Skin changes through the seasons, just as outfits do. We often dress in layers during the spring - and it's best to follow the same approach with your skin care routine.
The condition of your skin is determined by its environment. While we enjoy more sunshine, fresh air, and warmer weather, it can certainly take a toll. Spring also often means allergies are in full swing.
As the weather gets warmer, sweat and oil production may start to increase. As allergies rise, skin can also experience rashes, like patchy eczema, and rough skin. And depending on where you live, you might find that pre-existing problems lingered after a particularly harsh winter.
There's no need to fret. What you're experiencing is extremely common. A spring refresh on your daily products will help combat the skin conditions you're dealing with while boosting hydration.
What's Your Skin Type?
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to treat all skin types. However, by understanding your skin type, you'll be able to make informed decisions on how to give it the care and protection it needs.
This applies whether you're experiencing unusual dark spots, fine lines, or overly sensitive skin. There's a simple hack you can do at home to determine if your skin is oily, dry, or a combo of the two. Wash your face with a cleanser and wait for 30-minutes to an hour. Take a piece of tissue paper and blot your face.
- If your natural oils saturate the paper, you have oily skin.
- If there is oil just in the t-zone area, it indicates combination skin.
- If your skin feels very taut or tight, you have dry skin.
- You have normal skin if you don't feel anything or see anything.
It Might Be Time To Change Your Facial Cleanser
While supplements are great, getting your face wash right is more important! A basic skincare regimen, really all that entails is a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen.
You're already ahead of the game if you're doing those three things. There are many wonderful options available at the drugstore. Below is a recommended list, pending how oily or dry your skin feels.
- Foaming or gel-based cleansers are best if you have oily skin, like the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser and La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial Cleanser.
- Those with combination skin should use a hydrating cream-based wash, like the CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser and the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser.
- Cream-based and hydrating cleansers are the correct remedy for dry skin, like the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser and Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser.
A face wash like VidaDerma’s Gentle Antioxidant Soothing Cleanser is a versatile option for all skin types. The soap-free formula removes tough oil and makeup to refresh and nourish the skin.
Favorite cleansers for dry skin
Favorite cleansers for normal/combination skin
Favorite cleansers for oily skin
Let's Talk About Moisturizers
Heavier creams are great for dry skin - especially during the winter. As temperatures and humidity increase, you can swap them for lighter formulations.
If you have combo to oily skin, thick moisturizers can do more harm than good during the warmer seasons, especially if you're prone to sweating, getting hot, or acne breakouts. Lightweight, fast-absorbing gel moisturizers are less likely to plug pores than those formulated with oil.
If you deal with dry or mature skin, I’d recommend the VidaDerma Lipid Replenishing Cream from Skintap, as it locks in moisture! This soft cream replenishes nourishment to help visibly improve elasticity and texture, while still being fast absorbing. How hydrating you want your moisturizer to be is up to you!
Favorite moisturizes for dry skin
Favorite moisturizers for oily skin or acne-prone skin
Favorite moisturizers for normal/combination skin
Let’s talk about Sunscreens
We all know the importance of sunscreen to protect against skin cancer, sun spots, accelerated aging, or damaged skin.
There are many formulations out there that have moisturizing properties in it, so if you don’t have dry skin, you can skip right to a moisturizing sunscreen.
VidaDerma’s Sheer Physical Sunscreen and Essential Mineral Tinted SPF 50 Sunscreen are two dermatologist recommended options. The first is formulated to visibly brighten your skin and provide a second layer of defense throughout the day. Its moisturizing base is infused with finely milled Zinc Oxide for superior protection from harmful UVA/UVB rays.
The second is a light broad-spectrum sunscreen with a tint and 40-minute water resistant formula. Not only is it perfect for sensitive skin, but also combats skin aging associated with harsh UV rays.
Favorite sunscreens for dry skin, normal, and combination skin
Favorite sunscreens for oily skin
It's Time For Spring Cleaning!
If you haven't already, it's time to reevaluate your relationship with some of the products you love and upgrade your arsenal. Keep in mind that your skin is prone to going through changes at any time, not just in the spring. Making minor changes now can create lasting results in the long run. If you have questions, reach out to your local skin dermatologist!
