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Spring is in full force and the days are finally starting to feel just a little longer. So while your wardrobe transitions to flowy fabrics, it’s time to also lighten up your beauty routine. We’re not saying change everything, but there are a few easy tweaks that’ll help you look and feel great until Labor Day. With days of sunny skies, picnics, and dining al fresco ahead, comes humidity, sweat, and heat. To help prevent clogged pores, frizz, and other warm-weather related beauty disasters, keep reading for some seasonal transitions. It’s time to edit your routine and welcome spring.
Think of your skin like the weather. Sometimes you need an umbrella and other times you need a light jacket. What your skin needs changes daily. When looking through your products, make sure to check expiration dates. If something smells funky or has changed in color, chances are you should toss it. Here are a few tips to prep your skin for the brighter days ahead.
Look for an oil-removing cleanser to help control excess sebum, as your skin generally produces more oils when it’s humid. Opt for one that foams up (like Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser) to cut through oil and sweat, or one with salicylic acid for an even deeper clean.
There are two options when picking an exfoliator: chemical and physical. Don’t let the word chemical scare you away, as formulas are usually more gentle than physical scrubs. Look for ingredients like AHAs, BHAs, or PHAs. They’ll visibly brighten the skin and help improve texture over time. There’s a reason why Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is a staple in almost every skincare junkie’s rotation. If you prefer a physical exfoliant, avoid harsh or jagged exfoliants like ground-up shells that can cause tears in the surface of the skin. The Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Exfoliator will give you a gentle, yet satisfyingly deep cleanse.
Facial oils may have gotten you through the winter, but it’s time for thinner formulas that hydrate, as higher humidity levels allow your skin to hold more water. Sticking with a thick winter moisturizer can lead to clogged pores, inflammation, and acne. Your go-to spring/summer moisturizer should plump up your skin without feeling heavy. If you’re dry, look for a lighter cream or lotion formula like Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb. For combination skin, try a gel moisturizer like Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel. Even if you’re super oily, you shouldn’t skip out on the moisturizer. A hydrating serum like Moon Juice Plump Jelly Hydrating Serum will keep you dewy without feeling sticky.
You should be wearing sunscreen all year long, especially in the summer months which are typically met with higher sun exposure. Moisturizers and foundations with SPF don’t count. It’s more important than ever that your skincare routine includes diligent sunscreen application of SPF 30 or higher. Excess sun exposure can lead to premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and melasma. Luckily, sun protection has come a long way. Both physical and chemical formulas provide excellent protection without leaving a white cast (check out dermatologist favorite EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46). The best SPF, whether mineral or chemical, should be a texture that you enjoy using daily. Keep experimenting until you find one that works well for you.
The sun affects more than your skin. If you’re going to be outside all day, avoid parting your hair or apply sunscreen to where your scalp is exposed. Use a spray or sprinkle on a powder sunscreen to avoid greasy roots. If you’re worried about gray roots, Supergoop (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder SPF 35 comes in four shades. For even more protection, try a hat or, if taking a dip in the ocean or pool, a leave-in treatment. Rahua Hydration Detangler + UV Barrier smoothes hair and protects against harmful UV rays.
It might sound counterintuitive, but you should hydrate your hair in the summer even more than you normally would. Frizz happens when dry hair expands to pull in moisture from the air. Using a hydrating shampoo and conditioner with proteins plus a hair mask once or twice a week creates a good foundation. For our coily friends, switch silicone products to a lighter formula. Styling milk will define without weighing curls down. The Camille Rose Curl Love Moisture Milk hydrates and holds without the crunchy feeling.
We get it. It’s hot. After a day at the beach, swimming in chlorine, or just plain old sweating, showering more often is inevitable. To protect your skin, rinse it right away using cool water, especially if you spent all day at the pool. You’ll want to use a moisturizing body wash followed immediately with lotion to replenish your skin. Sol De Janeiro’ Brazilian 4 Play Moisturizing Shower Cream-Gel paired with Weleda Skin Food Body Butter after a day in the sun will make your skin feel brand new.
Who doesn’t want glowing, smooth skin from head to toe? Increased time in the sun causes sweat, dirt, and oil to get trapped under the skin that can cause breakouts. Use a cleanser with an antibacterial like salicylic acid once a week. Benzoyl peroxide also works, but can bleach your towels and clothes. The two ingredients encourage the removal of dead skin cells to prevent areas, like your chest and back, from breaking out. Proactiv Deep Cleansing Wash works without drying out your skin. If bumps on your arms and legs are a concern, apply an exfoliating lotion with AHAs. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow AHA Pink Dream Body Cream will help smooth them all the time. It’s gentle enough for daily use and sinks right in.
