Spring Clean Your Skincare
Spring is now here and the days are brighter longer. But the change in season also signals that it’s time to switch up your skin care routine.
These six tips allow you to transition your skin care from winter to spring:
Do opt for a gel moisturizer. Pack away all of your heavier creams and replace them with gel moisturizers. Gel moisturizers are great year-round but they’re particularly great once the sun comes out. They’re lightweight, easier to absorb and won’t leave a greasy feeling on your skin. They’re also cooling to the touch and feel great to apply especially when the weather is warm.
I am trying to finish up my Origins Dr. Weil Mega-Bright Cream w/ SPF as I have just a small amount left in the jar. I have been cheating and been reaching for the deluxe sample of the Origins GinZing Energy Boosting Moisturizer and it is lightweight, smells great, and leaves my skin feeling fresh. I'm definitely going to pick this up during the next VIB sale, I should have used up my remaining creams by then! A great favorite of mine is the Boscia Revitalizing Black Hydration Gel and it comes with a pump so it's definitely favorable in the cleanliness department.
I also like to opt for a priming moisturizer and have been reaching for the TooFaced Hangover Primer which contains coconut water. It's moisturizing, smells great, and does a kick-ass job of keeping my makeup in place all day.
Do opt for gentler alternatives of exfoliation. Leave behind the abrasive scrubs and opt for gentler and more natural versions. (Especially since exfoliants with micro-beads are not very eco-friendly and will soon disappear off shelves.) Look for products containing natural ingredients such as sugar, rice powder, or oatmeal as a few examples. These make for great scrubs without being overly harsh on your skin. They’ll do just the trick when gently trying to remove layers of dead skin that have accumulated throughout winter.
A new addition to my skincare gang is the Tatcha Rice Powder Enzyme, which I saw Ingrid feature in her monthly favorites. I'm loving how light this is and how it exfoliates without irritating my skin. As the product describes, it gently works to buff away dull skin to leave behind radiant skin over time.
The First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Oatmeal Scrub is high on my wish list and I'm looking to snag it during the next VIB sale. This is great for dry skin which I often struggle with, and I loved using Aveeno (which had oats as an active agent) growing up so I'm excited to try a new "oat" skincare product.
The Fresh Sugar Lip Scrub is great for keeping your lips in tip top shape, especially if you're going for those fun bright lips for Spring!
Do opt for a balancing face wash. Opt for unscented or lightly fragranced face washes as these are less likely to irritate your skin. Look for pH balancing face washes that will help reduce grime and remove makeup, all without stripping your skin and leaving it feeling parched. Gel-based face washes are great for doing the trick.
The First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser is great for balancing the skin. It's cleansing without stripping and is extremely gentle on the skin. It's made without sulfates which is great for me as I recently learned that I am slightly allergic to sulfur. My skin is in such great shape when I'm using this and it is definitely a holy grail skincare product for me.
The Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser is a lovely little thing purifies, nourishes, and soothes your skin. This contains rosewater which gives it a lovely light rose scent and helps reduce redness. It's great for using over dry skin or wet skin, and works great in the morning and at night. Get yours now here + save 20% off your first order using my rep link - glossier.com/reps/cindy.
The Oskia Cleansing Gel is one that has been on my wish list for a long while. It's a heavier version of the Glossier Milky Jelly. It does a great job of cleaning deep down but it can be a bit drying on your skin if used everyday, morning and night. But this one is great for getting out all the unwanted gunk that built up over the Winter, and any unwanted gunk that may build up as you do all those outdoor activities.
Do opt for sunscreen. Never skip this step! With the sun shining and the days becoming longer, it’s a definite must-have. Sunscreen is a daily essential that should be used year round, even in winter when the sun tends to be hidden in an overcast sky. You won’t regret taking the extra minutes to apply sunscreen in the warmer months, and if you’re lazy then opt for a moisturizer with SPF that doubles as a sun protectant. Don’t forget about your lips, though! If you don’t already, be sure to rotate in a lip balm that contains SPF.
The Shiseido Urban Environment Sunscreen has been my favorite for multiple years, it's lightweight, oil-free, and doesn't leave a strong scent throughout the day. I haven't found an alternative that I like as much, so this one will probably remain for the time being.
But lips need SPF protection too, which is why I love to use the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatments as they come in a tinted variety (or non-tinted if that's the way you roll) and offer slight SPF protection. If you're up for something different, there are a variety of other brands and lip products which contain SPF.
Do opt for a moisturizing and a brightening face mask. This will give your skin a refresh and leave you with a natural glow. Opt for gel masks that are great for adding moisture and removing unwanted gunk. Don’t be afraid to apply different masks to different facial zones to target what you need handled. Looking for products that contain rose will also help to reduce any unwanted redness.
I've been reaching for two masks as of late, the Oskia Renaissance Mask. It's extremely thick and goopy, but it sinks in well into your skin. If you're looking for a mask to brighten and hydrate, this is the one for you. It has a similar scent to the cleansing gel, and (obviously) pairs well with it. This is a great mask to reach for once a week.
If you're really looking to focus on moisture, do check out the Glossier Moisturizing Moon Mask which does a kick-ass job of adding moisture back into your skin. It's lightweight, whipped, and really sinks into your skin.
Do opt for a lighter face oil. Lighter face oil? Is that even a thing? Kinda. Once you’ve tried a few you can tell apart those with a thicker consistency from those with a thinner formula. Go for a thinner and lighter oil as these will feel more comfortable on your skin as the weather warms up. Face oils are great as they help retain moisture and truly “plump up” your skin naturally. Use an oil by itself at night or mix a little with your moisturizer in the morning. Trust me — oils make all the difference.
The Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Serum is one that I've been reaching for a lot lately (mainly as I'm thiiiiis close to finishing it). I can definitely notice a difference when I use a face oil, regardless of what it is. This one is brightening and I'm actually looking into the day version. I have a sample of the Fresh Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil so I'm going to give that a try and maybe pick it up (if it works)!
My Sunday Riley Luna Oil (review here) will still be on rotation, but after using the Kiehl's one for a few weeks I definitely noticed that this one was a ton thicker. Once the nights get warmer I can visibly see this one being slightly more uncomfortable to use.
Take some time to “spring clean” your skin care routine. Switching out your heavier winter products with lighter spring ones can be beneficial for your skin and will leave you feeling fresh-faced and ready to take on this new season!
What are some skincare bits you like to transition in and out as the season change?