Summer may still be a few months away, but if you want to achieve that gorgeous summer glow, you’ll want to start preparing your skin now.
Winter can do a number on your skin, especially if you fall on the sensitive side. Dry patches, redness, dullness—all things you definitely want to say sayonara to come May. Follow these steps for improving your skins overall appearance in just a few weeks!
Repeat after me: I will exfoliate every day.
Like a snake (kind of) our skin naturally wants to shed itself. We replace dead layers with fresh new layers, and replenish our skin cells at a rate of 30,000–40,000 every day. However, if you aren’t gently exfoliating those dead skin cells away, you can be left with flaky patches, and who wants that? Invest in a mild, non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog pores) body scrub that can softly remove any dryness while replenishing new skin of its natural moisture.
There’s no such thing as too much moisturizer.
Seriously, when it comes to full body hydration, you really can’t apply too much lotion. Your face, though, is another story. If you find that your skin is particularly dry—we’re talking flaky patches and redness all over—think about using a super-rich moisturizer with natural ingredients like oatmeal (Eucerin cream is a popular option). Just make sure the product you choose is unscented and non-irritating.
Not all sunscreen is created equal.
You don’t need to rid the store of all its SPF 100, but you do need to invest in a solid, moisturizing sunscreen that you can trust to protect your skin. We’re all exposed to harsh UV rays every day, not to mention pollutants and other chemicals. It’s imperative to protect your skin year-round, especially your face, which is often the most exposed part of your body. Look into a daily moisturizer with at least SPF 15 for the best protection.
Develop a routine.
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again (and again and again): you need a solid skincare routine if you want your skin to love you. You don’t need to go out of your way to buy a million products that take you an hour to apply. If you’re just starting out, stick to the basics: a cleanser, toner (which can restore natural moisture balance), a serum—if you’re feeling a little extra TLC—and a moisturizer. Stick to your routine in the morning and at night and you’ll be surprised how quickly your skin adjusts.
Whether you’re planning on hitting the beach this summer or like to stay covered up, we all want and deserve healthier looking skin that glows. Take these steps to fight off the plagues winter can bring, and feel more confident in your skin in no time.
