8 Sensitive Skincare Essentials for Spring

Spring is in the air; if you're like many people, you're waiting on bated breath to plant in your outdoor gardens. Daydreaming of how much more beautiful the renewal of spring makes not only the exterior of your home but the interior as well. Spring is a time of deep renewal, and on top of spring cleaning, opening windows to let in the fresh air, and watching nature bloom around our homes, people also want the proverbial spring in their step. 

Our bodies are like our homes; in fact, they're the home we'll never buy or sell, and we're stuck with them for our lifetimes. Therefore, taking great care of our bodies through diet, nutrition, and grooming is integral to our mental and physical well-being. If you're like half of Americans, your skin (which is your body's largest organ) is classified as sensitive. People with sensitive skin types need to be more intentional with the products they use in their skincare routines. Keep reading for all the sensitive skincare essentials you need this spring to look and feel as beautiful as those first spring flowers. 

SPF 

We all know how important it is to wear SPF (Sun Protection Factor) year-round, but we must switch up our SPF routine as the weather gets warmer. Our facial skin is much more delicate than the skin on the rest of our bodies, so use a stand-alone SPF of at least 30 or higher. While using a moisturizer that contains SPF can get you through fall and winter, in spring and summer, apply SPF on its own during your skincare routine after toners and serums but before moisturizers and other makeup. 

Oil Blotting Sheets 

Nothing can ruin a spring or summer selfie like an oily complexion, so whether you already have an oily skin type, a set of oil blotting sheets is essential as outdoor temperatures rise. These are handy to keep your complexion matte and shine-free; they also are helpful if your skin type is acne prone, as they easily soak up extra sebum that can clog pores and lead to breakouts. 

Milk Lotions 

During the spring, we can shed the layers of clothing we've been wearing all fall and winter, but that cool winter weather that requires layers also can dry our skin. It's important to keep your skin hydrated year-round, but if you need to play a little catch-up and get your skin supple for spring quickly, nothing can make that happen faster than milk lotions. Milk lotions contain a small amount of oil, so you get the benefits of body lotion and more intense hydration, which is renewing for both your body and your facial skin. 

Cooling Sprays 

While spring weather isn't generally sweltering like the summer months, it can still get relatively hot outdoors during the spring, and if you run hot in general, this can leave your skin wanting. Even if you don't feel warm, a cooling spray for your face has benefits beyond refreshment. These sprays keep your skin hydrated, which every skin type benefits from. Spray the cooling spray eight inches from your face in a zig-zag pattern for a quick pick-me-up during the middle of the day, after planting your spring garden, or before heading to brunch with friends. 

Safe Sunless Tanners 

While spring is a great time to get outdoors and soak in Vitamin D, as mentioned earlier, SPF is critical to do it safely. But what if you enjoy a deep tan or bronze skin tone? Instead of laying out for hours or visiting tanning beds at a salon (both of which have been shown to have harmful health effects), opt for safe sunless tanning options. Sunless tanners are not created equal, so do your research and invest in a brand with high-quality and natural ingredients. 

Get a Facial 

While facials may seem like a splurge and something you only do for your birthday or other special events, they're actually essential for your skin's health. At a minimum, you should receive a facial from a licensed esthetician with each changing season (three to four times a year). A facial will help slough off dead skin cells and reveal rejuvenated and fresh skin underneath, so you will truly walk into spring with some pep in your step. Facials are also a great opportunity to learn more about your skin type and how best to care for it. 

Spring Serums 

If you haven't already incorporated a serum into your skincare routine, you're on notice, and it's high time you did. Most people have different serums for their evening and morning skincare routines, but in spring, there are ingredients you want in your serums, no matter which time of day you're applying. Look for serums with antioxidants like Vitamin A and Vitamin C to include. Not only are they beneficial to your overall complexion, but these free-radical fighters will also help with skin concerns like hyperpigmentation, breakouts, dark spots, and even minor wrinkles. 

Gentle Exfoliants 

As the weather warms, you may need more makeup and products than you used during the fall and winter, not to mention sweat will lead to oil build-up, which can cause issues with your complexion. Gentle exfoliants are the answer to your prayers regarding keeping a fresh face. Find them in the form of serums, cleansers, and exfoliating masks. You'll want to use exfoliators to remove dead skin cells and other skin-clogging agents with acid products. BHAs like salicylic acid or AHAs like glycolic acid are most trusted when gently exfoliating with harsh scrubbing. 

Other essentials for caring for spring skincare routines like cleansing your face twice a day, using a toner to keep your pores tight, and wearing more minimal makeup or forgoing facial makeup altogether. Just as your skin and appearance are everchanging, so should your skincare routine. By implementing the above essentials into your skincare regimen, you'll not only look your best as we head into spring but feel your best too.