It is important to toss out any products that have expired. If you aren’t sure about the expiration date, you should sniff as well as look at the product — don’t keep that face cream if it looks or smells bad. Also make sure to replace loofahs, poofs and shower scrubbers as they tend to accumulate bacteria after an extended period of time. While you’re at it, now is a great time to update your makeup bag. Choose lighter options, particularly when it comes to foundation and concealer, and make sure to put away any cream-based makeup as they will leave your skin shiny and oily within moments of wear.
Scrub It Off
Since this is the season for flaky skin thanks to bulky outerwear and dry air, our moisturizers tend to not work as well, and our foundation doesn’t go on as smoothly. To slough away dead skin cells, dab on a gentle micro-grain scrub like Clinque 7 Day Scrub Cream Rinse Off-Formula, an ultra-gentle skin polisher that will leave your skin feeling newborn soft. Another option is to apply a light peel—preferably one with 10 percent glycolic acid and use once a week.
Lose That Weight
Lose the weighty moisturizer and instead opt for a lighter lotion. Since higher temperature results in oilier skin for everyone, not just those prone to oily skin, it’s vital to use a lighter moisturizer during spring. Oil-free moisturizers are a great option as they will give your skin a break from unnecessary heavy creams. Try Murad Oil-Control Mattifier SPF 15, $39.50, a 3-in-1 moisturizing lotion that controls shine, all while reducing breakouts.
SPF All Over
While nothing beats that warm change the sun brings at the onset of spring, we should be wary of its harsh, skin-damaging rays. Protect your skin by breaking out the SPF products. That includes your moisturizer, foundation, as well as your lip balm. Look for products with SPF 30 or higher. Try Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Daily Face Shield SPF 40, $45, a weightless oil-free sunscreen that creates an invisible shield against harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Get Dirty
Transition your skin from winter to spring by adding a weekly mud mask treatment. Natural masks will not only refine your pores, they will also make your skin feel so much smoother — and we haven’t even discussed the glowing aftermath. Try GLAMGLOW Tingling & Exfoliating Mud Mask, a 10-minute treatment that will leave your skin noticeably smoother and looking more vibrant with just one session.
image: IMAXtree
