The sun is shining. The chickadees are chirping. The flowers are flourishing. It’s springtime, baby!
Here at MOZ, we’ve not only been taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the season, but transitioning from winter to spring skincare, too. And we want to share our top tips with you all! From stepping up your SPF game to swapping face oils for water-based serums, we’re giving you the inside scoop on all things spring skincare. To get the low-down on how your skin can look and feel its best this season, keep scrolling!
Transitional Skincare Tips
Step Up Your SPF
Transitioning from winter to spring skincare? Remember:
Although SPF should be incorporated into your skincare regimen all year round, it’s important to remember that certain seasons such as spring and summer require stepping up your sunscreen game, especially once the warmer temperatures and UV indexes begin to rise. With increased sun exposure (and yes, even on days that aren’t as sunny), there’s a greater need to protect skin against damaging free radicals created by harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Simply put, a moisturizer with SPF 15 isn’t going to cut it. Even in the spring, skin can still become sunburnt, so ensuring you’re slathering your face with at least SPF 30 is key. When choosing a sunscreen, opt. for one that’s physical and not chemical as the former physically blocks UV rays while the latter absorbs these rays, which isn’t what you want.
To kickstart your spring SPF routine, apply your sunscreen after completing your morning skincare and re-apply it before any outdoor physical activity.
Exfoliate More Often
Kick off a new season with bright, fresh, and soft skin!
During the colder months, people often avoid exfoliating, as they believe it’ll dry out their skin, and this is even more worrisome for those who already suffer from chronic conditions such as eczema. But if you are, in fact, looking to slough away at flaky skin, spring is the time to start! And although dewy, luminous skin is the objective, don’t over-exfoliate thinking that it’ll yield quicker results! Aim for once a week but don’t exceed more than twice.
To achieve the radiant complexion you’ve been craving, incorporating a gentle chemical exfoliant into your routine is often the way to go, as physical exfoliants can be too harsh and aggravate skin. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly, at-home option, try a cleanser that contains AHAs like glycolic or lactic acid. Lucky enough, we’ve got you covered! Check out our Superfoods Face Cleanser here. Looking for a professional-level treatment? Try an in-clinic chemical peel or light microdermabrasion, the former which can also boost collagen production.
Incorporate a Hydrating Eye Cream
You know those flourishing florals we mentioned? Well, they’re great to look at but not so great to be around if you suffer from seasonal…
Although nasal congestion and irritated skin aren’t ideal symptoms to face, puffy, watery, dry, and red eyes can be a real pain. To target puffiness, specifically, look for eye creams that contain skin-plumping and soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and manuka honey. But allergies aren’t the only concern for your peepers. In case you didn’t already know, the spring sun can affect more than one thing. It can also put a strain on your eyes, causing you to squint more frequently. This in turn can contribute to premature under-eye lines and wrinkles. To combat this, choose eye creams that contain skin-nourishing antioxidants like vitamin C and retinol and peptides, too.
Opt. for a Lightweight Lotion or Gel
A thick cream is often what our skin craves when the cold weather takes over in the autumn and winter. But a heavy moisturizer isn’t what your skin needs when the warm temperatures hit. Spending more time outdoors is what many of us do during the spring and whatever the activity may be, you’re bound to sweat, even if it’s just a little. Therefore, making the switch to a lighter moisturizer such as a lotion or gel is key. And remember, opt. for lighter formulas that’re packed with humectants and emollients!
Choosing what type of moisturizer will work best for you during this transitional period is also dependent on your skin type. If you have acne-prone skin, a gel moisturizer that’s non-comedogenic is always an effective and fast-absorbing option. But if you’re faced with skin that’s sensitive and/or dry, keeping a thicker lotion in your routine will help lock in moisture and protect your skin’s barrier.
Also keep in mind that the temperatures in spring can range and differ quite significantly, so switch up the moisturizing part of your routine based on how your skin is looking and feeling.
Swap Face Oils for Water-Based Serums
When it comes to skincare, you can never go wrong with a product that’s water based.
Heavier face oils may save your skin during the dead of winter but when the warm weather comes around, they can feel as if you’re drowning, and who wants to feel icky and sticky? After all, the heat accomplishes that on its own. To avoid continuously dabbing your skin from excess oil, make the switch to a water-based serum or two. Doing so is beneficial for all skin types but specifically for those with oily and/or acne-prone skin.
Thick face oils tend to block pores and can contribute to the overproduction of sebum, which leads to acne, but water-based serums pass through the skin’s barrier with ease. And if you’ve been looking for a hydrating water-based serum, look no further! Check out our Hyaluronic Acid Serum here.
And that’s a wrap on spring skincare, peeps! Follow us on socials and let us know how you’ve been switching up your skincare routine from season to season. And if you haven’t done so yet or don’t know how to, these tips are sure to steer you in the right direction. Keep your eyes peeled for more springtime content we’ll be covering on the blog in the coming weeks! Until then, stay healthy, safe, and happy!