Navigating the transition in skin care can be a challenge. As we leave behind the harshness of winter yet have not fully embraced summer’s warmth, our skin might still appear a bit lackluster. Fortunately, a touch of care and some natural skin care products can transform our complexions from dull to radiant.
Exfoliate—head to toe
To shed the dry, flaky skin cells, make sure to exfoliate throughout your body. Remember to be gentle: limit exfoliation to a couple of times a week, especially if you have sensitive skin or a history of allergies, which may require extra caution.
For Your Face
There are two main categories of exfoliants suitable for facial skin. Neither one is superior; it’s essential to select the type that aligns with your individual skin needs.
- Physical exfoliants feature tiny beads that rely on friction to eliminate dead skin cells. Avoid those made with synthetic microplastics, as they can pollute waterways and pose risks to aquatic life. Instead, consider a mild scrub made with sugar or oatmeal, or one containing nourishing jojoba beads.
- Chemical exfoliants utilize naturally derived acids to help remove dry, flaky skin. A notable option is alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), typically sourced from fruit acids. To minimize sensitivity, begin with a lower concentration and remember that these can heighten sun sensitivity.
For Your Lips
To rejuvenate chapped or flaky lips, gentle exfoliation is key. Seek out a natural lip scrub from your local health store, or create your own by mixing natural cane sugar, honey, and a vegetable oil (like coconut or olive oil) and massaging it into your lips with a cloth or your fingertips. Always follow up with a nourishing lip balm.
For Your Body and Feet
A variety of sugar- or salt-based body scrubs can be found at natural health retailers. Apply them gently all over your skin during a shower, paying extra attention to often overlooked areas like your knees, toes, and elbows. Depending on your preference for abrasion, you can use a bath mitt, loofah, or cloth for application.
Dry brushing is another effective exfoliation method. Using a natural bristle body brush, make long, sweeping strokes toward your heart to eliminate dead skin and enhance circulation prior to showering.
Post-exfoliation, always remember to moisturize. This step is crucial for protecting the skin’s barrier, locking in hydration and preventing dryness that might undo your hard work.
Time to lighten up
The harsh, dry winter air tends to deplete our skin’s moisture, justifying the use of heavier products during that season. Now, as the weather warms and becomes more inviting, it’s time to transition back to lighter formulations.
Keep in mind that specialized products, like eye creams, usually don’t require seasonal switching.
Moisturizers
If you relied on a thick cream during winter, consider switching to a lighter lotion for spring. Likewise, if your skin tends toward oiliness or acne and you used a lightweight lotion over winter, look for spring and summer moisturizers that offer an even lighter, gel-like consistency. Many brands cater to diverse skin types and tones, making the transition easy.
Makeup
The warmer months signal a departure from heavier foundations. Try opting for a tinted moisturizer, or explore natural BB (beauty balm) or CC (color correct) creams. These trendy options not only provide coverage akin to tinted moisturizers, but also offer additional priming, smoothing, and anti-aging properties.
Revitalize your hair
Just like our skin, our hair also suffers from winter’s harsh conditions, resulting in dryness and damage.
When selecting shampoo, avoid the common foaming agent sodium lauryl sulfate, which can irritate the skin. Instead, nourish your hair and scalp with gentle, natural shampoos, and follow with a hydrating conditioner.
For an extra boost, consider using a leave-in conditioner a few times a week and applying a hair oil before styling. Remember to be gentle with heat styling tools, as they can be damaging to hair.
Spring clean your makeup bag
When was the last time you properly organized your cosmetics? Now’s the time for an update!
- Inspect it: Many cosmetics will have an expiration date on packaging. If you’re unsure, think back to when you purchased them. As a general rule, most products should be used within a year, but it’s best to discard them sooner if they show any changes in appearance, odor, or texture.
- Clean it: To prevent bacteria buildup, regular cleaning of makeup brushes is essential. You can find a natural brush cleaner at a health retailer or make do with a gentle castile soap mixed with water.
- Evaluate it: Take stock of what you have and determine what’s missing. Before creating a shopping list to replace everything, ask yourself a few essential questions about why certain products weren’t utilized. Were they too complicated? Not the right shade? Ineffective for your skin? Once you’ve defined your needs, make a trip to your natural health retailer equipped with your list.
Warm weather and allergy awareness
If you have skin allergies, the warmer climate can pose some challenges. Heat and sweat can trigger hives, exacerbate eczema, and seasonal allergies may also lead to skin irritation.
To prepare for the upcoming season, particularly if you’re prone to allergies or conditions like eczema, consult with a healthcare professional and keep your natural remedies nearby for emergencies.
