As the Seasons Change So Should Your Skincare

As we ever so slowly transition into Spring, you should start thinking about revamping your skin care routine. During the winter months, the skin can become very dry and dull, which requires heavy moisturizers. However, as the temperature rises, so does the amount of oil our glands produce. Even the driest of skin types may need a just light moisturizer. Here are the top 5 ways to rejuvenate your skin to bring out the best in your complexion:

1.) Spring and summer involves showing some skin, so we need to prepare for its upcoming debut. Take time to look at the skin in the daylight. Humidity can cause them to become oily. Oily skin must be kept in check to not cause breakouts with the return of warmer weather. You might want to switch to a hydrating serum. These products are very lightweight and deliver a powerful dose of nourishing ingredients without all the heavy creams. Dry or combination skin can withstand a light moisturizer even with the most humid of climates. Blotting papers come in handy to rid your skin of excess oils.

2.) Begin a weekly at home exfoliating regiment in conjunction with a monthly chemical peel. After a harsh winter, your skin is begging for some relief and rejuvenation. Chemical peels are great to rid your skin of all the dead dry cells that you accumulate throughout the winter. It provides your skin with a blank canvas so that the products you use penetrate the skin with a greater ability, giving you the maximum efficacy of the active ingredients.

3.) Be meticulous about sun protection (though you should be doing this ALL year-round). Make sure you’re applying sunscreen to all exposed areas 20 to 30 minutes before heading outdoors, and reapplying every two hours. SPF 30 or higher will provide you with the protection you need against the harmful and cancer causing UV rays.

4.) Use Self-Tanners. Many of you like to go to the tanning salons to work on your “base tans” in hopes of preventing any real damage come summertime. I hate to break it to you, but there is no such thing as a safe tan. Any change in skin color from UV rays is damage, and more importantly putting you at a greater risk for skin cancer. So fake it with self tanning lotions or get an airbrush tan. It’s easy to apply and the products are more refined so that the “distinct smell” is barely there.

5.) Give your skin a check! After your skin has been in hibernation for a good portion of the year, make sure there aren’t any new spots or moles that might have changed. Have you skin checked by a professional at least once a year. You can check out the American Academy of Dermatology website for locations that offer free skin screenings. http://www.aad.org/.

Spring is a great time to prepare your skin. It’s time to peel off those layers of clothes and show off that skin within for the new season!