SPRING SKINSAVERS
A few days officially into spring – though the constant hide-and-seek we play with the sun might state otherwise – time has come to leave behind all that had to do with the frigidity of the wintry rain in favour of the gentle fragrances, the vivid sounds and the myriad of verdant greens brought by the months of rebirth. Taking cue from Mother Nature – just as the gardens throw off their subdued colours to in favour of the vibrant petals of pansies and daffodils – time has come for us embrace the new season with happy, radiant and super-healthy complexions. And because getting rid of the dry, parchment-like sensation winter has left on our faces requires a bit of hard-work and dedication, I browsed the web, searching for the best tips and tricks to restore our natural, healthy glow. The map of 5 essential skincare routes we need to follow, down-below.
EXFOLIATE WISELY
The heavy moisturizers we used during winter, the low humidity and the dry air inside each room caused the death of the skin cells sitting on the surface of our complexions, leaving our faces sallow and dry. All we have to do is scrub the dead cells away, forcing the body to create new, healthy ones. The skin is super-sensitive after the cold season, so don’t use scrubs containing walnut shells or apricot pits. My personal favorite is Dr. Lancer’s Polish – it contains exfoliating beads, plant enzymes and a warming element that helps remove the dead surfaces, boosting natural cell turnover for a fresher, younger feel. Super easy to apply, all you have to do is massage a small quantity over the face and neck, avoiding the eye area, then rinse with warm water.
PEEL ONCE A MONTH
A chemical peel is the best solution if you aim for softer, younger-looking skin – it stimulates the growth of new cells and the production of collagen. However, the using of a professional acid peel at home can be a tricky business, as it might irritate your skin. Choose a milder formula or make an appointment to the dermatologist in case you don’t want to take any chances.
USE A LIGHT MOISTURIZER
The days of the heavy moisturizer we used during winter are over as in spring, our skin gets oilier – choose the creams rich in vitamin E and alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids, which refresh dry skin. If you have nothing against Retinol, now would be a good time to start using it again – it improves the complexion’s overall appearance, fighting acne and reducing fine wrinkles. My favorite spring moisturizer is Purely Nourishing Moisturizer from BareMinerals – it improves skin’s elasticity and texture while restoring its firmness.
USE EYE MASKS
Usually spring’s daylight saving affect all of us, making it hard for us to deal with the new day-night cycle. The longer the day lasts, the more we shift our bed time, making it difficult for us to wake up in the morning. As no one wants to hear “you look tired” on a daily basis, the best thing to do is to treat the unwanted under-eye bags with dark-circle removing masks. You can use them everynight, or just a few times a week, depending on the results you aim for. My favorites are The VII Code Oxygen Eye Mask lines – soaked in a variety of special plant extractions (Ecological Oxygen Plant Extraction) and deep sea biological extracts, they help activating cells memory around eyes, rejuvenating them to absorb oxygen again. The best part is VII Code works while we sleep, transmitting numerous impulses to the deep layer of skin and promoting the cells metabolism. The immediate effects are addicting, after one use the around the eye dark circles will dramatically reduce, leaving your eyes much brighter due to all the oxygen-producing plant extracts your skin just absorbed.
STOCK UP ON SPF
Protecting our skin of the sun’s rays is crucial all year round but now, that the weather’s warmer we tend to spend more and more time in the open air. Using broad spectrum sunblock – with SPF 30 or higher – keeps you safe from the UV radiations that affect your skin in early spring with the same intensity as during summer, producing irreparable damage. My go-to is Kiehl’s since 1851 Activated Sun Protector due to its non-greasy airy formula that leaves the skin smooth and protected. The fact that its water resistant is a big plus.
