The Most Important Skincare Step You Can Take Before Spring Arrives

For months, your skin has been wrapped in thick, wooly sweaters and cozy-soft leggings, a winter uniform that protects skin from the cold air and low humidity while simultaneously hiding a dry, lackluster appearance.

Now that spring in the air, you probably can’t wait to lose the extra layers and make direct contact between skin and sun, especially on that first warm day when you can finally soak it up in a t-shirt and sandals.

As glorious as that moment will be, there’s a very good reason why you should prep your post-winter skin first. Skin is at its most vulnerable condition after winter, requiring special care to get spring-ready for prolonged exposure to the sun’s rays.  

To rehab your post-winter skin, follow these helpful tips:

Exfoliate Skin

Spring cleaning doesn’t just apply to your home and office environment. Give your skin a fresh start by exfoliating the dead skin cells and dry flakes that winter left behind, which alone can revive a dull complexion and restore a visibly healthy glow.

A gentle scrub applied in a circular motion can work wonders for dissolving and lifting away impurities from pores and getting rid of dryness, which creates surface fissures where dead skin cells get trapped and make skin look lackluster.

But exfoliating twice weekly can instantly brighten skin, creating a smoother, even-toned complexion capable of reflecting light.

Restore Moisture

Whether it’s the cold air outside or warm, heated air inside, winter air wicks away moisture from your skin, including hyaluronic acid—a moisture-loving substance that absorbs 1000 times its weight in water is essential for hydrating skin at the surface.

While you may be eager to sun-kiss your pale skin, replenishing lost moisture should be your top priority in the weeks before spring arrives. 

After exfoliating, apply a hyaluronic acid serum to hydrate thirsty skin until humidity levels in the air level out. Hyaluronic acid can instantly transform skin by smoothing out a dry texture.  

To rejuvenate skin and add moisture from the inside, add a collagen supplement that includes hyaluronic acid to your springtime beauty routine. Two to try: Collagen Enrich with 200 mg of hyaluronic acid or Youthful Beauty that combines collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid and fruit antioxidants to fight wrinkles.

Ease Into Sun Exposure

If you live in a cold-weather zone, you can appreciate that first, sunny, 60-degree weekend day that pushes everyone outdoors in shorts and t-shirts for a day at the park, gardening or lawn maintenance. 

While you may be feeling energized, too much sun on skin that hasn’t seen the sun since September can quickly lead to a sunburn. It’s not the temperature of the air but the intensity of the sun that you should worry about.

The American Cancer Society warns that UV rays are more intense in the spring, despite still-cool temperatures, making you susceptible to damaging sunburns. So, consider limiting sun exposure initially, and when heading outdoors for prolonged periods, don’t forget to wear sunscreen.    

Don’t Forget The Sunshine Vitamin

If you’ve taken your vitamin D diligently all winter, don’t stop according to the calendar, particularly if you live in northern latitudes.

For skin to synthesize the adequate level of vitamin D your body needs to support immunity, bone strength, mood balance and countless other functions, you would need to expose your arms and legs to the sun’s UVB rays for 10-20 minutes daily.

But in cold-weather climates, temperatures are not consistently comfortable enough to allow this until May. And by October, chances are you’re covered up again. That’s why you may want to consider taking a vitamin D supplement year-round, especially if you work indoors.

One tip to remember when selecting a supplement: vitamin D works best with vitamin K, because the sunshine vitamin actually increases the body’s demand for vitamin K, which is needed to support strong bones, heart health and blood clotting.

By following these springtime skincare steps, you’ll ensure your skin is healthy, safe and ready for the season of color and fun!