6 Ways to Spring Clean Your Skin Care Routine

If you avoided frequent bathing during the dry winter, spring is a good time to return to a daily shower or bath, as you’ll likely be sweating more. But don’t overdo it. Bathing more than once a day, even in summer, should be avoided if possible due to over-drying of the skin. If you shower more than once daily, moisturize damp skin to lock in moisture, and only use soap for one shower a day, simply rinsing off with water during your next shower.

Exfoliating can slough off dry, dead skin cells after the winter months and restore a fresh glow to the skin. Gentle exfoliation once a week helps moisturizers absorb into skin, evens skin texture, and if you use self-tanners, helps them go on more evenly and last longer. Use caution if you have rosacea and avoid harsh scrubbing or grainy products that may irritate the skin and cause a flare.

The sun can be friend or foe depending on your skin condition. A little sun may improve psoriasis symptoms. But it’s important to avoid sunburns, which can cause a psoriasis flare. Also, people with rosacea are prone to increased facial redness, which can worsen in spring. Remember to avoid excess sun exposure and wear hats, clothing, and sunscreen for added protection.

While it’s important to wear sunscreen all year long, bumping up to at least an SPF 30 for spring and summer is a good idea. Opt for a waterproof, broad-spectrum sunscreen and reapply throughout the day; a light mist or gel sunscreen can feel lighter and prevent clogged pores. Remember to cover your face, arms, legs, neck, chest, and any other areas exposed to the sun.

Spring is a great time to let your skin go au natural and lighten up on the makeup. Warmer days mean sweating, which can leave a mess on your face if you wear a lot of makeup and can lead to clogged pores and acne. Lay off the foundation as part of your spring skin care routine. Heavy foundations cover well but tend to collect in pores, on dry areas, and in lines. To prevent clogged pores, stick to a lighter foundation or skip it altogether in the spring.