Also, oily types should consider applying a mattifying gel. Dr. Baumann suggests using OC Eight Professional Mattifying Gel, which controls oil for up to eight hours. Apply the gel before your makeup. For dry or combination complexions, mattifying gels are likely too drying. Instead, shrink any excess shine by keeping a stash of blotting papers in your purse or applying primer before your makeup.
Also, don’t forget to evaluate your beauty products. If you used hydrating makeup — such as moisturizing foundation, concealer or blush — during the colder weather, set it aside. Instead, sweep on a light dusting of powder, bronzer or blush and apply a light lip gloss. For the springtime, it’s best to keep it simple.
2) Try a treatment. After a harsh winter, your skin is begging for some relief and rejuvenation. Consider a deeply hydrating mask or a deep cleansing treatment. If you prefer a DIY treatment, try this recipe to boost and brighten your complexion from body + soul:
Ingredients:
* 1/2 cup unripe papaya, diced
* 1 teaspoon plain yogurt
* 1 teaspoon honey
How it works: Blend all ingredients in a food processor. Apply the mask to your face for eight to 10 minutes. Then, rinse with cool water. Apply a gentle moisturizer while skin is still damp. If you prefer mild exfoliation or have sensitive skin, the magazine suggests using ripe papaya.
3) Be diligent about sun protection. As the weather gets warmer, make sure you’re applying sunscreen to all exposed areas 20 to 30 minutes before heading outdoors, and reapplying every two hours. If you don’t own a double-duty product already, consider using a facial moisturizer with SPF. This way you aren’t applying several layers of lotion on your face.
4) Invest in a cute hat. In addition to applying sunscreen, it’s wise to invest in a wide-brimmed hat (at least a 3-inch brim) to shield your face, hair and scalp.
Just like the sun can dry out your face, it can also dehydrate your hair, leaving your tresses dull and brittle. Even worse, exposing your scalp to the sun can result in a painful sunburn. Hats also provide defense against overheating.
5) Address body acne. With increased heat and sweat, your pores can get clogged and acne can sprout — in the most unlikely places, including your back. To treat the problem, try using a medicated cleanser, cream or gel that contains benzoyl peroxide. Using a scrub on a regular basis (about two to three times a week) can help to prevent body acne. However, keep in mind that you can’t scrub away your acne. Exfoliating too often and too vigorously can aggravate the skin, especially on more sensitive areas like the chest. If you’re experiencing severe body acne, it’s best to see a dermatologist.
6)Start screening your skin. Make sure you’re regularly and thoroughly checking your skin for any moles that might’ve changed in color, size or shape. For details on checking your skin, read Preventing Melanoma and Using Proper Sun Care. Plus, be sure to schedule your annual appointment with your dermatologist for a professional screening.
7) Use self-tanner. Before bathing suit season officially begins, many people start working on their “base tans” in hopes of warding off any real damage once they start spending more time outside. However, there’s no such thing as a safe tan — even your base tan causes damage to the skin.
Instead, fake your luminous skin with self-tanner. To learn how to properly apply self-tanner, check out our guide on sunless tanning.
8)Get a mani and pedi stat! After a frosty, windy winter, your hands and heels are probably cracked, chapped and dry — not the best look for your open-toe shoes. Revive them for springtime with an at-home manicure and pedicure.
9)Exfoliate the entire body. Now that you’ll be exposing more than your neck and hands, make sure to exfoliate your entire body. Get rid of rough, scaly skin by using a light lotion with glycolic acid, lactic acid or urea. Or, you can use a moisturizing body cleanser on a washcloth, suggests Allure.
If skin is especially rough and dry or you have a condition known as keratosis pilaris (a genetic condition that typically appears on the arms and thighs and resembles goose bumps or acne-like bumps), you might be tempted to use a powerful scrub and over-exfoliate. However, this can backfire and cause more irritation and inflammation, according to the magazine. Using a light lotion with the ingredients mentioned earlier will help treat and soften the skin.
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