clogged pores and ridding skin of dryness and
hyperpigmentation. After all, spring is the
time to embrace the saying, “Out with the old, and in with the new.”
Mask
To give
the skin extra, much-needed attention, apply a mask to freshly exfoliated skin.
Choose a clay mask if you have clogged pores, a gel mask if you need hydration, and a cream mask for nourishing dry, parched skin. I recommend masks before bedtime. Since they work best when left on
for 15 to 20 minutes, consider running a bath and soaking in the tub to calm your
mind and prepare for a good night’s rest.