How to Transition Your Skincare Routine From Winter to Spring
Spring is in the air, and along with the new season comes the chance to mix up your skincare routine to suit the changing weather conditions. Spring is the time for renewal, regrowth and regeneration so why not take a new approach to your skincare routine as well? With the right skincare regime in place, and a little spring clean of your bathroom vanity, you will be well-prepped for the warmer days ahead.
Amanda du-Pont, celebrity and founder of new skincare line Lelive says that the deep care that you show your skin in winter is different from the attention it requires in spring. “Now is the time to start the preparation required to re-awaken your natural glow. Switching up the routine for your skincare is much like switching out certain items in your wardrobe — it’s a new season with new requirements.”
Renowned specialist in aesthetic medicine and owner of SkinMiles, Dr Alek Nikolic explains that, just like winter, summer and the change of seasons can have a drying effect on your skin. According to Dr Nikolic, there are a number of factors that can cause this, such as increased exposure to the sun and chemicals found in swimming pools. “Both of these culprits can strip your skin of sebum which is your skin’s protective barrier. The same can be said for air conditioners, as they work by removing moisture from the surrounding air. If your skin isn’t producing enough natural oils, it can lead to patches of red, itchy, flaky, and sensitive skin.”
Luckily, there are a few preventative measures you can take to prepare your skin for the spring-summer season ahead. I spoke to local skincare experts and gathered some of their best tips here to help you easily transition your skincare routine from winter to spring. Plus, I’ve also included a few tried and tested products I’m loving for the summer season. Let’s dive in!
SPRING CLEANING
Spring is the perfect time to switch out your cleanser or try the ‘double cleanse’ method. Double cleansing is as simple as it sounds. It involves washing your face with two different cleansers. The first is usually an oil-based cleanser, followed up by a water-based one, but two regular cleansers, or micellar water and regular cleanser, will also work if oils aren’t right for you.
As the weather improves, you’re far more likely to spend more time outdoors. Sweat and added layers of sun cream lead to increasingly blocked pores. If you’ve ever run a cotton pad over your face after cleansing, you’ll know that one wash alone doesn’t always remove everything that needs to go. This is why many experts recommend the double cleanse method in the warmer seasons.
“The first cleanse will start to break down your make-up and remove dirt and excess oils. The magic comes in the second cleanse whereby the ingredients in that particular cleanser can help to treat concerns — whether that be to hydrate, smooth or combat a breakout,” explains Du-Pont.
Top cleansers for spring-summer
If you have blemish-prone skin, then I would highly recommend Avène Cleanance Comedomed Cleansing Gel (R199). This gentle gel cleanser helps to effectively reduce blemishes, such as spots and blackheads, with continued use, thanks to its unique anti-relapse action. The cleanser is kind to your skin and works to remove impurities from the face and body. The product contains Monolaurin which helps to regulate the hyperproduction of sebum while having a mattifying effect. And, like all Avène products, the cleanser is formulated using Avène Thermal Spring Water to provide soothing and anti-irritating benefits. It leaves the skin clean, clear and feeling refreshed after every use and it’s sure to be my go-to this summer, especially as a post-gym cleanser.
If you’re after a gentle, planet-friendly cleanser then you can’t go wrong with Earthsap Tea Tree Face Wash (R84.99, Faithful to Nature). This natural tea tree face wash has a gel-like texture and gently cleans the skin while helping to prevent blemishes. Tea tree oil kills bacteria and helps to control breakouts, making it a great natural choice for acne-prone or oily skin. Wash away dirt and grime and greet the day with fresh, clear skin and a sense of confidence. This facial cleanser is mild enough for daily use and is biodegradable, vegan, and made with natural ingredients. It’s oh-so-gentle and ideal for reactive skin and beauties who like to keep things simple.
SMOOTH CRIMINAL
The next step is exfoliation, which will help you to welcome in that summer glow. Many women are hesitant to exfoliate during summer, but exfoliating regularly helps to curb acne by opening pores and removing dead skin cells, and prevent product build-up as well as excess oils.
