Spring is in the air, and after a full year spent cooped up indoors, the arrival of sunnier days could not be more welcome! But like all seasons, spring brings its own unique set of challenges for your skin. If you’re not yet getting that sun-kissed glow you’ve been eagerly anticipating, you might need to make a few tweaks in your daily ritual. Here are four simple ways to help keep your skin feeling healthy, fresh, and amazing all season.
1. Step up your SPF
With the temptation to spend more time outdoors comes increased exposure to UV rays. Ideally you should always wear at least SPF 15 all year round, but you’ll want to step up your sun protection to SPF 30 or higher in the sunnier season. If you’re spending long hours outside, don’t forget to have your SPF handy to re-apply throughout the day. Even if you’re just working from home or driving, you won’t want to skimp on SPF. While window glass is designed to block out some UVA and UVB rays, it does not cover the full spectrum. And certainly don’t neglect your neck and hands! The skin in these regions is extremely delicate and prone to sun damage, and they often take the hit first along with your face. Japanese sunscreens usually offer at least SPF 30/PA+++, with many offering SPF 50+/PA++++, so you can rest assured that both your UVA and UVB protection is covered.
2. Swap out your moisturizer for something lighter
As the weather warms up, you might suddenly find your winter moisturizer weighing you down. If that’s the case, you’ll want to switch over to a lightweight moisturizer, such as with a water-base or hyaluronic acid formulation. J-Beauty emulsions like the La Vie Précieuse MOIST A.P.G. Emulsion deliver a healthy balance of water, essential oils and nutrients, and give the skin a shot of moisture without the greasy texture of traditional creams and face oils. Plus, they’re non-comedogenic so they won’t clog your pores. Another product to consider rotating is your essence, the very first post-cleanse step in any J-Beauty skincare regimen. Essence toners like the UNNATURALLY NATURAL Vitamin C Oil Essence are designed to be lightweight while protecting the skin from dehydration. This Vitamin C Oil Essence is fortified with a unique blend of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, marula oil, jojoba oil, and fermented plant extracts, all of which help to brighten and firm the skin while minimizing the appearance of pores. It also doubles as a glowy makeup primer, leaving the skin more even-textured and smooth for better product application.
3. Do some spring cleaning
In Japan, Sakura cherry blossoms signal the dawn of spring, new beginnings and fresh starts. If you’re a beauty junkie, now is the perfect time to toss out old products lying in your skincare cabinet. Hygiene is a must for healthy skin. Old products, no matter how effective, become hosts of accumulated bacteria, and this hidden culprit can unknowingly clog your pores and wreak havoc on your skin. Even makeup sponges and brushes build up germs and viruses over time, so if you’re not doing so already, you’ll want to start washing them periodically. If you’re suddenly breaking out but haven’t changed a single thing in your routine, you might want to consider just how long those products have been lying on your shelf (!)
4. Shed that outer layer, literally
Just as we prep our closets for warm weather, our skin deserves to be rid of all the dull flaky cells that piled up during winter. Days of cold temperatures, dry air, and hot showers can truly run a number on your skin, making it rough and dehydrated. Exfoliation is one of the easiest ways to refresh your skin for the new season. The KITAO Matcha + Chia Exfoliating gel cleanser not only buffs away dead skin cells but helps to untrap impurities and leave the skin more hydrated, toned and radiant.
