Skincare 101: The Springtime General Primary Complexion

spring skin care

Proper skincare isn’t a “one routine fits all seasons” type of thing. We’ve gotten the groove of humidifiers, heavy creams, and constant hydration, but then spring arrives and gifts us with a blemish — especially is this true if your skin is on the oily side, like mine. If the temperature rises above 80°, you can fry fish on my forehead. I’m not joking. It’s a problem. And if I’m not careful, after spending 35 minutes beating my face to semi-perfection, I find it all sliding down my neck by lunch. That sounds more disgusting out loud than it did in my head. Point is, warmer weather means a new skincare regimen. Here’s how I’m preemptively striking against warm weather wackness for a superb spring and summer complexion.

If the temperature rises above 80°, you can fry fish on my forehead.

It Goes Down in the P.M.

Step 1: Exfoliate. As Violet Crawley, The Dowager Countess of Grantham, would say if she lived during our time, “A lady’s face should never feel like the bottom of a Domino’s pizza.” Slough off that winter skin with an exfoliator, tailored for your skin type. I love using the Clarisonic Facial Brush, once a day, before bed. It allows my night creams to penetrate deeper for a visible difference. Night creams can be expensive; this brush ensures I’m getting my money’s worth. Twice a week, I use a luxurious scrub from either Blue Lagoon or Aveda in place of my Clarisonic, you know, to spice things up.

As Violet Crawley, The Dowager Countess of Grantham, would say if she lived during our time, “A lady’s face should never feel like the bottom of a Domino’s pizza.”

Step 2: Night Cream and Eye Cream. After a rub-down with Origins Plantscription Toner, it’s time for the hard stuff. If there’s one thing I learned from the D.A.R.E. program, it’s that ‘Crack is Wack’. ROC’s Deep Wrinkle Night Cream was voted Best in Beauty three years in a row by Allure Magazine, back when I was still reading Allure Magazine. I’ve been a loyal fan of the budget brand ever since. My eyes get the special sauce, Origins Plantscription Anti-Aging Eye Treatment, applied wherever I’m most fearful of crow’s-feet or wrinkle (GASP!) lines.

To humidify or not to humidify? I’ve read expert advice that the moisture maker should be stored away once cold months have passed. I disagree. Humidifiers are great for skin, hair, and … I just feel more comfortable if I’m sleeping with one on. Perhaps this is pointing to some baby blanket issues I never resolved. Nevertheless, in my completely unprofessional opinion, there is no reason to sleep without the machine. Bonus: On warm days, a cold air humidifier is refreshing.

spring skin care

The A.M. Rush

Step 1: Do Nothing. Unless I’m returning from the gym or a run, I don’t wash my face in the morning. This all goes back to my mom, Oprah, and/or Cindy Crawford. Basically, someone very influential during a very impressionable period of my life said something about washing one’s face in the morning. Something like, don’t do it. So I don’t. Instead, I douse it with H2O. It’s all scientific, I’m sure. (I’m not at all sure.)

If I’m returning from a sweat-fest, I cleanse my skin with Cetaphil because I’m fancy.

Humidifiers are great for skin, hair, and … I just feel more comfortable if I’m sleeping with one on.

Step 2: Moisturize Much? I use three face creams in the morning, each with an important purpose. The first, Hope in a Jar by Philosophy because, since graduating K-5, I’ve been desperately fighting the inevitable, age. It promises to remove dead skin and improve radiance. So far, I’ve seen no evidence that it doesn’t do those things, so I keep using it. The second, UltraSheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen by Neutrogena because the sun is a dangerous beast and I want no problems. The third, Tea Tree Mattifying Lotion by The Body Shop. This is my saving grace. It leaves my face with a natural sheen, no oily shine, thanks to being infused with organic tea tree oil and lemon tea. I love this stuff!

These four steps, two in the morning and two at night, have worked for me, combined with drinking lots of water and green tea for clearer skin. What’s your skincare secret weapon? Care to share? Hit me up on IG, Snap, or in the comments below!