Spring 2024 Skincare Edit!!
- BY TASMIYAH OUMAR
- Sep 3, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 4, 2024
Photo: @khadijashari
Spring is the season of renewal and regeneration, and after winter’s drying effects, there’s no better time to revitalise your skin. If you’re not sure how to transition your skincare routine from winter to spring, or what to include in your spring skincare routine, then this is for you. Here are four tips to help your skin bloom this spring.
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1. Soothe your Skin
The flowers are now in full bloom, but unfortunately, the increase in pollen can trigger any skin allergies you may have. If you experience mild redness or irritation, try introducing an anti-inflammatory ingredient to help soothe your skin. These include Niacinamide, Centella Asiatica
Niacinamide: Niacinamide, a form of Vitamin B3, helps soothe redness and irritation while strengthening your skin’s barrier. Niacinamide also aids with hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles, making it an ideal choice if these are some of your skincare concerns.
What To Buy
Silki’s 7% Niacinamide, Aloe Vera and Glycerine Serum decongests, soothes and hydrates skin, making it a fantastic option for those with sensitive skin.
Yearn Skin’s Niacinamide and Turmeric Brightening Cream does not only contain anti-inflammatory properties, but the perfect pairing of ingredients to treat dark marks and blemishes leaving you with a brighter, more even skin tone. This would make a great choice if you prefer natural or “no make-up beauty”, as the addition of mica (a natural “glitter”) gives your skin a subtle yet radiant glow.
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Centella Asiatica: Centella Asiatica, also known as Gota Kola, is a plant with numerous benefits. It is rich in antioxidants thus protecting your skin from free radical and environmental damage, hydrating, and anti-inflammatory, making it an ideal skincare ingredient to incorporate into your daily routine.
What To Buy
The Hydra-Mist by Skin Bliss is a balancing and refreshing toner that contains anti-inflammatory ingredients like Centella, Allantoin and Witch Hazel. The addition of hyaluronic acid ensures your skin’s hydration while prebiotics improve your skin barrier.
Fundamental’s Inflasoothe Toner is a calming and soothing water-based toner with 2% Centella Asiatica and 2% Hyaluronic Acid.
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2. Rejuvenate
Winter often leads to dry skin, which causes a buildup of dead skin cells. This leaves your skin looking dull and dehydrated, and with spring’s renewal of nature, there is no better time to revitalise your skin. One of the best ways to rejuvenate your skin is by using a mild exfoliant. This will help remove any dead skin cell build up and even out your skin’s texture and tone, revealing brighter and more radiant skin. There are two types of exfoliants, physical and chemical. Physical exfoliants, like scrubs, can be a bit harsh on your skin, therefore Dr Adè van Heerden, a medical doctor who specialises in skincare, recommends using a chemical exfoliant suitable to your skin type. These are commonly in the form of a cleanser, toner, serum, or face mask/solution. Chemical exfoliants are categorised into three main types: AHA’s, BHA’s and Enzymes.
AHA’s: Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA’s), are water-soluble acids that slough off dead skin cells from the top layer of your skin. This makes them more suitable for sensitive skin. Common AHA’s include lactic acid and glycolic acid.
The 8% Glycolic Cleansing Gel by Yearn Skin is an exfoliating gel cleanser that contains hyaluronic acid. It therefore not only cleanses and exfoliates the skin, but has the added benefit of hydration.
Skin Functional’s 30% Amino Hydroxy Complex Exfoliating Serum contains both glycolic and lactic acid. It uses a blend of Amino Acids that bind to the Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) complex to effectively exfoliate the skin without any stinging or burning.
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BHA’s: Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA’s), are oil-soluble acids and are therefore able to penetrate into and unclog your pores. These are ideal if you have oily or acne-prone skin and if you struggle with hyperpigmentation. They also assist with blemishes, fine lines and wrinkles. A popular BHA is salicylic acid.
Silki’s Skin Perfecting Exfoliating Tonic contains 2% salicylic acid, centella asiatica and niacinamide to remove dead skin cells while reducing inflammation and boosting your skin’s complexion.
The 2% BHA Exfoliating Tonic by Skin Functional is a mildly exfoliating toner that can be used daily.
Enzymes: These refer to fruit enzymes, like papain from papaya and bromelain from pineapple. These also dissolve dead skin cells from the surface of your skin and are also a good option if your skin is sensitive.
Nutriderma’s Total Glow Enzymatic Mask contains green algae and a high concentration of papain to energise and revitalise your skin.
E.X.F.O. cleanse by pHformula is a highly recommended gentle exfoliating cleanser that contains both papaya enzymes and moisturising ingredients. It therefore functions as a gentle cleanser, exfoliator and hydrating mask.
Chemical exfoliants, more specifically BHA’s are also effective for blackheads, whiteheads and sebaceous filaments. Both AHA’s and BHA’s may also increase collagen production and are therefore great to combat signs of ageing. Remember to introduce AHA’s and BHA’s into your routine slowly to avoid irritation.
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3. Switch up your Moisturiser
With the rising temperature comes a rise in humidity levels. Switch your heavy moisturiser for something more light and breathable. This will ensure that your skin will stay hydrated without becoming oily and congested.
The Moisture-Boost Gel Moisturiser by Skin Bliss contains Aloe Ferox, Hyaluronic Acid and Centella Asiatica to soothe, hydrate and moisturise skin without the added weight.
Standard Beauty’s Mattifying Gel Moisturiser with 10% Azelaic Acid not only moisturises, but also assists with acne, rosacea and hyperpigmentation.
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4. SPF, of course
The beauty of the blossoming flowers is bound to make you spend more time outdoors in spring. Therefore you should ensure that your skin is protected against the sun’s harsh rays. Ensure that you use a broad-spectrum, mineral sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. This will protect your skin against both UVA and UVB rays and keep sun damage at bay.
The Gel Lotion Sunscreen SPF50 by Skin Functional is a great choice for spring as it also contains NiacinamideNiacinimide, Centella Asiatica and Bisobolol to effectively reduce inflammation and boost your skin’s hydration.
Apella Skin’s SPF 50 with Niacinamide & Zinc is another good option for spring as it is lightweight and breathable while soothing inflammation.
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By making these small yet effective adjustments to your spring skincare routine, you will help ensure that your skin remains healthy and revitalised all season long!
