6 Spring Clean Skin Tips

Spring is upon us. Time to shed the old winter blues and skin routines as well.

The following is a bit of an oldie but they go through 6 very important tips that we might have forgotten to keep our skin vibrant and healthy. Remember that with spring, also comes more time with UV and the sun so let’s check out what is offered by everydayhealth.com:


 

Just like you deep-clean your house and swap your winter wardrobe with lighter clothing, it’s important to update your skin care regimen and start fresh when warm weather arrives. “In general, spring is a time for skin to improve,” says Jami Miller, MD, a dermatologist at Vanderbilt Dermatology in Nashville, Tennessee. The frigid temps and dry air of winter make skin itchy, and tend to worsen skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis, explains Dr. Miller. About 90 percent of people with rosacea say that changing seasons affects their condition, with about half experiencing an increase in symptoms, according to the National Rosacea Society. So as the weather warms up, try these expert tips to switch up your spring skin care routine for radiant, healthy skin.

Swap Moisturizer for Lighter Lotion

In warm, humid weather, you’re more likely to sweat when you’re out and about. For spring skin care, swap your heavy moisturizer for a lighter lotion if your skin is normal, or skip it altogether if you have oily, acne-prone skin. “Often, you can change from thick creams in jars to thinner ones that pump from the bottle,” Miller says. However, if you have very dry skin, eczema, or psoriasis, you may need a heavier, creamy moisturizer year round.

Bathe More Frequently

If you avoided frequent bathing during the dry winter, spring is a good time to return to a daily shower or bath, as you’ll likely be sweating more. But don’t overdo it. “Bathing more than once a day, even in summer, should be avoided if possible due to over-drying of the skin,” Miller says. If you shower more than once daily, moisturize damp skin to lock in moisture, and only use soap for one shower a day, simply rinsing off with water during your next shower.

Exfoliate for a Healthy Glow

Exfoliating can slough off dry, dead skin cells after the winter months and restore a fresh glow to the skin. “Gentle exfoliation once a week helps moisturizers absorb into skin, evens skin texture, and if you use self-tanners, helps them go on more evenly and last longer,” Miller says. Use caution if you have rosacea, warns the National Rosacea Society, and avoid harsh scrubbing or grainy products that may irritate the skin and cause a flare.

Monitor Your Sun Time

The sun can be friend or foe depending on your skin condition. A little sun may improve psoriasis symptoms, the National Psoriasis Foundation notes. But it’s important to avoid sunburns, which can cause a psoriasis flare, says Marisa Potter, MD, a dermatologist at the Baumann Cosmetic Research Institute in Miami. “Also, people with rosacea are prone to increased facial redness, which can worsen in spring,” Dr. Potter explains. Remember to avoid excess sun exposure and wear hats, clothing, and sunscreen for added protection.

Slather on the Sunscreen

While it’s important to wear sunscreen all year long, bumping up to at least an SPF 30 for spring and summer is a good idea, Miller says. Opt for a waterproof, broad-spectrum sunscreen and re-apply throughout the day; a light mist or gel sunscreen can feel lighter and prevent clogged pores (especially important for acne-prone skin). If you have extremely light-sensitive skin, because of diseases like lupus, you may need extra SPF protection, she says. Remember to cover your face, arms, legs, neck, chest, and any other areas exposed to the sun.

Let Your Skin Shine

Spring is a great time to let your skin go au natural and lighten up on the makeup. Warmer days mean sweating, which can leave a mess on your face if you wear a lot of makeup and can lead to clogged pores and acne. Lay off the foundation as part of your spring skin care routine. “Heavy foundations cover well but tend to collect in pores, on dry areas, and in lines,” Miller says. To prevent clogged pores, stick to a lighter foundation or skip it altogether in the spring.

Original article here: EVERYDAYHEALTH.com