The skin is our largest organ and we often neglect it during the cold winter months. Mostly because we don’t go out that often, but instead we get stuck at home and wait for warmer weather. But once spring arrives it’s time to finally give out skin the much-needed TLC boost that it needs. And it’s not even as difficult as many people make it out to be. Getting your skin ready for the warmer months involves just a few simple changes — from changing up your exfoliating habits to being more aware of regularly wearing SPF. Here are some of our favorite tips.

Remove dead skin cells

We all know how much facial exfoliation is needed to remove dead cells and clean the surface layer of the skin. Dead cells take away the shine of the skin and prevent the penetration of the moisturizing and nourishing ingredients of our skincare products. To remove dead skin cells, exfoliate about twice a week. When it comes to the skin on your body, you can try dry brushing before showering. Make sure you don’t overdo it and you’re not being too rough on your skin. Too much exfoliation can lead to irritation and damage to the skin barrier.

Antioxidants

If you want glowing skin, don’t forget about antioxidants. Antioxidants work by fighting free radicals and neutralizing oxidative stress, thus helping the skin to maintain its glow. Free radicals lead to changes in the cell that are recognized as signs of aging: reduction of collagen and elastin, increased pore size, increased texture changes, and changes in pigmentation.

The best-known antioxidants are vitamins C and E. They help the skin synthesize collagen, which can be beneficial in the summer as UV rays cause the collagen in the skin to decline. If you want to keep things completely natural, then incorporate aloe vera gel into your skincare routine. It works great as an antioxidant, and it’s pretty inexpensive as well.

Keep your sebum under control 

During spring and summer, temperatures and the humidity rise. These changes stimulate the sweat glands to produce more sweat and the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum. Increased sweat production cools the skin through evaporation, and increased oil production helps slow sweat evaporation to prolong the cooling effect. Although we love it when our skin glows, no one likes the feeling of oil and dirt on their skin. To control oil production, incorporate skincare ingredients such as niacinamide and green tea.

SPF is your BFF

Sunscreen is a vital part of skincare. But it’s especially once the weather gets warmer and the UV index gets higher. Make sure that your sun creams have an SPF of at least 30. In addition to that, avoid spending too much time in direct sunlight when the sun is at its strongest. Use the right amount of SPF and remember to reapply, especially if you’re wet and sweaty. You can also use hats, sunglasses, and head coverings to protect your skin from the sun.

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