5 ways to transition your skin into spring
Surviving winter is a small feat, even though it happens to be ever year (at least in most parts of the country). However, the seasonal change can also wreak havoc on our skin. Why is that? Our skin barrier is very fragile. After months of freezing temperatures and dry air, then all of a sudden allergy season, increased sunlight exposure, and rising temperatures… well… no wonder our skin goes a little nuts.
Want to know how your skin can seamlessly transition from winter to spring without any unwanted surprises? Here’s a list of some simple things you can do to help your skin survive the seasonal shift.
Ease Up On Chemical Exfoliants
Your sensitive skin barrier is exposed to a lot in the spring/summer, so I recommend cutting back on any of your products that cause rapid exfoliation. I’m talking about ingredients like Retinol, Glycolic Acid, and other acids (Hyaluronic Acid is fine because that’s actually hydrating, not exfoliating.) Instead, use a gentle, physical exfoliant 1-2x a week.
Keep Your Skin Hydrated Throughout The Day
Does this sound like something I may have already said before? Well, it is, because drinking as much water as you can in all seasons of the year is the most important thing you can do for your skin. Topically, I suggest spritzing your skin throughout the day with a Hydrating Mist and a good Antioxidant Oil at night.
Antioxidants, probiotics and Manuka Honey
Ok so I guess that’s technically 3 things, but it made more sense for me to group these together.
Antioxidants help to fight off the environmental stresses that attack our skin’s fragile barrier. You can find antioxidants in food, vitamins, and topically in many skin products, including mine.
Probiotics help to balance our hormones, another reason our skin may change during spring. You can take a probiotic but sometimes eating them can be cheaper, and a lot tastier. Yogurt (non-dairy yogurts also have them now), Kombucha, kimchi, and my personal favorite sauerkraut, has plenty. Try what you like and consume it daily!
As for Manuka, this magical New Zealand honey is incredible for fixing skin irritation, as it is antibacterial as well as calming. Buy a high quality brand with a high EMF factor. You can also get a combination of antioxidants and Manuka Honey, in this mask.
Getting A Professional Facial
Sticking with a proper skincare regimen is super important, but there is nothing like getting a facial from a qualified esthetician. Aside from exfoliating and using masks (things you can and should be doing at home), during a facial your esthetician will do proper extractions (removing blackheads and other types of skin build-up) as well as use a variety of face massage techniques to lift and rejuvenate the skin, and also help detox your lymphatic system, your body’s toxin super highway. Plus they feel amazing! Find an organic facial near me.
Detox
Spring is the perfect time to put yourself on a food detox. I have written about my experiencing with detoxing in the past here on my blog, but for you detoxing can be as simple as cutting out anything that is going to cause problems with your digestive system and liver. Cut out system aggravators such as alcohol, caffeine, meat, dairy, soy, and gluten while adding in easily digestible foods that are rich in fiber and vitamin content.
Some examples are:
any dark, leafy green
broccoli
cauliflower
zucchini
asparagus
peas
string beans
root vegetables
organic berries
melons
beans, especially mung beans
soaked nuts (it makes them easier to digest)
gluten-free grains (quinoa, millet, amaranth, buckwheat, teff)
herbal tea
herbs
… and lots of ginger and turmeric on everything!
Want more ways of helping your skin transition into the warmer months? Feel free to email me, or set up a facial at either my Greenpoint, Brooklyn location inside USHA VEDA YOGA or The Skincare Suite in Atlantic Highlands, NJ.