How to Transition Your Skin Care From Winter to Spring

Now I know what you must be thinking: transition? Its only February! But the truth is, March 20 is going to sneak up on us much faster than we think! And with the weather doing an uncharacteristic dance here in Southern California (we dipped into the high 80's this past weekend!) I am feeling inspired to get my Spring Skincare all in line. So, for those of you residing in much colder areas, remember that Spring is just on the horizon! And for my fellow Californians who are enjoying the heat, here are some tips you can pick up on earlier than the season change.

Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring

Tip 1: Spring Clean. I have grown so fond of Spring cleaning. Be it a general clean up of my home, to weeding out my closet, skincare, and more, it is such a great time to declutter and reorganize. If you don't share that same enthusiasm, we can streamline this point to just your skin care: yes, it is time to keep what you use and toss what you don't. Here are some things to consider when going through your skin care products:

• How long has this been open? If you can't place a date to how long a product has been open (or at least a general idea of when), it is time to toss it. Much like your food, your skin care products will eventually expire, which can render them useless (or worse, a burden) to your skin.

• Do I really use this? As a medical esthetician and skin care business owner, it has become natural in my life to be trying out the latest and greatest products on the market. This means I have had to become accustomed to focusing on which products to keep, and which products to toss. If I will most likely not have a need for that product, away it goes. Take a look into your beauty bag (or drawer) and really consider if you are using that product. If the answer is "no but what if..." it is time to say goodbye.

• Will I use this in the Spring/Summer? If you are like me, your skin care routine changes with the seasons. I tend to reach for heavier, more moisturizing products in the Fall/Winter months, and more lightweight, oil free options during Spring/Summer. If you aren't going to use those products after the weather changes, especially if you know the product will be expired by the time you'd like to use it again, resolve to throw it away once you are no longer using it. I do give a pass for keeping a few products on hand, just in case the weather shifts into cool mode, or if you find yourself needing the extra moisture despite the weather. I like to hold onto one serum, one moisturizer, and one mask.

• But I feel like I am wasting money. Something that I have come to learn about skin care is that it is very trial and error in nature. What works like magic for your best friend might do nothing (or worse, negative things) for your skin. That being said, it is always wise to be smart with your money. Seek out samples whenever possible, seek out smaller sizes for your first dip into a product, and speak with an esthetician before purchasing a product to discuss whether or not a product might be appropriate for your skin type and skin care needs.

Tip 2: Reach For Lighter Products. If you are one of those people who endures dry skin no matter the season, disregard this. For my Normal/Combo/Oily skin type readers, this one will likely apply to you. With warmer weather typically comes higher humidity levels, meaning your skin will require a lighter moisturizer. That is not to say you should stop moisturizing altogether. In fact, neglecting to moisturize your skin can result in excess oil production, so be sure to find a lightweight moisturizer that keeps your skin happy and balanced. If you want something that will hydrate your skin amazingly well, while remaining perfectly lightweight, look no further than my Alana Mitchell Moisture Boost Serum!

Tip 3: Amp Up Your SPF. If you know me, you know how I feel about SPF. You should be using it year round, every day, and reapplying throughout the day. With that said, there are certain things that require you to step up your game in the summer. These things include: more time spent outdoors, taking a dip in the water (be it the beach or the pool), and sweating more often. Be sure you are reapplying your sunscreen every two hours or more depending on your level of sun exposure and activity. If you haven't found a sunscreen formula you are absolutely in love with yet, take a look at the options below. I have been using some of these products for years, so you have likely heard me talk about them before :-) :

• If you like Pina Coladas, reach for COOLA's Sport Pina Colada Sunscreen Spray SPF 30. This product sprays on easily, goes on clear, smells amazing, and helps to nourish your skin. This has been a long time favorite of mine (along with it's mimosa scented sister) and is always in my day bag when the family goes on outings.
• For a light tint, reach for a tinted moisturizer with SPF. My two favorites: Image Skincare's Prevention+ Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 and COOLA's Rose Essence Mineral Face Tint SPF 20. Both formulas are hydrating, without being heavy, and deliver antioxidants to your skin.
• If you need something that won't cramp your makeup style, try a powdered SPF. Eminence Organic Sun Defense Minerals allows you to bring SPF with you wherever you go, in a pre-packed brush that you just pull out and apply to your face. An added bonus: it helps to mattify oil on the skin. This is personally one of my favorite ways to reapply facial SPF throughout the day.
• Lastly, you can incorporate SPF into your foundation routine by simply reaching for a formula that already has it! My absolute favorite for the past year has been Image Skincare's I Conceal Flawless Foundation SPF 30. There are so many things to love about this product! It contains SPF 30, was designed to protect your skin from environmental protection, and delivers the most beautiful, even coverage ever. The tube size does seem small when you first open it up, but I can assure you that a little bit of product goes along way. It can be used as a concealer as well!

Tip 4: Exfoliate. If this wasn't on your winter to-do list, it is time to hop onboard. Exfoliating your skin is essential in so many ways. It helps to rid the skin of dead skin cells, which in turn helps to stimulate cellular turnover. This means your skin will be (1) smoother, (2) ready to properly absorb your serum and/or moisturizer, and (3) healthier. An extra bonus: most exfoliaters have benefits beyond just ridding your face of dead skin cells - whether you are looking for anti-aging benefits, anti-acne, or both, there is likely an exfoliator that can help you achieve your skin care goals.

Tip 5: Evaluate Your Makeup. Lets face it, much like our skin care, our makeup has to change with the seasons as well. And I am not talking about color, but rather consistency. That ultra-creamy, full coverage liquid foundation you have been rocking all winter long might be too heavy to brace the Spring and Summer heat. As with anything else, however, this will all be trial and error. Everyones skin will react differently to different formulas and weather conditions. The bottom line: If you are starting to notice more oiliness, shine, or "melting" of your makeup, it might be time to switch to something more lightweight and mattifying.

Tip 6: Don't Be Afraid to Visit Your Esthetician. Nothing will give your actual skin a deep clean like a visit to your friendly esthetician! They can address your skin care concerns directly, and streamline your facial to your needs. I love how fresh and clean and revitalized my skin looks after getting my Spring treatment. If you simply do not have the time or desire to head to your esthetician on a monthly basis (which many will recommend), make the changing of the seasons (or Spring) the time to pamper yourself.