Seasonal Switch-Ups: The Spring Edition

Spring is a perfect time to review what products you are using. Take stock of what works and doesn’t to find products that will see your skin seamlessly through the summer months.

Take stock by organising your products into 3 categories:

Products I love = can’t live without (schedule or plan for your next purchase)

Products I find ok = could potentially find better (start researching alternatives)

Products I haven’t used in the last 6 months = giveaway (they might work better for someone else)

Tips for a Skincare Spring Clean

Tip 1: Switch Up Your Moisturiser

• Depending on where you live, your winter moisturiser might start feeling a little too rich
• Spring would be the time to start researching a lighter alternative
• It might even mean switching brands to find a more suitable moisturiser
• Some manufacturers offer different formulations of moisturisers, including richer and lighter options

Tip 2: Find Your Perfect Sunscreen

• You might want a more mattifying sunscreen if your skin is more on the oily side, and it can include a tint
• Tinted sunscreens with Iron Oxides usually contain in addition mineral filters like Zinc Oxide which has been shown to reduce skin damage caused by visible light which is more of a concern in the warmer months
• Blocking these forms of UV is important in preventing pigmentation
• When choosing a sunscreen it is dependent on your skin type, as well as personal preference
• Therefore is absolutely no excuse for not using a high-factor broad-spectrum sunscreen on a daily basis

Tips 3: Book an Appointment with a Dermatologist

• As we start wearing fewer layers of clothing we become more aware of any changes (e.g. to moles) that may have occurred during the winter months
• Remember that your skin is at its highest risk during summer, so it is best to be proactive when it comes to any concerns you might have, so do a check-in with your Dermatologist

Tip 4: Are you prone to Allergies?

• Skin conditions like eczema often flare up in spring due to an increase in airborne allergens
• People with more sensitive skin might find themselves feeling itchy or uncomfortable
• Topical products that soothe and support such conditions are always advisable at this time of year
• Look for products with more minimalist formulations which include ingredients like ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids to support the skin barrier, preventing it from being inflamed, red, itchy or dry

Tip 5: Sun Warning! Don’t overdo it

• Your skin is at the highest risk of burning the first time you expose it to the sun again
• This not only usually catches us off guard, but is the most damaging to our skin
• Polymorphous light eruption is a common skin condition that presents with an extremely uncomfortable itchy rash in areas of the skin that have previously been covered by clothing in the winter. To prevent this from happening apply liberal amounts of a high-factor broad-spectrum sunscreen to those previously covered areas upon your first exposure to the spring sun

Skincare products to help you adjust to spring

As the weather gets warmer, you may prefer lighter, refreshing cleansers that don’t leave a heavy residue on your skin. Look for gel or foam cleansers that provide a gentle and invigorating cleanse. Dr Webster recommends:

• Endocare Aquafoam
• Huxley Deep Cleansing Foam

Opt for moisturisers with lighter textures like lotions, gels, or gel creams. These formulas are often absorbed quickly, leaving your skin feeling fresh and comfortable. Dr Webster recommends:

• NeoStrata® PHA Daily Moisturizer
• MartiDerm GF Vital Age Cream (Normal/Combination Skin)

Look for sunscreens with lightweight and non-greasy formulations, especially suitable for spring. These are comfortable to wear and won’t clog your pores or feel heavy on your skin. Dr Webster recommends:

• Heliocare 360° Gel Oil-free SPF 50
• MartiDerm Active [D] Fluid SPF 50+
• Colorescience Total Protection Face Shield SPF 50 (Classic)