With warmer weather on the horizon, it’s time to rethink the way you approach your skincare routine. It should cater to your skin type concerns and also take into consideration the weather.
While winter skin needs more moisture and hydration, spring and summer skin tends to call for lightweight products that won’t mix with sweat and dirt to clog your pores. With so many things to remember, we decided to speak with dermatologist Dr. Rosemarie Ingleton, founder of Ingleton Dermatology in NYC, to get a cheat sheet.
When it comes to practices and products that everyone should have in their spring skincare arsenal, Dr. Ingleton has a few suggestions.
Evaluate whether or not your routine needs a revamp
“If your skin starts to look blah and dull, then it is time to revamp your routine,” she says. Start by introducing gentle exfoliants and skin brightening products, since they “unclog pores and refresh the skin surface,” she shares.
To keep pores clear, Dr. Ingleton suggests switching to lightweight products and avoiding heavy oil-based skin care products, like coconut oil, castor oil, and olive oil.
Add in antioxidant-rich products
While there are certain precautions everyone should take based on their skin type, Dr. Ingleton says all skin types could benefit from incorporating products rich with antioxidants (like vitamins C and E). But make sure to use a daily SPF moisturizer to protect skin against UV rays when using these kinds of products.
Pay special attention to your skin type
Before making changes to your skin care routine, it’s important to understand your skin type. If you’re unsure, Dr. Ingleton has a suggestion.
“Take a blotting paper and gently press it onto different parts of your face. This test should ideally be done 1-2 hours after washing the face and without applying any products to it,” she says. If there’s little to no oil residue then your skin is likely dry. A small amount of oil picked up from the nose or forehead indicates a normal skin type, and an oil-covered blotting paper will, of course, indicates an oily skin type.
Make sure to choose products according to your skin type as to not cause irritation or breakouts.
Schedule an appointment with your derm
As the seasons change, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with your derm. Dr. Ingleton says that consulting with a professional every season (especially if you’re experiencing changes in your skin) is a great way to avoid wasting your money and prevent making it worse.
“If you are using products that you have sourced on your own and you are either not improving, or your skin is getting worse, then seek out a board-certified dermatologist to guide you,” she says.
While skin care regimes should vary person to person, Dr. Ingleton says everyone can take control of their skin health by following these two simple rules:
1. Be Consistent: create a basic, easy-to-follow skincare regimen and adhere to it. and 2. Always remove the day’s makeup before going to bed.