Overdoing exfoliation, however, can leave your skin irritated. “I suggest incorporating a gentle exfoliator into your skincare routine once a week during the warmer months. My preferred exfoliators are products that use gentle acids like glycolic, citric, salicylic and lactic acid to help slough away pore-cloggers,” advises Dr Nikolic.
For the body, it’s also important to exfoliate weekly. During the South African winter months, your skin could dry out and even flake. So, it’s important to remember that as summer approaches, you should also step up your exfoliation to twice per week using a gentle body exfoliator. A gentle exfoliator is the easiest way to achieve a glowing complexion and to smooth out those rough areas after winter.
Must-try exfoliators
I’m loving the SVR Sebiaclear Micropeel (R358, SkinMiles) as a multi-tasking exfoliator for this season. This divine product forms part of the SVR Sebiaclear range, which has been designed to treat spots, blackheads, enlarged pores and excess sebum. The concentrated dermatological solution unclogs pores and smooths skin like an absolute boss. Delicately scented, the fast-absorbing liquid feels as light and gentle as water when applied to the skin, and it is quickly absorbed by the skin for an instant clean finish. Its powerful effects stem from keratolytic acids for rapid, lasting action on pores, spots and blackheads. But, while it works brilliantly to tackle impurities, it is also gentle on the skin and cleanses the skin without drying it out. The product also has a micro-peeling effect for a smoother skin texture, giving you double the benefits in one product.
For the body, I’m loving Argan Exfoliating Shower Gel (R69.95). This wonderful shower gel makes exfoliating super easy. Formulated with Vitamin E and Argan Oil, this shower gel smells divine and works to exfoliate your skin while you cleanse. Not only will your skin feel silky smooth after a shower but the added Vitamin E and Argan oil will also leave your skin, feeling soft and looking radiant after every use. This locally-made product is affordable and smells divine. It is gentle while also doing a cracker of a job at removing dry skin.
STAY HYDRATED
Another important thing you should think about swopping out during the summer months is your moisturiser. “An insider tip is to try switching to a lightweight moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated in summer without overloading it,” says Dr Nikolic. With the warmer weather, you can allow for a less heavy and all-rounder daily moisturiser that can be used day and night, rather than a richer choice you may have been using during winter.
But keeping your skin hydrated isn’t just about using a great moisturiser, layering hydration is also key, says Lelive’s Amanda du-Pont. “It’s really important to layer your skin with nutrition, especially as you’re awakening the glow. Once you’ve cleansed your skin, start with a serum that simultaneously brightens and offers multi-level hydration with the combination of multi-molecular hyaluronic acids.”
Great summer hydrators
If your skin is starting to lose its bounce, then it’s time to reach for Gatineau Defi Lift 3D Toned Night Concentrate (R1,495, Woolworths). This night serum has a lovely balm-like texture and can be applied to the face, neck, and décolletage. It works around the clock to re-plump the skin and boost collagen production. Formulated with Gatineau’s FillHyal molecule, a brand-new type of encapsulated Hyaluronic Acid, this serum delivers hydration deep into the skin. The serum provides an immediate tightening effect when applied and after a few weeks of use you’ll notice a definite difference in the tone and texture of your skin.
Another winning serum for summer is the Bioderma Pigmentbio C-Concentrate (R400, Dermastore). This powerful hyperpigmentation corrector contains high quantities of Vitamin C, for antioxidant power to protect skin from visible signs of premature ageing, as well as Vitamin PP to strengthen the skin while providing long-lasting hydration. Finally, Glycolic and Salicylic Acids offer a gentle peeling effect that boosts cell renewal. Vitamin C’s efficacy is optimised when it is fresh and active, so for this serum the Vitamin C is stored separately in a special canister, protecting it from air and light. The Vitamin C is activated upon first use of the serum, enabling you to enjoy the full power of the active ingredient. The serum works wonders when used in conjunction with the full Bioderma Pigmentbio range, but is also brilliant on its own. If even skin tone and pigmentation, along with hydration, is a concern for you then you can’t go wrong with trying this unique product.
