As winter comes to an end and spring sets in, the trees are shedding their coats of snow and green buds are blossoming – and the birds are returning in droves. People who love the outdoors are spending increasing amounts of time outside, now that the sun’s rays are stronger and it’s getting warmer.

So, as everyone is putting away their winter coats and bringing out the bathing suits, it’s important to keep the SPF lotion on the bathroom counter to protect your skin every day. More of your skin will be exposed to sunlight during the spring and summer seasons, so now is the perfect time to make some minor adjustments to your skin care routine.

Let’s talk about some tips to help ensure healthy, youthful-looking skin for everyone:

1. Do Spring Cleaning of the Bathroom Shelves

Your bathroom is probably full of half-used skin products and travel-size shampoos, but clutter can get in the way of the perfectly good items that are ready for use. Therefore, it’s a good idea to clean out old items that are collecting dust on the bathroom shelves and countertops, and freshen up the space.

Doing this may even remind you of what is missing or getting low, such as sunscreen and moisturizer. If you have perfectly good items that you don’t need, donate them to a local charity that collects items for people in need – these charities always need soap, shampoo, and toothpaste.

2. Exfoliate Your Skin

You’ve been all bundled up during the cold fall and winter months, and those skin cells are ready to be sloughed off. That’s why exfoliating is a critical component of any springtime skin regimen.

Get a new exfoliating mitt and use it in the shower or tub to gently brush your skin. Because the skin gets so dry in the winter, removing the dead cells from the outer layer of the skin will leave your skin feeling fresher and looking healthier.

Massaging the exfoliator into the skin also helps in circulation, results in fewer ingrown hairs and blemishes, and stimulates collagen production. It prepares your skin so that moisturizing products can penetrate deeply.

While the skin is still damp from the shower and freshly cleansed of dead skin cells, it’s time to moisturize. Apply a thin coat of moisturizer while the skin is still damp for extra hydration.

3. Replace Creams with Lotions

People tend to slather on thick skin cream in the winter to protect their skin, especially while bundled up in scratchy woolen clothing or after a full day of skiing and being exposed to the cold, dry air. But now that it’s spring, stash away those thick creams for use later in the year – and start using one of the new hydrating serums or gels that are lower in oils to avoid clogged pores.

Light lotions permit the skin to breathe more easily in the spring and summer months while still retaining moisture. An oil-free moisturizer is rich enough to quench the skin without causing excessive oil production and blemishes. 

4. Add a Sunscreen to Your Daily Ritual

Now that more of your skin is getting more exposure to solar radiation, be sure to add sunscreen to your daily regimen. The weather is warmer and the sun is stronger, so use a sunscreen that has an SPF of 15 or higher.

The harmful rays of the sun can cause premature aging, so always, always wear sunscreen to protect against skin cancers and age spots. Look for sunscreens and lotions that contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, as these are usually better for the skin than lotions with harsh chemicals.

5. Use Eye Cream

The delicate skin around the eyes can easily get dry. This is because moisture can come out of the eye and then evaporate off of the skin – and the natural oils evaporate along with the moisture – so using a special eye cream is especially important during the warmer months, when you can expect to sweat more often.

Use an eye cream that has a high concentration of antioxidants and peptides, as these work together to help protect collagen levels and smooth out existing wrinkles and lines. Niacinamide is included in many eye creams to help smooth out fine lines around the eyes.

Moisturizing the skin around the eyes will help to lessen the potential for crow’s feet and smile lines around the eyes. Always protect your eyes from sun exposure and excessive squinting by wearing polarized sunglasses, too.

Dermatologists in Colorado Springs

If you take full advantage of the wonderful autumn, winter, spring, and summer months here in Colorado, this is the time to implement a new skin-care routine in time for the spring and summer.

Schedule an appointment at one of our four convenient locations in and around Colorado Springs by calling (719) 355-1585 or request an appointment online now, and let us help you keep your skin supple and healthy!