The old saying “March winds and April showers bring May flowers” reminds us of how spring is a time of renewal and hope. After a long, bitter winter, we have brighter and warmer weather to look forward to as the Earth brings forth its new life. When it comes to skincare, many people also look forward to shedding the dead skin that has built up throughout the winter (we recommend chemical exfoliation from our Little Rock team) and making their complexion look more vibrant as they get ready to wear more revealing clothes and enjoy more outdoor activities.
Keep in mind, however, that increases in temperature, humidity, and sun exposure will also bring about their own challenges.
Even though we might be more than ready to enjoy sunshine, our skin needs a longer time to adapt to seasonal changes. Some of the most common warmer-weather skin issues include acne breakouts, contact dermatitis from touching certain plants, grass and pollen allergies, eczema flare-ups, insect bites, dry skin, rough skin, and sunburn. One thing’s for certain: Even though you still need to be wearing SPF during the winter, proper sun protection is definitely more important during the shift.
Want to maintain healthy skin as the world wakes up? See below for some of our suggestions.
Exfoliate
Dry and flaky skin is a common issue during the winter, but it can still be a problem when your skin comes out of hibernation. In fact, your skin will probably be even more sensitive to weather changes now. Dry skin will be much more noticeable when we ditch the sweaters and scarves to expose more of our surface. Exfoliating during the dead of winter isn’t always advisable, but spring is the perfect time to start. Slough away winter skin with chemical peels for the face or use an exfoliating mitt in the shower for your body.
Manage Acne Breakouts
Use a cleanser that contains acne-fighting ingredients, and “spring clean” to get rid of any old beauty products that may have expired or developed bacterial colonies while lurking in your medicine cabinet for the past year.
Lighten Up on Moisturizers
Switch from heavier creams to lighter, gel-based moisturizers and cleansers that hydrate but won’t clog your pores or feel greasy.
Want more advice on seasonal skincare? Contact our team at the Little Rock-based Dermatology Group of Arkansas. Call us at 501-227-8422 or 1-800-225-8422 or fill out a contact form online to request a consultation.