Spring Cleaning For Your Beauty Regime

Winter has come to an end and warm weather is merely weeks away. We don’t know about you, but we’re definitely ready! Many of us are looking forward to saying goodbye to dry, itchy skin; but the warmer months may mean new challenges for your skin. As the temperature rises, many of us experience excess oil and clogged pores, which can lead to breakouts. Here are some tips to prepare your skin for the upcoming weather changes and stay looking your best!

1. Start your spring cleaning in the bathroom

Old products and brushes harbour bacteria that lead to clogged pores, causing dull looking skin and acne. Check the back of your products for information on how long the product is good for once opened – this is usually sometime between 6 and 12 months. Throw away any old products and deep clean your brushes regularly to keep bacteria buildup at bay. A little trick I like to use: throw your makeup brushes in the dishwasher, the high heat will kill bacteria!

2. Ditch the heavy foundation

Instead, opt for a tinted moisturizer or BB cream with SPF. This will allow your skin to breathe better during the hot summer months, cutting down on clogged pores leading to acne. Plus, you can never have too much SPF.

3. Try a face oil, such as jojoba or squalene oil

I know what you’re thinking, add more oil to my face?! It seems counter-productive, but experts say it’s a key element to any skincare routine. Using oil breaks down dirt that would otherwise lead to breakouts, offer free-radical protection and improve skin tolerance. Mix oil with your daily moisturizer to add extra hydration. A favourite at our clinic is Janssen face oil; the super light-weight formula leaves skin feeling amazing.

4. Double cleanse!

 Start with a face oil to dislodge any grime on your skin, then rinse off with water before washing again with your regular facial cleanser. This process allows for your cleanser to really do its job and let your skin reap the full benefits of the ingredients. I recommend a pH balancing cleanser to help your skin combat the changes in climate. Just a reminder – your face should never feel “squeaky clean”. If it does, you may be stripping natural oils and causing further problems.

5. Switch to a gentle exfoliant

 Some people make the mistake of only exfoliating in the winter, but your skin needs renewal all year round! Dead skin cells lead to clogged pores, which lead to breakouts. It is recommended you exfoliate twice a week or every other day, depending on your skin type, in order to keep your skin looking and feeling fresh.

6. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

 While drinking your eight glasses of water is a given, taking baths is another great way to hydrate your skin. It seems like a winter staple, but keeping your skin hydrated year round is important in order for your skin products to work their best. Finding a serum containing hyaluronic acid, like Skin Medica’s HA 5, will also benefit your skin, as it not only hydrates but also boosts elasticity in your skin.

7. Ask the experts

 If you find that you experience regular skin flare-ups during temperature changes, you may want to chat with a skin care specialist. There are endless amounts of products available and an overwhelming amount of information to take in. The truth is, skin care is not an exact science. We can only promise to do our best to work with you to find products that not only feel nice on your skin, but that actually deliver on their promises.