STAY PROTECTED
The final step is all about sun protection. SPF ratings can be misleading as it is a rough guide to how well a sunscreen will protect your skin from harmful UVB rays. SPF protection works differently on everyone, because it really depends on a number of factors namely, skin type, amount applied, and intensity of sunlight.
To calculate how much protection your skin needs, start by looking at how long it takes for your skin unprotected to start burning. Then multiply that number in minutes by the SPF rating given to the product you’re using. For example, if you usually burn after five minutes of unprotected sun exposure and you are wearing an SPF 15, then you’ll get 75 minutes of protection. One teaspoon of sunscreen for each part of your body should do the trick. Remember that when it comes to sunscreen, once is never enough: at the very least, you should be re-applying every two hours, or more often after swimming, exercising, or sweating.
“Besides SPF, we’re big believers in using sun creams that contain zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. These minerals protect your skin by reflecting all harmful UVA and UVB wavelengths,“ adds Dr Nikolic. It is important to note that SPF is its own layer in your skincare routine and mixing it with other ingredients may dilute the formula. “While applying a moisturiser or foundation with SPF is better than applying no protection at all, I would recommend using a separate sunscreen,“ says Dr Nikolic.
Perfect SPF picks
For the face, try Optiphi’s Broad Spectrum Sun Protection Cream (R410). This light-weight, non-oily, anti-oxidant packed sunscreen from local brand, Optiphi offers broad-spectrum protection from harmful rays while also helping to fight the onset of premature ageing. It feels luxurious on the skin and I love the moisturising effect it has. It’s especially great to use in summer when the skin needs an added boost of moisture.
The product contains Sunflower Sprout Extract and Caesalpinia Spinos Fruit Extract, which provide protection against Infrared Radiation (IR) and High Energy Visible (HEV) ‘Blue’ Light. Chromanol and Tripeptide-33 in the product help to fight free radicals and protect against UV related oxidative stress. The non-whitening, chemical and physical filters assist in protecting the skin from UVA and UVB radiation while the addition of Lactic Acid adds moisture and a rejuvenating benefit to this sun protection cream.
For the rest of the body, I love Piz Buin sunscreens. Piz Buin is much-loved for its signature scent and non-greasy formulations, this spring, I recommend trying the Piz Buin Tan & Protect SPF15 Lotion (R270, Clicks) and the Piz Buin Tan & Protect Dry Oil Spray SPF15 (R240, Clicks). The lotion is formulated with melitan to enhance the skin’s natural tanning process, and the formulation leaves skin feeling soft and moisturised, while the oil spray also enhances natural tanning, is fast-absorbing and non-greasy.
LIP SERVICE
“Seasonal changes, allergies and constant mask-wearing can have a massive impact on one’s lip condition,” says Angelica Hendricks Softlips, Assistant Brand Manager. “This can lead to dry, chapped and problematic lip issues.” During the summer months it’s important to take extra special care of your lips with special products to soothe and nourish the delicate skin on the lips.
Top lip care picks for summer
The new Softlips Repair (R29.99, Clicks) range is ideal for treating lips this summer. Available in menthol and cherry, the range offers products that soothe, cool and protect lips. With its unique glide-on formula, the Softlips Repair range offers fast-acting relief to those suffering from dry, chapped or windburned lips. Its hero ingredient, menthol, provides an immediate cooling sensation whilst SPF15 protects one’s lips from the sun’s damaging UV rays.
These lip balms are moisture-rich and long-lasting, making them ideal for anyone suffering from chapped or problematic lips caused by harsh environmental conditions through to outdoor sports enthusiasts, allergy sufferers or simply individuals seeking moisturised lips. These are my go-to to protect my lips on windy days in Cape Town and I absolutely love the subtle sweetness of the cherry variant. The menthol is extremely soothing on days when your lips are feeling a little too sunkissed.
