A change in seasons calls for a change in some of our skincare routines! The temperatures are rising (especially here in Texas!) and we're spending a lot more time outdoors, which means prioritizing protecting our skin against UV damage and incorporating more gentle exfoliation, along with using antioxidant-rich products.

Here are five tips for updating your Spring Skincare Routine:

#1 Switch to a light-weight moisturizer:

As temperatures rise and humidity levels increase during the spring months, your skin's hydration needs may change. Unlike the drier winter months, where heavy moisturizers are often necessary to combat harsh winds and indoor heating, springtime weather tends to be more moderate and conducive to lighter skincare products.

Using a heavy moisturizer designed for winter can potentially lead to a feeling of greasiness or heaviness on the skin during warmer weather. Therefore, transitioning to a lighter alternative such as a gel moisturizer can help maintain hydration without weighing down the skin.

Gel moisturizers typically have a lightweight, water-based formula that absorbs quickly into the skin, providing instant hydration without leaving behind a heavy residue.

In addition to a gel moisturizer, incorporating a hydrating serum into your skincare routine can further boost moisture levels and address specific skin concerns. Hydrating serums are formulated with potent ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and vitamin B5, which help attract and retain moisture in the skin's deeper layers. By layering a hydrating serum underneath your moisturizer, you can create a barrier that locks in moisture and leaves your skin feeling plump, smooth, and refreshed.

This lightweight approach not only provides adequate hydration but also helps prevent clogged pores and excess oil production, promoting a healthy and balanced complexion throughout the season.

Suggested Product: Hush Hydrate Gel by Hale & Hush, it’s deeply hydrating and calming, but doesn’t leave my skin feeling sticky or oily.

#2 Exfoliate:

Exfoliation is a crucial step in any skincare routine, but it's important to approach it with caution, especially for those with sensitive or easily irritated skin. During the winter months, cold temperatures, indoor heating, and reduced humidity levels can strip the skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry, flaky, and prone to dullness.

As we transition into spring, the warmer weather and increased humidity levels provide a more favorable environment for skin cell turnover and regeneration. This makes spring an ideal time to incorporate gentle physical exfoliation into your skincare regimen to slough off dead skin cells and reveal a smoother, brighter complexion.

However, it's essential to choose a physical exfoliant that is gentle on the skin and does not cause irritation or micro-tears. Look for products with finely milled particles or natural exfoliating agents, such as jojoba beads or rice bran, that gently buff away dead skin cells without causing damage or inflammation.

By exfoliating 1-2 times per week, you can help improve skin texture, enhance product absorption, and promote cell renewal, resulting in a more radiant and revitalized complexion. Just be sure to follow up with a hydrating moisturizer or serum to replenish lost moisture and protect the skin's barrier function and remember to exfoliate with care and listen to your skin's needs to avoid over-exfoliation or irritation.

Suggested Product: Refine Polish by Hale & Hush, this scrub features bio-degradable, and very gentle, Jojoba Esters and also includes ingredients that support the skin microbiome.

#3 Get serious about sunscreen:

Sun protection is a cornerstone of any skincare routine, and as we transition into spring, it becomes even more critical to safeguard our skin from the sun's harmful rays. With longer days and stronger sunlight, the risk of sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer increases, making diligent sun protection practices essential.

When selecting a sunscreen for springtime use, opt for a broad-spectrum formula with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays, offering comprehensive coverage against sun damage. Apply the sunscreen generously to all exposed areas of the skin, including the face, neck, décolletage, arms, and hands, ensuring thorough protection against UV radiation.

It's crucial to remember that sunscreen application is not a one-and-done task. Reapplication is key, especially if you're spending extended periods outdoors or participating in activities that may cause sweating or swimming. Aim to reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if you're sweating heavily or towel-drying.

Additionally, it's essential to recognize that sun exposure can occur even when you're indoors. UV rays can penetrate through windows, including those in cars and offices, exposing your skin to potential damage. Therefore, it's essential to apply sunscreen daily, regardless of whether you're spending time indoors or outdoors. Consider incorporating sunscreen into your morning skincare routine as the final step before makeup application, ensuring consistent protection throughout the day.

By prioritizing sun protection year-round and adopting consistent sunscreen habits, you can effectively shield your skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation and maintain a healthy, youthful complexion for years to come. Remember, sun protection is not just a seasonal concern but a daily necessity for skin health and longevity.

Suggested Product: To be determined! I'm planning to partner TIZO in the near future.

#4 Incorporate Vitamin C:

Vitamin C  is a powerhouse ingredient in skincare known for its numerous benefits for the skin. Its potent antioxidant properties play a vital role in protecting the skin from environmental stressors, particularly UV radiation from the sun.

One of the primary functions of Vitamin C is its ability to neutralize free radicals generated by UV exposure. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress, leading to cellular damage, premature aging, and an increased risk of sunburn. By scavenging these free radicals, Vitamin C helps to mitigate the harmful effects of UV radiation, reducing the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.

