Top Skin Care Tips for Spring

The melting snow and warm weather means that it is officially spring time. But did you know that the change in the seasons should signal a change in your skin care routine? As the temperature and humidity increase outside, it is important to adapt the products you use and your skincare routine to compensate for the weather-related fluctuations.

Follow these tips to keep your skin looking great this spring:
Exfoliate. Scrubbing the dry skin cells that accumulate from winter is the first thing you need to do to expose the new, healthy skin underneath. Use a loofah or coarse washcloth to apply a salt scrub all over your body before stepping into the shower. Look for or make a scrub that is geared to your skin type; people with dry skin will want a scrub featuring honey, oil, or milk, while those with oily skin will want to look for a scrub that uses oatmeal. Repeat this procedure three times a week throughout the spring for best results. Afterwards, apply the scrub at least once a week.

Drink more water. Spring means the arrival of warmer temperatures, which means you’re going to dehydrate faster than you did in the winter. Water will not only help your skin to stay hydrated, but it may also help you to lose a few pounds. Drinking water will prevent you from retaining the water your body already has, keeping your skin from stretching.

Pay attention to your hands. The skin on your hands receives some of the worst abuse of any skin on your body. Even when the rest of you was bundled up this winter, odds are your hands were exposed to the cold dry air every time you had to drive your car or check your cell phone. After exfoliating your hands with a salt scrub, use a moisturizing cream every night to avoid roughness and cracking.  

Don’t forget to pay attention to your feet. After stuffing them into layers of socks and boots for the winter, you probably haven’t taken a good look at your feet in months. Unfortunately, dry cracked feet will make it painful to walk, so it’s a good idea to stop any problems before they start. After exfoliating, use a pumice stone to remove calluses or areas of thick skin on your toes and heel. Avoid using razors since they can leave areas open to infection if not used properly. Use a moisturizer that is designed for the thicker skin that is found on feet, and apply every night before going to bed. You might also want to consider wearing socks to hold in the moisture while you sleep.

Use sunscreen. Even though it might not be bright enough outside to get a sunburn, that sunlight is still damaging your skin. If you can’t remember to put on sunscreen every morning, ladies should look for a foundation with an SPF rating. This will at least protect your face, an area with thin and easily damaged skin.

Make sure to get your vitamins. Vitamin A helps to prevent your skin from becoming dry and flaky, while Vitamin E helps to preserve collagen and aids in the prevention of wrinkles. Also, increase the amount of antioxidants you consume. These chemicals protect your skin and other organs from a variety of pollutants found in the air. While you can find all three of these important substances in spring fruits and vegetables, you might also want to consider taking a supplement to make sure you’re getting enough.

The snow is gone and springtime is in the air, so make sure that you adequately rehabilitate and protect your body from the ravages of the winter months. You’ll feel great, look amazing, and reap actual health benefits that will stay with you well beyond the first snowflakes of the next winter season.