Vegan Wellness - How To Take Care Of Your Skin In Spring

Each spring is a fresh start. I always feel I have a new lease on life once the weather begins to warm and the sun shows its face more often. In winter, we tend to hibernate and shield ourselves from the icy chill and rain. This cold, dreary weather can have a negative impact on our energy, mood, our immune system, and even our skin. 

All through winter, our skin has to withstand the elements; harsh temperatures (both the cold from outdoors and artificial heat indoors), wind and rain. The lack of humidity and the impact of indoor heating sucks the moisture from our skin and leaves it feeling dry and dull. 

People sometimes make a few mistakes when it comes to winter skincare: they forgo SPF and skimp on drinking water. Fresh fruit and vegetables also aren’t as common on people’s plates as in spring and summer. And these are all things that can contribute to dehydrated, unhappy skin come springtime. 

So it’s safe to say that our skin takes a beating in the winter months. And the arrival of spring is the perfect opportunity to give it some well deserved TLC. 

Relax with a face mask

Face masks are a symbol of self-care and relaxation, and they can give your skin a much-needed boost when used correctly and in moderation. As described by Cleveland Clinic, “face masks work by driving ingredients closer and deeper into the skin, infusing your pores and allowing the skin to soak up more of the product”. They’re great for seeing immediate results and thus work well if you’re preparing for a special occasion. Just make sure to check the ingredients of whatever you put on your skin–the more natural, the better. 

Nourish from the inside

There’s nothing like nourishing your skin from the inside to give yourself a natural glow. Not drinking enough water is a surefire way to dehydrate your skin, so make sure you get 2 litres per day. Another trick for keeping your skin supple and healthy is to fill your plate with fruits and veggies. It needs nutrients to look its best! 

Retinol at night, SPF in the day

Retinol is the ingredient that so many dermatologists seem to be recommending lately. It has the power to combat acne and wrinkles and brightens skin. However, you should introduce this product into your skincare regime slowly as there can be side effects. It also makes your skin sensitive to the sun, which is why it’s best to apply it at night. You should then also wear SPF during the day, every day! Even on cloudy days! 

Switch to a lighter moisturiser

Spring calls for lighter everything.. Many of us switch to heavy oils and moisturisers in the winter to give our skin much-needed hydration; however, it’s unnecessary for the warmer months. There’s plenty of humidity in the air, so you should only need lightweight products. 

Exfoliate and moisturise

We tend to hide our skin away over the winter period, so spring is the perfect time to focus on exfoliation and moisturising–if you haven’t already been doing so. Exfoliation prevents dryness and itchiness and will make your skin feel smooth and bright. Whenever you exfoliate in the shower (make sure to be gentle; otherwise, you may irritate your skin), get into the habit of slathering on the moisturiser afterwards to replenish any lost moisture. Remember, don’t give your face all the love; the rest of your body needs exfoliating and moisturising, too!

Give your tools a spring clean

Cleaning makeup brushes and blenders is a tedious chore that’s often neglected, but it’s essential for keeping your skin clean and healthy. Dirty makeup brushes can spread dirt and bacteria onto your face and irritate your skin. So give all of your brushes and blenders a deep clean and try to get in the habit of doing it once a week. You can also do some spring cleaning by clearing out expired cosmetics.