There are plenty of things about winter I am sure we are excited to see go: slushy snow, negative signs in wind chills, and, of course, chronically dry skin. If you are anything like me, you spent all of last season piling on moisturizers, facial oils, and all the creams you can find in your cabinet.
But now that it is nice-ish out, those 27 different moisturizing products are definitely overkill. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still care for your skin. A new season brings about a new set of environmental concerns.
Here are the five products you need in your skincare arsenal for spring!
1. Opt for an oil-free moisturizer.
Using an oil-based moisturizer under the blazing sun is the perfect recipe for clogged pores and breakouts. I suggest switching out your moisturizer for an oil-free formula to prevent this. Oil-free moisturizers are lighter on the skin and therefore lighter on your pores, so you won’t look greasy while still being hydrated. I absolutely love Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel. This product even won the CollegeFashionista’s College Beauty Award for “Best Moisturizer” because it is that great at what it does. This product has been a holy grail skincare item of mine for the last 10 years and I highly recommend you give it a try!
2. Use a stronger, more clarifying cleanser.
Instead of using a light, creamy, and moisturizing face wash, try using a more clarifying one. The ones with more of a soap base are best for taking away the excess sweat, grime, and oil you accumulate on your face throughout the hot summer day. I love using Cetaphil’s Daily Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin Types. This cleanser is a little more intense than their original daily cleansing formula and is going to help remove excess oil to keep your pores clean and clear of acne. This formula is also gentle, so for those of you who are sensitive to acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, this is face wash won’t irritate your skin.
3. Exfoliate more often.
Exfoliation is so beneficial during the summer because it removes dead skin cells and sweat much more effectively than your regular cleanser does. Also, exfoliating improves hydration from whatever toners, moisturizers, and serums you apply afterwards. One of my favorites is Simple’s Smoothing Facial Scrub because it is super gentle and won’t irritate the skin as much as other scrubs. Another great scrub is Lush’s Ocean Salt scrub because of its natural ingredients, but if you don’t want to go out and buy one you can just simply make your own scrub using just honey and brown sugar!
4. Use sunscreen all the time.
This one is a no-brainer. When you are under the sun, use sunscreen! Make sure you are protecting your skin all the time from those deadly UV rays. Your skin will thank you later, I am sure of it. An amazing one is La Roche Posay’s Anthelios Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid for its ultra light formula. Also, Murad’s Invisiblur Perfecting Shield Broad Spectrum is amazing for blurring out your pores and serving as a great primer and SPF all in one!
5. Try using facial mists.
Just because it is the summer doesn’t mean you should not moisturize your skin. Keeping your skin hydrated is as important as drinking water to keep your body hydrated. Try using facial mists throughout the day to keep your face cool and bouncy (not tight). These are easy to carry in your bag and use on the go, especially when your skin gets irritated from spending too many hours under the sun. You can even spray them over your makeup! Some of my favorites include Mario Badescu’s Facial Spray with Aloe, Herb, and Rosewater and Caudalie’s Beauty Elixir. Mario Badescu came out with a new formula with aloe, cucumber, and green tea and it is everything!
What are your favorite products to use in the summer time? Let us know in the comments below!