In addition to its antioxidant properties, Vitamin C also offers a range of other skincare benefits. It is renowned for its ability to brighten the complexion and even out skin tone by inhibiting the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Regular use of Vitamin C can help fade existing dark spots and prevent the formation of new ones, resulting in a more radiant and uniform skin tone.

Furthermore, Vitamin C stimulates collagen production in the skin, which is essential for maintaining firmness, elasticity, and overall skin health. Collagen is a structural protein that provides support and structure to the skin, helping to prevent sagging and wrinkles. By promoting collagen synthesis, Vitamin C helps to improve skin firmness and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, resulting in a smoother, more youthful complexion.

Moreover, Vitamin C can enhance the efficacy of sunscreen when used in conjunction with sun protection products. Studies have shown that Vitamin C can help stabilize and regenerate Vitamin E, another potent antioxidant found in the skin, further boosting the skin's defense against UV damage. By incorporating Vitamin C into your skincare routine, you can enhance the effectiveness of your sunscreen and provide your skin with comprehensive protection against environmental aggressors.

Overall, Vitamin C is a versatile skincare ingredient that offers a multitude of benefits for the skin, ranging from antioxidant protection to brightening and anti-aging effects. By incorporating Vitamin C into your daily skincare regimen, you can help protect, rejuvenate, and maintain the health and vitality of your skin for a radiant and youthful complexion.

Suggested Product: Rare C Serum by Hale & Hush, which has been proven to reduce pore size appearance by 20% in four weeks of use! Or, Skin Script RX Citrus-C Nourishing Cream, which not only brightens, but improves the skin’s ability to hold moisture and also strengthens the dermis!

#5 Stay hydrated:

We all know drinking plenty of water is important for maintaining healthy, hydrated skin year-round, but it's especially crucial as the weather warms up and you’re sweating more. As the weather transitions from cooler to warmer temperatures, maintaining adequate hydration becomes even more crucial.

When temperatures rise, our bodies naturally perspire more to regulate internal temperature, leading to increased fluid loss. As a result, it's essential to replenish lost fluids by staying hydrated from within and nourishing the skin externally.

Drinking plenty of water is vital for supporting overall hydration levels and ensuring the skin remains plump, supple, and radiant. Aim to consume at least 10 glasses of water a day, or more if you're engaging in strenuous physical activity or spending prolonged periods outdoors. Water helps to flush toxins from the body, regulate cellular function, and keep the skin hydrated from the inside out.

In addition to drinking water, incorporating hydrating foods into your diet can further support skin health and hydration. Fruits and vegetables with high water content, such as cucumbers, watermelon, strawberries, and leafy greens, provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that nourish the skin and promote hydration. These hydrating foods also help to replenish electrolytes lost through sweating, maintaining optimal hydration levels throughout the body.

For an extra boost of hydration, consider incorporating a serum containing hyaluronic acid into your skincare routine. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin, helping to plump and hydrate the skin's surface layers. Applying a hyaluronic acid serum before your moisturizer can enhance its efficacy and provide long-lasting hydration, leaving your skin feeling soft, smooth, and revitalized.

Finally, be sure to seal in moisture with a good moisturizer suited to your skin type and concerns. Look for lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas that contain hydrating ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, and natural oils to lock in moisture and protect the skin's barrier function.

Applying moisturizer immediately after cleansing or showering helps to trap moisture in the skin and prevent trans-epidermal water loss, keeping your skin hydrated and healthy throughout the day. Remember, hydrated skin is happy skin, so prioritize hydration both inside and out for a luminous and youthful complexion year-round.

Suggested Product: Skin Script RX Ageless Hydrating Serum, this serum includes Hyaluronic Acid as well as Peptides to plump and smooth the skin!

Updating your skincare routine for the spring season is essential for maintaining healthy, radiant skin in the face of changing weather and environmental factors. By following the five tips outlined in this post, you can ensure that your skin remains hydrated, protected, and rejuvenated throughout the season.

From switching to lightweight moisturizers and incorporating gentle exfoliation to prioritizing sun protection and harnessing the benefits of Vitamin C, each step plays a crucial role in achieving optimal skin health. Additionally, staying hydrated both internally and externally is key to keeping your skin looking and feeling its best.

By integrating these tips into your daily skincare regimen and selecting the recommended products tailored to your skin's needs, you will enjoy healthier, more radiant skin this spring.

Remember, consistency is key, so stick to your updated routine and enjoy the transformative effects on your complexion. Here's to embracing the new season with confidence and glowing skin!

Meet the Skincare Professional

Regina Thomas is a licensed Esthetician and Skin Therapist in San Antonio, Texas. Regina has been a practicing skincare professional for 8 years and specializes in treating acneic, sensitive and mature skin using a holistic, Corneotherapy approach.

Get in touch: TriadSkincare@gmail.com