This week’s rainy weather might not seem like proof, but spring has arrived! As the weather gets a little warmer and the sun begins to shine, it might be exciting to dig up that long-lost pair of shorts or do up your hair in cute spring styles. Because of Evanston’s seemingly endless winter, though, it’s easy to forget that more sunshine means more skincare. After months of harsh winter weather, the cold air and lack of humidity can be disastrous for the natural moisture of your skin. It’s time to treat your skin right and make sure it is just as ready to enjoy the sunshine as you are.
1. Moisturize:
While it might seem obvious, it’s easy to forget to moisturize our skin, especially when the winter months keep us all covered up. It’s important to replenish any lost moisture, though, to keep skin feeling and looking healthy. A great moisturizer will also double as a skin protectant and will ideally contain sunflower oil and vitamin E, both of which help trap moisture in skin and keep skin looking hydrated.
2. Exfoliate:
Getting rid of dead skin cells probably doesn’t sound like part of the most glamorous beauty routine, but it is a necessary part of keeping skin healthy. Using a gentle exfoliator works to get rid of any dry or rough layers of skin created by the cold winter months. Store-bought exfoliators can often be rough and gritty, which is why it’s important to avoid harsh exfoliators that might irritate or tear skin. Using a light, brown-sugar based scrub or homemade scrub to exfoliate all of your skin—not just your face—is great for removing dead skin cells without damaging skin. Exfoliating once or twice a week is perfect for making your beautiful skin look even healthier and more radiant than ever.
3. Cleanse:
While exfoliating should only happen once or twice each week, cleansing is a routine that should happen about twice a day (morning and night). Taking one to two minutes in the morning and before bed to cleanse your skin is worth it to ensure your skin is protected every day. Using a mild, unscented cleanser will help to ensure that skin doesn’t get irritated and cleansing in small, circular motions will also ensure a deep clean of your pores. If this isn’t something you aren’t used to doing daily, it helps to set a personal challenge for one to two weeks to cleanse your skin every day. Once it becomes a routine, your skin will be sure to look healthier and clearer.
4. Sunscreen:
Now that the weather is warmer, we can’t help but want to spend more time outside. Being outside, though, means exposure to harmful sunrays, which is why sunscreen is a must-have in the spring. Even if the sun doesn’t feel particularly strong or might be obscured by a lingering cloud, that doesn’t stop the UV rays from damaging your skin. Carrying a bottle of SPF (of at least 30) around with you is best to protect from this kind of damage. Sunscreen should be applied half an hour before you head outside and should be reapplied every two to three hours at most. It might seem like a lot of work, but your skin will thank you for it down the road!
5. Not Just Your Face:
Your face isn’t the only bit of skin that needs to be protected from the sun. Elbows, knees, feet and your neck are all easily overlooked when moisturizing, exfoliating and applying sunscreen. This can result in a lot of unwanted skin damage, even after going through the motions to protect your face. Make sure to take care of ALL of your skin!
6. Lip Balm:
Your lips are skin too! It’s so easy to forget that the skin on our lips needs protection too. Unlike the rest of the face, lips lack essential oil glands, which means they become drier more quickly. Be sure to carry your favorite lip balm with you everywhere you go—preferably one that contains SPF for added sun protection—to ensure you have healthy, moisturized lips.
Now that your skin is completely moisturized and protected, you’re officially ready to go out and enjoy those (rare) days of spring sunshine!