NEW SEASON, NEW SKINCARE REGIMEN

The air is fresh, the birds are chirping, and early spring is alive with signs of the coming summer. Like many of you reading this article, we’ve been out enjoying the sunshine and even spending a bit of time by the water. As we progress into early summer, life in California just gets better and better.

…For most of us, anyway.

SPRING CLEAN YOUR SKINCARE REGIMEN

The unfortunate thing about a brand-new spring season is that it can totally throw your skincare regimen off-track. The products you normally use might suddenly seem too oily, too drying, or even irritating when they worked just fine all winter long.

Particularly sensitive people might also see breakouts (tied to oil production), early sun irritation, flaking, or even a resurgence of allergy-related conditions, like dermatitis and eczema.

Even if all you experience is a shift in the need for sunscreen (psst…you should be wearing it year-round!), spring is still a time of change.

ADJUST YOUR CLEANSER

In winter, many people need to switch to a gentler, less abrasive cleanser with moisturizing effects to mitigate cold-weather concerns. That’s why so many experts recommend cream or oil-based cleansers during cooler weather months. Without them, people often begin to experience flaking, dryness, and tightness.

Now that the warmer weather is here, that’s all about to change. Higher temperatures increase oil production, make you sweat more, and also cause pores to open up, making them more likely to become clogged with debris.

If you’re finding your skin feels greasy, oily, or just plain heavy, this may be your problem. Lighter, less moisturizing foam cleansers can help you cope.

ADD A GENTLE EXFOLIATOR

Exfoliation is kind of taboo in the winter because it can have double-whammy effect on sensitive skin, causing widespread irritation. This is because scrubbing at your skin strips away natural oils (dirt and debris, too; it isn’t all bad) which often leaves skin excessively dry.

Once spring rolls around, you can start reintroducing gentle exfoliation if it normally benefits you. Just be sure not to rush the process. Start with a light, barely-there facial scrub and use a gentle hand. Move to more intense exfoliation if needed, like a cleanser with exfoliating beads or even a simple sugar scrub.

Still not happy with your results? A facial or dermaplaning might help. We’ll talk more about those options next.

GET REGULAR FACIALS (TO WASH YOUR SPRING SKIN WOES AWAY)

When was the last time you had a facial? If the answer is last August, it is high time for you to head back into the spa for a little bit of maintenance. Alright; maybe this is 50% about re-balancing your skin and 50% just a fun way to treat yourself. We admit it!

But here’s the facts: facials really are one of the best ways to turn things around if you find yourself suddenly at the mercy of angry, irritated, or oily skin as the seasons change. Your medical provider can help you soothe, ease, and relax that skin, not to mention identifying any treatable issues and recommending the best products for you as life moves forward into summer.

Is your issue less about oil, and more about blemishes – or maybe even conditions like rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema? Have no fear; there are facials for these concerns, too. Whatever your issue, there’s almost certainly a facial to help you improve how you look and how you feel.

BOOK A DERMAPLANING APPOINTMENT

Familiar with dermaplaning yet? If not, you need to know about this incredible, perfect-skin-creating, ideal spring treatment option.

Dermaplaning involves running a very sharp razor shaped like a scalpel across the skin at an angle. If this sounds like shaving, you’d be correct – but hair removal is really only one tiny part of the benefits. A dermaplaning blade also “shaves” away dead skin cells, debris, excess oils, exterior blackheads, and other unsavory skin issues, leaving you looking (and feeling) younger, fresher, and more rejuvenated.

The best part? It’s fast, painless, and effortless. You can have the entire session finished in just 10 or 15 minutes. Pair it with a facial and fall in love with how soft your skin feels (and how easy and even your cosmetics apply) afterward. We think you’ll make it a new favorite option when you come.

USE A LIGHTER MOISTURIZER

You’ve switched up your moisturizing cleanser, and you’re exfoliating (gently). But it’s still not working; you’re greasy, oily, and sad about it. What gives?

If you’re still using the same moisturizer you used all winter, you might be sabotaging your routine without realizing. Heavy cream moisturizers (especially night creams, which are intensely hydrating) are fantastic for beating dry winter skin. Unfortunately, they can also be hell on spring and summer skin, melting and becoming greasy in warmer temperatures.

To fix this issue, try switching to an oil-free moisturizer instead. Or, skip the moisturizer in the morning and only moisturize at night. Play with the frequency and formula until you find what works for you.

CLEANSE YOUR FACE MORE (MAYBE…)

Wait, what? Yes, you read that header right. Some people really do seem to need to fit in an extra washing session throughout the day.

If you spend a lot of time outside in the sun (beach time, anyone?), exercise outdoors, or spend a lot of time in a busy downtown core, changing conditions may accelerate how fast your skin becomes “dirty.” The more you sweat, the more oil you produce; the more oil you produce, the easier it is for environmental toxins, dust, debris, and cosmetics to stick to your skin. But there’s a catch!

(This is where the “maybe” comes in…)

It’s really easy to overdo it. If you’re cleansing three to four times a day with the same soap you normally use, it’s probably going to be overkill.

If you have the time, rinse your skin with lukewarm water (no soap!) when you get home from work or play. Water is enough to remove any excess oils and debris. If you scrub or use soap, you might push yourself too far in the other direction.

Once a week, use a deep-cleansing facial product (something with Vitamin C, preferably) to detoxify, cleanse, and clarify. This weekly self-indulgence session will  clarify and cleanse away environmental toxins, free radicals, and debris.

Last but not least? Don’t forget to use a higher SPF before every outdoor adventure. Stronger sunshine means stronger UVA/UVB rays – and that means your skin needs additional protection, too. Try an SPF 60 vs 30 or lower. Happy spring!