Pro to Know

Exfoliate

If you weren’t already exfoliating, honey, start today! Exfoliating allows you to remove dry, dead skin cells from the surface of your skin to reveal the bright, healthy skin underneath. It also aids in increased circulation and stimulates the production of new skin cells, creating a glowing complexion. Make sure not to over-exfoliate, though, because your skin can become irritated. Buffi ng away dead skin with a gentle scrub two or three times a week is enough to maintain a beautiful, glowing look. Kick off your springtime regimen with a chemical peel, after checking with your dermatologist, which quickly exfoliates, triggers collagen production, and leaves you with a fresh complexion.

Moisturize

Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting Exfoliant

If you got into slugging this winter and experienced some seriously hydrated skin, sorry to tell you, but it’s time to put the Vaseline away. Spring means it’s time to switch to a lighter moisturizer that contains humectants and emollients. Humectants reduce moisture loss while emollients trap that moisture in, so you can still protect your skin while using a light moisturizer. Gel-based formulas absorb into the skin quickly and create a light barrier. Don’t continue to use a heavy cream as the chance of sweating goes up in warmer weather, and a rich moisturizer can clog pores, leading to breakouts. Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Replenishing HydraGel Complex

Sunscreen Up

La Roche-Posay Anthelios UltraLight Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

While you may or may not wear sunscreen during the winter (brownie points if you do), it’s a necessity for the warmer months. UV rays become stronger in the spring and summer months as the earth is closer to the sun, meaning your skin is at an increased risk for sun damage. Apply sunscreen to your face, neck, and chest to ensure adequate sun protection. I know you probably want your skin to stop refl ecting when you go outside, but don’t go for sunscreen with low SPF. Get a sunscreen with SPF 50 and broadspectrum protection, which will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. You’ll still get a golden tan while being protected from burning or sun damage.

Vitamins & Minerals

Like sunscreen, antioxidants should be a part of your skincare routine year round, but especially during spring and summer months. Antioxidants work to round, but especially during spring and summer months. Antioxidants work to protect your skin from sun damage, but also from environmental elements like pollution. Fun fact: pollution and UV damage are two of the biggest contributors pollution. Fun fact: pollution and UV damage are two of the biggest contributors to signs of aging, so don’t ignore that vitamin C bottle in your cabinet! Antioxidants like vitamin C, retinol, vitamin E, and ferulic acid can help protect Antioxidants like vitamin C, retinol, vitamin E, and ferulic acid can help protect your skin from the breakdown of collagen and elastin as well as sun damage. When using antioxidants, don’t expect huge changes overnight. While they can When using antioxidants, don’t expect huge changes overnight. While they can make your skin feel softer and smoother quickly, you’ll see best results with continued, long-term use. continued, long-term use.

SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid

Spring Clean

Japonesque Solid Brush Cleanser

Cleaning and purging your beauty arsenal may be a hassle, but we all know it needs to be done pretty frequently. While we’re probably all guilty of using makeup brushes that are chalk full of old products (I know I am), spring is a great time to cleanse and swap out any brushes, sponges, and products you’ve been using for a while. Brushes tend to hold onto bacteria, yeast, and mold, contributing to skin irritation and breakouts. When going through your makeup, don’t hold on to anything past its expiration date, which can typically be found on the bottom of the packaging. If you can’t fi nd a date, smell it! If it doesn’t look, smell, or feel like it did when you purchased it, chances are you should toss it.