Spring has just begun. And as the seasons change, it can have a big impact on our skin.
The fluctuations in temperature and humidity levels can lead to challenges in keeping skin stable and healthy.
According to Kiehl’s Instant Skin Reader, the biggest spring skin concerns are heightened sensitivity and oily skin. *
Sensitive skin refers to skin more prone to reactions due to external factors like weather conditions, chemicals, diets, sleep, or hormones. When triggered, it can become irritated, dry, red, or bumpy. According to research, it affects over half of men and women.
Meanwhile, oily skin derives from the excess production of sebum, our skin’s natural oil, which can leave it feeling greasy straight after cleansing and lead to an oily T-zone, clogged pores, and breakouts.
While the weather is uncontrollable, we can control what we do to help support our skin health.
The most important thing anybody can do is pay attention to how your skin is responding and pre-emptively act upon early changes.
Here’s how to adapt your skincare routine for spring:
#1 Use an exfoliating cleanser
People with oily skin may avoid exfoliating during the winter as it can dry out and irritate the skin – but as the humidity increases, your skin barrier may be more tolerant.
An exfoliating cleanser can be a gentler way of introducing this step into your routine, as the short contact time of the exfoliant is likely to be less irritating. Exfoliants containing BHAs, such as salicylic acid, can reduce oiliness.
#2 Switch to a lighter moisturiser
It’s important to keep skin well hydrated all year round for skin health; dehydrated skin may appear dull or even become breakout prone.
However, a lighter, oil-free or gel-based moisturiser may feel more comfortable as the weather warms up.
#3 Don’t forget SPF
UV rays are stronger in the spring and summer months – so if you don’t already – invest in some SPF and wear it daily.
The UV index (which you can check on your weather app on your phone) will also give you information on how powerful the sun’s rays are at any given location and time.
If the UV index is particularly high, it’s important to not only wear and reapply SPF but also actively seek shade and cover-up, too.
If you’re experiencing increased oiliness, a light gel-based SPF may be a good option. Apply it after your moisturiser but before your makeup as part of your morning routine.
#4 Protect your skin barrier.
If you’re experiencing heightened sensitivity, a cream to support the skin barrier can help improve skin health and reduce sensitivity.
Skin barrier creams boost hydration and provide a protective barrier to reduce transepidermal water loss. This locks in moisture within the skin barrier and thus improves its function.
For example, Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream contains skin-repairing molecule beta-glucan and soothing compounds in Colloidal Oatmeal. It helps to relieve skin irritation, discomfort, and dryness up to 10 surface skin layers deep to support skin barrier recovery.
