According to Megan Rorrer, master esthetician with Carilion Clinic Cosmetic Center, having a few different seasonal skincare routines helps keep your skin’s needs met no matter what the weather.
Exfoliation
Spring is the prime time to focus on exfoliating, especially if you’ve cut back on it over the winter to avoid drying out your skin. As the weather warms up and the humidity increases, your skin is better able to tolerate stronger formulations like acids. Consider adding a chemical exfoliant to your routine:
- Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic, lactic and mandelic acid are the strongest of the chemical exfoliants. They exfoliate the top layer of the skin and are best for dark spots, uneven skin tone and fine lines.
- Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) include salicylic acid. They’re able to reach deeper into the skin’s oil glands, making them the top choice for acne-prone skin.
- Poly hydroxy acids (PHAs) are the gentlest of the chemical exfoliants and a great choice for sensitive skin.
Hydration
If those heavy creams that felt amazing on your dry winter skin are starting to feel a little sticky, it’s time to switch it up to more humidity-friendly hydration. Look for lighter moisturizers with water-based formulas (meaning water will be one of the first ingredients listed) and humectants: ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid and urea that draw moisture to your skin without creating as heavy a barrier as emollient ingredients (like oils, waxes and butters) do.
Make sure to hydrate your skin from the inside too by drinking plenty of water as the weather heats up!
Protection
Sun protection is important year-round, but UV rays grow stronger during spring and summer, so it's a good time to increase your SPF to at least 50. Always go for the broad-spectrum coverage!
Professional Treatment Options
Refreshing Hydrafacials and exfoliating treatments like microdermabrasion, dermaplaning and light chemical peels can give skin a bright new start for spring. And if you’d like to shave less this summer, it’s not too late to start laser hair reduction treatment.
Next Steps
To schedule a consultation with one of our aesthetic experts and learn more about which medical-grade products and professional treatments may be right for your skin this season, call our Cosmetic Center at 540-853-0510 for our Roanoke location or 540-951-8885 for our Blacksburg location.
