Restore the ‘spring’ in your skin

SHAHNAZ HUSSAIN

Spring is the time when you get to lighten up and amp up your skincare regimen. It is time to give your skin some love and replenish it after months of itchiness and dryness. Some small changes in your skincare routine will keep your skin healthy, glowing and radiant without any breakouts or dullness.Adapting your skincare routine is crucial to address these changes effectively.

Opt for Lightweight Moisturizers

Moisturising is essential if you want healthy, glowing skin.It's always essential to stay hydrated, and you should switch up your moisturiser according to the season.As temperatures rise, heavy winter creams can feel too rich and may clog pores. So it is advised tochoose a lightweight moisturiser with elements like hyaluronic acid and glycerin.

As the weather warms up,  o too can our skin’s oil production. We tend to sweat more during the spring season. A lighter non-comedogeniclotion will help to keep pores clear to avoid overloading.  Apply a creamy moisturiser that will immediately soothe your skin. You could also opt for a dry oil or plant-based oil such as shea butter, sweet almond oil or argan oil.

Make sure you moisturise morning and night. In the morning, apply a light formula that also contains sunscreen. And at night, treat your skin to a richer texture that suits its needs.

Hyderate

Hydrating and rehydrating the skin is crucial for maintaining skin health, especially in spring when the weather can be unpredictable.Carry a water bottle with you whenever possible and take regular water breaks, even if you don't feel thirsty. Water with  electrolytes can help hydrate/  rehydrate  you quickly and effectively—and taste great at the same time.

Proper hydration begins with understanding how much water you should consume each day.  Drink 8-10  glasses of plain water daily  besides soups, juices and smoothies.

Adding high-water-content snacks like fresh fruits and vegetables to your daily diet helps maintain proper hydration levels. Watermelon, cucumber, and oranges are excellent hydrating snacks.  When picking out a juice, look for no sugar added juices that are paired with nutrients for hydration, like sodium and electrolytes. 

Apply Retinol at Night

Retinol is a form of vitamin A that's regularly available over the counter and typically contains a lower concentration of the active ingredient.During spring, the sun’s intensity is not as strong as in the summer months. Starting retinol in spring allows your skin to acclimate to the ingredients and minimises the risk of sunburn.Protect your face from brighter, longer days by using Retinol products near bedtime. Retinol is typically applied to the skin topically and can come in the form of gels, lotions, serums, and more.  If you are new to Vitamin A and experiencing dryness, use it every other night initially and slowly increase the usage to allow your skin to build up a tolerance.

When using a retinol serum for the first time, start with a low percentage and work your way up steadily. The same is true for those with darker skin tones or skin sensitivities. As you monitor your skin's reaction and tolerance, you may be able to increase the strength.

Incorporate Antioxidants

Spring presents an ideal opportunity to rejuvenate your eating habits by prioritizing nutrient-rich foods that can enhance your overall health and wellness. From juicy strawberries and sweet cherries to tangy kiwis and refreshing citrus fruits, spring brings an array of colourful fruits to enjoy. These fruits are not only delicious but also rich in vitamin C, fiber, and other essential nutrients. Snack on them fresh, blend them into smoothies, or add them to salads for a burst of flavour and nutrition.

Superfoods such as  Kale, asparagus, green onions, pepitas, avocados, strawberries, and radishes make excellent additions to green  salads. Eat the Rainbow. Reds, oranges, purples and pinks and greens.  They can add flavour, texture, and a nutritional boost to your meals, making a great, leisurely lunch.

Antioxidants like Vitamin C protect against environmental aggressors, such as pollution and UV radiation, that are more prevalent in spring. They also help in brightening the complexion and evening out skin tone.

Treat Seasonal Allergies

Spring is beautiful, but it's also a key time of year for seasonal allergies.During spring,  certain trees, grasses ,  plants, and fungi    begin releasing pollen into the air   to fertilize other plants.  When people inhale this pollen, they send the body's defenses haywire.

Spring allergies can cause irritation, redness, and inflammation. You can take Quercetin which is abundantly found in various fruits and vegetables. Include quercetin-rich foods into your diet—especially apples, honey, raspberries, onions, red grapes, cherries, citrus fruits, and green leafy vegetables.