*This spring skincare routine blog post contains gifted products
Skincare is a big part of my daily self-care routine. So naturally as we move towards springtime, I'm thinking about ways I will change up my spring skincare routine. After I suffered with the worst skin issues of my life during the pandemic when I came off the contraceptive pill, I've been even more cautious than ever with the products I put on my skin. I'll always look for the purest and simplest products which don't contain any hidden ingredients that could cause a flare up.
Every season, I change up my skincare to reflect changes in the weather and my routine. While my winter skincare has been focused on hydration, balancing and removing blemishes, I'm all about glowing skin and SPF protection as the days start to become sunnier and warmer (hopefully!). Here's the products that will be in my shopping basket this spring:
Six products you need for your spring skincare routine:
Hyaluronic Acid for hydrated skin this spring
A product that has only been a part of my skincare regime for the last two years. Hyaluronic acid has had a huge impact on my complexion. Acids can give completely the wrong impression, I actually worried they might dry out my skin before I started using them. But hyaluronic acid is a powerful ingredient for packing the skin full of moisture. While helping it to retain that plump, smooth appearance and healthy glow. It's a super serum which is now available in so many face masks, moisturisers and treatments. But I always choose The Inkey List's 2% Hyaluronic Acid Serum. Not only is it super affordable, but it is simple product that does exactly what it says on the bottle.
Vitamin C serum for skin brightening
The look we all want this spring is fresh, dewy, glowing skin. So how better than to use a Vitamin C serum? They contain antioxidants which protect against environmental stressors. Some even contain Aloe Vera and Hyaluronic Acid to intensively hydrate. Vitamin C also works to reduce the formation of new age spots while reducing the appearance of existing pigmentation. Over time, regular use will result in brighter and more radiant skin. I've been using the Dr. Barbara Sturm The Good C Vitamin C Serum for around four months. It uses a combination of three skin-friendly forms of vitamin C which includes Kakadu Plum extract. The product has become a daily part of my spring skincare routine and is really helping to even my skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation.
Retinol for smoothing fine lines and blemishes
Combat signs of ageing while targeting blemishes and pigmentation with retinol to be left with fresh and youthful looking skin this spring. A key part of my spring skincare routine is using The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane 1-2 times per week. This revitalises my skin, accelerates skin turnover and softens my fine lines and pigmentation. It's such an all-rounder product but you have to be careful with it. It's easily one of the most powerful products available over the counter. I took time to work my way up to 2% and started with the 1% retinol by the same brand. Always make sure to only use it at night as it can cause your skin to react in the sun. I also recommend using now in the build-up to summer, I personally won't use it in the summer because the quick turn over of cells can cause my tan to fade quicker.
Serums for reducing hyperpigmentation and dark spots
If like me, you've been hit with bad skin during the pandemic due to stress, worry or hormone imbalances – don't worry, you're not alone. So many of us have experienced the same. While mine was mainly solved by rebalancing my hormones, I was left with uneven skin-tone and marks from where the breakouts had been. This pigmentation wasn't helped by my lack of tan which would normally hide the blemishes more easily. Instead, I turned to products from some of my favourite brands to help reduce the dark spots. From The Inkey List, I love the Alpha Arbutin serum and the Tranexamic Acid Night Treatment which help to fade dark spots and reduce hyperpigmentation. Within just a few weeks of using these two products I have already noticed a big difference. I've also been loving REN Overnight Glow Dark Spot Sleeping Cream which feels super luxurious and hydrating.
SPF for sun protection against increased UVB rays this spring
I have a love-hate relationship with moisturisers - particularly those containing SPF. As a woman of colour, so many of them leave a white cast on my skin or I find them greasy. It's so important to wear SPF and I say that as someone who has definitely slacked over the years (haven't we all?!) But I'm making a concerted effort to make this an important step in my spring skincare routine as we move into spring and the days become lighter and warmer. As I start to travel to warmer climates (coming soon!) it's more important than ever to make sure my skin is protected after so long out of the sun's rays. I''m a huge fan of the Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream with broad spectrum SPF 30 and The Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture Protect Emulsion with SPF 30. Both are fantastic options, the latter is definitely more budget-friendly.
Facial oil for intense overnight hydration
Last, but definitely not least, my spring skincare routine would not be complete without a facial oil. A lot of the time I actually skip moisturiser at night and just use the products I have listed above because I find them so much lighter and yet still hydrating. I find a lot of moisturisers can feel like they just sit on the skin rather than penetrating the different layers. I love the Kiehls Midnight Recovery Concentrate because it permeates the skin and leaves it feeling really hydrated and plump. It's full of essential oils so smells incredible and is all natural with no nasties hiding in there.
What are your go-to skincare products this spring? Do you change your skincare according to the season? What products will you introduce to your spring skincare routine?
