Photo: Instagram @maliamanuel @oneillwomens_aus @thedrifterblog.
Spring is in the air, and for most of us, that means a rude awakening when it comes to our skin. Winter has left us pale, dry, and unprepared for the warm spring sun. Unfortunately, that is a recipe for disaster when that first hot day rolls around. These simple tricks can help your skin brace for the seasonal change, and they can help you avoid that first, horrendous sunburn of spring.
Hydrate
Water is your skin’s best defense against any kind of change, especially one in temperature. Hydrated skin can better absorb external shocks like sunburn by preventing damage in the first place and helping the repair cycle. Water also helps the skin appear more supple, and it gives you a healthy glow. Make an effort to drink an extra glass of filtered water each day for healthy, happy skin.
Chow Down
But not just on anything. Try to increase your intake of fruit and veggies, as these foods have high water content that helps you stay hydrated. Also, look to munch on the foods listed below for more targeted benefits this spring.
Avocados
Avocados are loaded with healthy fats. These fats help your skin stay hydrated, and they also help your skin efficiently absorb vitamins and nutrients. Avocado has also been linked to good skin health by helping prevent sun damage. Components of avocados have been shown to help minimize exposure to UV radiation and kickstart the healing process after a bad burn.
Berries
Berries like strawberries and blueberries are high in antioxidants along with other vitamins and minerals that have anti-inflammatory properties. Thanks to these nutrients, berries can help prevent aging caused by free radical damage.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are filled with skin-healthy nutrients. In fact, they might be the best food for your skin. They’re packed with lycopene and vitamin C, both of which help fight premature aging caused by UV’s, treat hyper pigmentation, and fight wrinkles by helping collagen production.
Watermelon
Watermelon is also rich in lycopene which helps with the benefits listed above. Additionally, watermelon contains more water than almost any fruit, and this helps keep skin hydrated and glowing.
Exercise
Exercising regularly is great for your health, period. However, as you sweat, you also help your skin flush out toxins. Studies have also shown that exercise can help prevent and even reverse signs of aging. Make a decision to workout a little extra, or at least a little more regularly, this spring to help your skin stay balanced and refreshed.
Stock Up On Essentials
A lot of the time, our bathroom bags stay the same year round. Unfortunately, the skin has different needs for the different seasons. Stock up on essentials this spring for warmer weather, and try to actually use them each day. The more routine your daily skincare habits are, the more effective they will be. Below are a couple spring essentials you should consider using to help your skin transition to spring.
Everyday Sunscreen
If you surf, you likely have your heavy-duty surf sunscreen. That’s great for when you’re in the water, but it does you no good when you don’t slap it on. Find a lighter sunscreen you feel good about applying each morning. This can help protect your skin from unwanted UV exposure as you go about your everyday tasks.
After-Sun Moisturizer
Alright, so even though you wore your heavy-duty surf sunscreen, you still got some sun out in the water. You might have sunburn cream, but you don’t quite have a sunscreen. Have a light moisturizer on hand to help rehydrate your skin after a long day at the beach. Look for one with aloe that’s hypoallergenic if possible to minimize any irritation.
Cleanser and Sponge
Clean skin is healthy skin, and when you wear more sunscreen, that means more to scrub off at the end of each day. Find a cleanser that helps remove all skin products to use each morning and evening. Also consider finding a sponge (some recommend a charcoal sponge) that helps manually scrub off sunscreen, especially if you’re using a heavier sunscreen for time in the ocean.
