Every year spring leaves me an year older and wiser and I kind of desperately wait for the blooms to take over the world around me before summer scorches everything down. Spring sits on the cusps of winter and summer, two extreme seasons which need a total overhaul of how we live.
So why should our skin be left behind ? Spring calls for a change in skincare and a detox to make sure that our skin is prepared to face the onslaught of harsh summer sun. Here are the things we can do to heal our dull, dry & parched post winter skin and usher in spring season with a enviable glow.
STEP NUMBER 1 : EXFOLIATE
Because winter slows down everything, including our skin cell turnover… yes, you got it right…dull, rough skin that won’t glow up no matter how much moisturizer you slather up. That’s where the exfoliation comes to rescue, the topmost superficial layer (stratum corneum) once shed would give way to smoother and brighter skin, provided you are not overdoing it. The physical exfoliation works great for normal skins while the acne prone or sensitive skin should be exfoliated chemically with hydroxy acids or retinoids.
My favorite physical exfoliators are Forest Essentials Soundarya Ubtan, https://amzn.to/2Cy8iMW
Pahadi Local Apricotmeal scrub and Kama Ayurveda Mridul face cleanser, used once or twice a week as per the need. Don’t rub them too hard or for too long and you should be good to go.https://amzn.to/3fOqLTG
Chemical exfoliation can be done with products containing retinol (RoC anti wrinkle concentrate, https://amzn.to/2Cy8iMW
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Recovery Serum https://amzn.to/39dBpRC are my top picks) or using hydroxy acids like Glycolic acid and lactic acid as cleansers (Lumise face wash, Dermalogica skin resurfacing cleanser https://amzn.to/32F5Bnp are good bets) or as an in office chemical peels in supervision of a reputed dermatologist.
Make sure the exfoliation is done gently because if overdone it may leave you with dry patches, dark spots and red sensitive skin.
STEP 2: MOISTURISE
Yes, continue the moisturizing ritual started off in winters but please make way for lighter non comedogenic hydrators in place of your regular heavy duty winter moisturizers. So ditch those heavy creams and opt for light facial oils like JhelumLoves Elixir face oil with soothing lavender oil, Clinique Moisture Surge range which has hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture with a gel like texture, Forest Essentials Aloevera gel https://amzn.to/30x9s3d and Oryza lotion from Alembic. Steer clear of moisturizers with beeswax, lanolin, mineral oil as they may lead to sudden acne breakouts by blocking the pores. Read your labels well.
STEP 3: UP YOUR SPF GAME
Sun protection is something which should be a part of your skincare all the year round. Nevertheless, spring and summers have sun rays suddenly becoming stronger and more harsh. Also the exfoliated skin is more prone to sun damage, further increasing the need to protect your skin from sun and UV light. My personal favorites include Neutrogena Ultra Sheer sunblock https://amzn.to/3fMv9mo , Avene Very High Protection cream/ emulsion(oily skin) https://amzn.to/3hsio0N , Forest Essentials Day Lotion (madurai jasmine & mogra) https://amzn.to/2OJuaYa, Z-block sunscreen from ethicare remedies to name a few. Find the one that suits you and apply religiously.
Follow these three simple steps and you should be glowing enough to face summer heat with chilled out skin.
Happy Glowing!!
P.S. Any products featured on the blogs are items that I love and have handpicked. Whilst at times I may receive a small commission on affiliate links, please be rest assured that I would never recommend anything I don’t truly believe in.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
Dr Ankita Singh 