Table of Contents
Introduction
As spring approaches, many of us are surprised at how quickly time has passed. It’s important to accept that time will always move forward, but we can take steps to prepare ourselves for the changing seasons. One aspect of preparation is taking care of our skin, especially as we begin to show more of it and spend more time outdoors. By implementing these 10 skin-positive tips, you can significantly improve your skin’s quality and appearance before spring arrives.
1. Use Cleansing Brushes
One of the best ways to exfoliate your skin and improve its texture is by using an electric cleansing brush. Consistent use of these brushes can make your skin feel smoother and look brighter over time. It’s important to note that if you have acne-prone or oily skin and are new to using cleansing brushes, you may experience temporary breakouts or skin irritation. This is normal and should subside within 1-2 weeks. Use a gentler cleanser with the brushes to prevent further irritation. InStyle and Cosmo have recommendations for the best cleansing brushes.
2. Cleanse Your Face with Raw Milk
Raw milk, which is unpasteurized milk, can be beneficial for your skin. While it should not be consumed due to potential bacteria, it can be used as a gentle cleanser. Raw milk can tone and moisturize your skin, speed up the healing of breakouts, protect against sun damage, and reduce the appearance of dark circles. Look for raw milk at local farms or check Real Milk’s website for availability.
3. Exfoliate with Baking Soda
Baking soda can be used as a natural exfoliant to treat various skin issues such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, ingrown hairs, and fungal infections. Its antibacterial properties and gritty texture make it effective for these purposes. Apply baking soda to damp skin to prevent excessive roughness, especially on the face.
4. Or Try Some Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds are another natural exfoliant that can clean out pores, improve skin texture, and provide a radiant glow. The high amount of antioxidants in coffee grounds can also boost collagen and elastin levels, making it a great anti-aging remedy. Mixing coffee grounds with brown sugar and sweet almond oil can create a homemade exfoliant that leaves your skin smooth and even-looking.
5. DIY Your Toner
Toner is an often overlooked step in skincare routines, but it can deeply cleanse, moisturize, brighten, and hydrate your skin. Making your own toner allows you to control the ingredients and ensure you’re applying only what’s best for your skin. Hello Glow offers almost 20 different DIY toner recipes on their website.
6. Use a Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C serum is a skincare trend that offers numerous benefits for the skin. With increased sun exposure in the spring, vitamin C can protect your skin from UV damage and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone. Look for a serum with a concentration of around 15 percent and dark-colored packaging for longer shelf life. YouTuber April Basi, a Black female chemist, provides helpful information on choosing a vitamin C serum for Black skin.
7. Consume “Skin-Friendly” Foods
Diet plays a significant role in skin health. Avoiding white foods, sugar, dairy, soda, and fried foods in moderation can prevent skin issues. Instead, incorporate skin-friendly foods such as citrus fruits (high in vitamin C), oatmeal (rich in zinc and magnesium), berries (stimulate collagen production), broccoli (packed with antioxidants), salmon (abundant in fatty acids), sunflowers (rich in vitamin E), and sweet potatoes (high in vitamin A and beta-carotene).
8. Learn More About Photosensitivity
Certain skincare ingredients, such as retinol, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid, can increase photosensitivity, making the skin more vulnerable to sun damage. To mitigate this, apply these ingredients at night instead of during the day to still reap their benefits without risking sun-related issues.
9. Apply Avocado Oil at Night
Avocado oil is rich in fatty acids, vitamins A, D, and E, potassium, and oleic acid, making it a beneficial oil for both cooking and skincare. When applied to the skin, avocado oil moisturizes, relieves dandruff and dry cuticles, reduces inflammation associated with breakouts, and slows down signs of aging. Apply a small amount of avocado oil to your skin before bed to wake up with a more beautiful complexion each morning.
Conclusion
By implementing these 10 skin-positive tips, you can prepare your skin for the upcoming spring season. Whether it’s using cleansing brushes, cleansing with raw milk, exfoliating with baking soda or coffee grounds, DIYing your toner, using a vitamin C serum, consuming skin-friendly foods, learning about photosensitivity, or applying avocado oil at night, taking care of your skin will help you feel confident and ready to embrace the warmer weather. Start incorporating these tips into your skincare routine now to see the benefits before spring arrives.
