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5 Changes to Your Skincare You Need to Make This Spring
Much like our bodies, our skin feels the effects of the changing seasons; Ryan Porter, skincare expert at Fat Cow Skincare unpacks how you should adapt your routine to the season.
Fat Cow Skincare is a forward-thinking brand that creates natural, grass-fed tallow-based skincare products. Their offerings included tallow body creams, face creams, balms, soaps, and cleansers, all made with 100% natural ingredients. Enriched with essential vitamins such as A, D, E, and, K, their skincare is bound to rejuvenate frostbitten skin.
The change from bitter winter to humid summer can have a lasting impact on your skin. Ryan Porter claims, "Just as you swap your heavy winter coat for a lighter jacket when spring arrives, your skin needs a similar wardrobe change". He further explains "The products and routines that protect your skin during the harsh winter months can cause problems as the weather warms up.".
Let's dive into the five changes you can make now to bring life back to your skin:
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1. Switch to a lighter moisturiser
In the winter we reach for heavier moisturisers to combat the cold, however, as spring approaches and the humidity increases, we need to let our skin breathe. Porter suggests we switch to water-based formulations to hydrate without overwhelming our skin.
Moisturisers with hyaluronic acid or glycerin are great options as they attract water to the skin without leaving you greasy.
2. Increase sun protection
The golden rule is that you should always wear sunscreen, even during the winter and even on cloudy days. But if we are all being honest, it's an easy step to neglect during the winter. Why stress about sunscreen when we only see the sun for a few hours during the height of winter?
However, even on cloudy spring days, UV rays can damage our skin. Porter suggests that we should "aim for at least SPF 30 and reapply throughout the day if you're spending time outside."
3. Add gentle exfoliation
"After months of winter weather, most skin types benefit from gentle exfoliation to remove the buildup of dead skin cells," says Porter. "However, moderation is key, over-exfoliating can damage your skin barrier and cause sensitivity. Porter recommends starting with "once-weekly exfoliation using mild products containing lactic acid or plant enzymes rather than harsh physical scrubs."
4. Address seasonal allergies effect on skin
Surprisingly, those who suffer with hay fever will also see the effect on their skin. "Spring allergies can manifest on the skin as redness, irritation, or even hives," Porter notes. "If you're prone to seasonal allergies, consider adding anti-inflammatory ingredients to your routine, such as products containing green tea extract, centella asiatica, or oat derivatives."
It's also advised that you wash your face after spending lots of time outside, this is simply to clear off any undetectable pollen that could be on your skin. Pay particular attention to your eyes, as this is invariably where reactions start.
5. Reassess your cleanser
In the winter, it's natural to reach for thicker cleansers to inject some much-needed moisture into your skin, however, as our natural oils increase with the rising humidity, it's time to rethink your cleanser.
Porter explains, "as we move into spring, you might need something with slightly more cleansing power, especially if you're more active outdoors or experiencing increased oil production. Consider adding a mild foaming cleanser for morning use while keeping your more nourishing cleanser for nighttime".
For those who wear makeup or sunscreen daily, Porter recommends a double cleanse in the evening: first with an oil-based cleanser to dissolve products, followed by a water-based cleanser to remove any residue.
"The biggest mistake I see people make is treating skincare as a set-it-and-forget-it routine that stays the same year-round. Your skin is a living organ that responds to its environment." says Porter. What your skin needs in January won't be the same as what it needs in April. Listen to your skin the same way your listen to your body and work out what it's calling for.
(Added by Isabelle Chamberlain, Editorial Assistant)
