6 Essential Tips To Bring Your Skincare Into Spring

We all deal with different skin conditions. Some of us struggle with oily or dry skin, others deal with acne-prone skin and scarring that's lasted for decades, and still, many of us are focused on how age-related changes affect us. But let's be sure not to underestimate the seasons' impact on this oversized, protective organ we call our skin.  

For instance, 2011 research in The International Journal of Cosmetic Science shows that from winter to summer, women's facial skin produces an increase in sebum, an oily substance used to protect the skin. This leads to a higher level of hydration during the warmer seasons. At the same time, skin is prone to dryness because of increased sun exposure. Thus, our skincare regimen should account for these conditions. While there is no one-size-fits-all skincare regimen, there are some general skincare tips we can follow to ensure that our skin keeps up with the demands of the new season, like dealing with excess oil, switching up our products, and increasing our SPF. So, as winter melts into spring, here's what to keep in mind.

With the temperature rising and our sweat glands working hard to ensure our body temperature is right, we can look forward to an increase in dead skin. This can lead to dead skin cells getting caught on your skin's surface, which can lead to blocked pores and your skin feeling oilier than usual. And for those of us prone to acne and acne scars, anything we can do to minimize breakouts has our attention.

According to a 2011 study published in Functional Plant Science and Biotechnology, skin requires frequent exfoliation and hydration to stay healthy. This helps to keep pores free of excess oils from environmental toxins. The study reinforces that those with oily or acne-prone skin produce more dead skin cells than those with other skin ailments. So, if that's you, it's a good idea to make exfoliating your best friend to get rid of those excess oils. 

In warmer weather, heavy cleansers and moisturizers can clog the pores and prevent us from achieving the warm weather glow we're looking for. On this, consultant dermatologist Dr. Rinky Kapoor told The Indian Express that we should  " ... ditch the heavy emollients and switch to summer-friendly care products that will soothe, protect, and nourish your skin." You can opt for a light foaming cleanser or a light cooling moisturizer instead of a heavyweight alternative. You can even use cucumbers. In fact, 2012 research in Fitoterapia shows that applying cucumbers to the eyes has a cooling effect on the skin, helps to get rid of dirt, and helps soothe pain from sunburn.

Be sure not to skip moisturizing altogether, though. According to the study in Functional Plant Science and Biotechnology, poorly moisturized or dehydrated skin leads to "fractures" in the skin's "cellular barrier" causing it to become "tight and stretched." On the other hand, you also don't want to over-moisturize, as this can lead to your skin producing less moisture on its own. And while you're going for a lighter cleanser, you should avoid heavy makeup that can be harder to remove and contributes to dirt and oil in the skin.

While you may not bother with sunscreen all year long (although it's recommended), it's definitely not something you want to pooh-pooh during the warmer months when your skin will likely be exposed to the sun's rays for longer periods. The increased sun exposure damages skin cells, accelerates aging, and can lead to skin cancer due to ultraviolet radiation.

It's important to use sunscreen on all areas exposed to the sun, including your face. Unfortunately, relying on makeup with SPF may not cut it. According to an article written by Dr. Anna Lien-Lun Chien in Johns Hopkins Medicine, makeup with SPF is not enough to protect your face from sun exposure. She recommends using sunscreen with SPF 60 or higher if you're going to be outside.

If you're using medication for acne-prone skin, sunscreen can offset the side effects of acne medications. On this, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner told NBC that "many acne medications make your skin sensitive to sunburn," and sunscreen offers the necessary protection. Oil and fragrance-free sunscreens are also recommended for acne-prone skin.

Spring cleaning, meet our skincare collections. Whether you're dealing with a crowded vanity, an overflowing cosmetics drawer, or a stuffed-to-the-gills bathroom cabinet, the fresh winds of spring provide a perfect excuse to give your products a long-overdue clean-out. First, look for obvious discards like lipsticks you never wear, foundations or concealers in the wrong shade, or gifted products you simply don't need. This will help you cull the collection down to size.

Next, go through your remaining products with an eagle eye for their expiration dates. It's becoming increasingly well-known that makeup products from bronzer to mascara go bad. Still, it may surprise you that even skincare items like face cleansers can expire, leading to degradation and a loss of potency. Worse, old products can become infested with nasty bacteria that you don't want to spread across your skin. So, if half-used jars of expired clay masks or years-old moisturizers are still taking up space on your skincare shelf, it's definitely safer to let them go and treat yourself to fresh, new products.

Seasonal allergies are a bonafide pain. From watery eyes and sniffly noses to endless sneezing and an itchy throat, hay fever is one major downside to spring's blooming plant life. Sadly, these allergic reactions can also have a domino effect on your skin. As dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner explained to ENT of Georgia, "In predisposed people, exposure to allergens in the air can lead to widespread allergic skin rashes." Basically, your body goes on high alert as it struggles to fight off airborne allergens like pollen. This reaction can weaken your skin barrier, leaving it susceptible to irritants and increasing its sensitivity.

So, how can your skincare regimen help prevent an allergic meltdown? First and foremost, don't use products that might contribute to further sensitivity. Avoid irritating ingredients like parabens, phthalates, and chemical fragrances. Alcohol-heavy products may also be extra-drying, so avoid them wherever possible. Next, tackle your skin's sensitivity with calming skincare steps. Topical ingredients like aloe vera and chamomile are a good place to start, and gentle hydration from products containing ceramides and shea butter can help with allergy-driven dryness.

You may also want to incorporate a few extra products to help combat spring allergy symptoms like puffy eyes or chapped noses. Consider applying a gentle, non-comedogenic balm to dry patches that may be getting roughed up by your constant tissue usage. Meanwhile, a soothing, anti-inflammatory eye serum may help tame seasonal under-eye bags.

For many of us, "drink more water" is already on our to-do list, but this health and beauty commandment is even more vital during spring and summer's long, sunny days. Even if you hit your water goals throughout winter, you may need to pump up your hydration intake with the changing seasons.

"Typically, in the warmer spring and summer months people sweat more," physician and nutrition specialist Anne Park told Hackensack Meridian Medical Group. "Dehydration can cause your blood pressure to drop, which can make you feel like you are driving with an empty tank." As skincare aficionados know, hydration is also a key component of skin health. When your epidermis gets too thirsty, you may see signs that your skin is dehydrated, such as dullness, tightness, itching, heightened oil production, and more prominent fine lines.

To help maintain glowy, spring-ready skin, you must get enough hydration — not just from topical moisturizers but also from the inside out. Of course, drinking more H2O is always a good first step, but there are also other tricks to help you up your hydration. Take advantage of the growing season by introducing more moisture-rich foods to your diet, such as cucumbers, watermelon, grapefruit, cantaloupe, lettuce, tomatoes, and celery. If you struggle to drink "boring" water, try hydrating alternatives like unsweetened iced tea, unsweetened iced coffee (especially decaf), or water infused with fruits and herbs. Suddenly, hydrating has never been more delicious.