Kelly Swann, aesthetic nurse and skincare expert at Swann Beauty (Newcastle, England), shares tips and tricks to keeping skin healthy this season.
As the season slowly changes and temperatures begin to rise, people are preparing their homes and gardens for the annual big clean, but many are unaware that your skincare routine needs a good spring cleaning, too. “As the seasons change, so should your skincare routine,” says Swann. "It’s easy to forget that your skin’s needs evolve throughout the year, products expire, and brushes and sponges need cleaning, but these are essential steps in keeping your skin happy and healthy year-round."
Why you should spruce up your skincare in time for spring:
With spring comes a shift in the environment and the conditions around you, these things have a surprising impact on the skin and the way it reacts. Here are the four major changes that need to be considered:
Weather: “Spring often brings unpredictable weather, with rising temperatures and humidity," says Swann. "These changes can lead to oiliness, breakouts, and skin sensitivity. Switching from heavy winter creams to lightweight, oil-free products can help tackle these issues.”
Skin cell turnover: "As temperatures rise, your skin's cell turnover speeds up, leading to the production of new skin cells at a faster rate," says Swann. "This can result in sensitivity, dryness, and clogged pores. Incorporating gentle exfoliation into your skincare routine can help address these issues and give your skin a fresh, glowing appearance."
Season allergies: “Spring allergies such as hayfever can contribute to skin irritation, redness and itchiness," says Swann. "Introducing more anti-inflammatory products, such as niacinamide and aloe vera, into your routine will soothe your skin.”
Spring sunshine: “As we spend more time in the sun, protecting your skin from UV rays is crucial," says Swann. "Switching to a higher SPF or adding a physical sunscreen to your routine will help prevent skin damage.”
Spring cleaning checklist:
Recognizing how these changing factors affect your skin is important, but having an action plan is just as crucial. To help, Swann has created a checklist to guide you in spring-cleaning your skincare routine.
Check your expiration dates:
Surprisingly, many people forget that skincare and makeup products have expiration dates but, just like food, they can go bad over time. Using expired products can cause irritation, breakouts, infections, and even allergic reactions. To keep your skin healthy, always check that your products are still within their shelf life.
Wash your brushes:
Many people overlook the importance of cleaning their makeup brushes. However, brushes and sponges accumulate bacteria, oils, and product buildup, which can lead to breakouts and skin irritation. A simple wash can help keep your skin clear and healthy.
Simply fill a small bowl with warm water, and wet your brushes. Apply a small amount of soap and gently lather the brush with sweeping back and forth motions in your palm. Rinse your brushes in the warm water, and lay out on a clean towel to dry.
Refresh your skincare:
As spring arrives, swap out heavy winter creams for lightweight, water-based products that gently hydrate and keep your skin glowing. Focus on exfoliating cleansers, hydrating serums, and high SPF to nourish your skin whilst protecting it from seasonal changes.
Recycle your empties:
Now it’s time to declutter and get rid of those empty bottles and expired products that have been clogging up your drawers. Many drugstores have taken the step to a more sustainable way of discarding your empty products through recycling programs. So where can you recycle your leftover packaging?