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How to Update Beauty Routine For Spring

7 Unexpected Skincare Switch-Ups to Make STAT For Spring

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One of my favourite parts of an annual Spring reboot is fluffing up my skincare routine by drafting a new lineup of heavy hitters to keep my skin glowing, hydrated, and protected for the warmer months to come. To help me set these power players into starting position, I rounded up a team of experts to enlighten us on the not-so-obvious, warm-weather skincare swaps to make STAT. Here's the expert skincare switch-ups to make right now!

Image Source: Flickr user Songyu Goh

1. Add some grit.

"Exfoliating the skin at least once weekly helps cellular turn over and improves overall textural issues, pore reduction and increased hydration," says cosmetic dermatologist Jason Emer.

Think of it like shedding your dry, flaky Winter layer to reveal that polished Spring glow hiding beneath. For your face, wash once daily with an exfoliating cleanser — I love Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Cleanser Daily Foaming Wash ($38) — and once daily with an active cleanser, like Restorsea Reviving Cleanser ($65) for a healthy balance of buffing and brightening.

"For the body, I like sugar scrubs or adding a washcloth to my routine in the shower," recommends Papri Sarkar. A personal favorite: Indie Lee Coconut Citrus Body Scrub ($38). "It's very hydrating, effective and has natural ingredients including sugar for scrubbing and natural oils — like coconut oil and jojoba oil — for hydrating."

Image Source: Flickr user Songyu Goh
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Cleanser Daily Foaming Wash
$38
from sephora.com
Buy Now
Restorsea Reviving Cleanser
$65
from restorsea.com
Buy Now
Indie Lee Coconut Citrus Body Scrub
$38
from indielee.com
Buy Now

2. Swap in hydrating serums.

You've probably already swapped in some of your favorite lightweight formulas, but think twice before you forego all that cool weather moisturization — your skin may have gotten used to that thick topical nourishment!

"I recommend using a hydrating serum, it's like giving the skin a big drink of water," says Marino. "Serums hydrate at a cellular level so your skin will instantly absorb the product and allow for your skin to hydrate from the inside out. Hydrating serums will also slow down your own natural oil production since your skin is being nourished with hydration."

Marino's favorite hydrating serum: iS Clinical Hydra-Cool Serum ($90). "This formula instantly calms and cools the skin which makes it the perfect product for warmer months, it also helps to soothe sunburns and clear up active breakouts."

Image Source: Flickr user Songyu Goh
iS Clinical Hydra-Cool Serum
$90
from dermstore.com
Buy Now

3. Fight oil with oil.

Say it with me: To win the war against oily skin, you must fight oil with oil.

"Traditionally, we fight oily skin by stripping it of its essential oils," explains Emer. Unfortunately, this action tricks the skin into thinking it is dehydrated and results in the production of more sebum resulting in all that greasiness you were hoping to avoid from the start.

"When you apply oil formulated specially for the face, the skin believes it is hydrated and sebum production remains under control."

His favorite oil of the moment: Restorsea 24kt Liquid Gold Face Oil with Vibransea Complex ($150).

Image Source: Flickr user Songyu Goh
Restorsea 24kt Liquid Gold Face Oil with Vibransea Complex
$150
from restorsea.com
Buy Now

4. Retinol revamp.

"Contrary to popular belief, retinol is actually great for you in the Summertime, as the skin is naturally more moisturized with more humidity and warmth in the air," explains Marino. "Most people will notice less dryness and irritation from retinols when used in the warmer months, making it more tolerable for those who are usually sensitized from it."

However, this comes with a MAJOR caveat: any regular sun worshippers need to look for "retinol free" alternatives that deliver the cellular turnover, texture buffing and anti-aging benefits of traditional retinol, but WITHOUT the photosensitivity.

"I love Rejuvaphyl Rejuvenating RF Complex ($120) which help to reduce find lines and wrinkles while evening skin tone and enhancing overall radiance, and it's safe for those who's lifestyle isn't compatible with retinol."

Image Source: Flickr user Songyu Goh
Rejuvaphyl Rejuvenating RF Complex
$120
from shopemermd.com
Buy Now

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5. Add in happy feet.

Don't forget about your feet, especially leading into sandal season!

"I love the Patchology PediCure ($20). They're essentially foot masks that you apply for an hour, which make large sheets of skin peel off your feet until they're super smooth," recommends Sarkar. The peeling comes from a combination of lactic, glycolic, and salicylic acids and leaves feet baby soft.

Warning: the peel process isn't the prettiest sight, so don't use this the week of an open-toe-shoe event. "It takes about a week for all of the skin to shed so plan ahead!"

Image Source: Flickr user Songyu Goh
Patchology PediCure
$20
from patchology.com
Buy Now

6. Upgrade your SPF.

It may seem like a no-brainer, but selecting the right sunscreen formula and ingredients is almost as important as slathering it on.

"I like to recommend physical sunscreens over chemical ones. Physical sunscreens sit on the surface of the skin and deflect sunlight, while chemical sunscreens absorb sunlight which creates a chemical reaction that turns UV rays into heat and then releases it through the skin," explains Marino. "The problem with the chemical sunscreens is that the heat that is created can be detrimental for certain skin types, specifically those who suffer from Melasma and Rosacea."

When looking for physical sunscreen look for formulas that contain zinc or titanium dioxide. Don't worry! That doesn't mean they will be thick, chalky, and leave you white like a ghost. Many physical formulas are silky and lightweight like Sente Pollution Shield SPF 46 ($49).

"This intelligent formula shields the skin from harmful UV rays, protects from damaging environmental stressors all while detoxifying the skin," note Marino.

Image Source: Flickr user Songyu Goh
Sente Pollution Shield SPF 46
$49
from shopemermd.com
Buy Now

7. Commit to the purge!

Fair warning, this one takes some serious will power. It's not easy parting with your beloved products that you've been turning to for months now, but committing to the Spring cleaning of old and expired products is a necessary evil in the seasonal switch up. Check for the expiration icon (an open jar on the back of products denoting 6M, 12M).

"If you've got a lot of products keep a marker handy to write the date you opened on it. Once products are opened they're susceptible to contamination which can cause skin reactions and infections," explains Sarkar.

Image Source: Flickr user [Songyu Goh]

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