Spring Skin Fling
As We Celebrate the New (Warmer) Season, Here is What Your Skin Needs
As I write this from my kitchen table, there is a sunbeam radiating across my keyboard. Yesterday, I took Séamus to the playground and not only was he not wearing a jacket, but I had to put sunscreen on his pale little face! We are 11 days away from the official start of spring but in our minds and our hearts it is already here.
In my skin, spring is already here, too. The past few days have been humid and a little windy. The sun is out but it’s still cold. This semi-schizophrenic in-between weather is what we refer to in the skincare industry as “transitional”. It’s not necessarily time to put away your rich creams, but you may prefer something lighter during the day. You definitely need to get back on your SPF game (which should have continued throughout winter, ahem) and update your sunglasses wardrobe. I like taking advantage of the increased humidity by layering watery hydrating serums over moisturizing toners. I like to amp up my retinoid concentration around this time (ask me to explain the winter retinoid reservoir effect next time you come in). And, as a melasma girlie, I get extra obsessed with my tyrosinase inhibitors when the sun starts peeking out. Read on for some of my favorite springtime skincare products.
1. Cleanser
I always love an oil cleanser, so Olivier Midy Lait Midy is a permafave. It’s also nice to have something gel-like but still gentle and not drying, so for this I like the Neova Cu3 Gentle Cleanser. If you’re on the drier side, Reome Three Suns Balmis a great option for a creamy cleanser that hydrates.
2. Toner
I don’t believe that everyone *needs* a toner, because they are just as varied in function as any other product category. This isn’t 1960, it’s not an essential step of cleansing anymore. HOWEVER, I do like to drench my skin with moisture in the springtime, and a toner can be a great way to do that. Environ Botanical Infused Moisturizing Toner is fantastic in its simplicity. Auteur Definitive Lifting Toner has an ultra fine mist and peptides that basically make your skin photosynthesize. Perfect B3 is ideal for anyone with acne prone skin as the amount of niacinamide is clinically proven to treat blemishes. And all three options are hydrating and will prep your skin for the next step – serum.
3. Serum
Serums are also a broad category that can do literally anything the formulator wants. Typically they have a higher concentration of actives and are lighter weight than a moisturizer. My faves for this time of year are Reome Active Recovery Broth, to calm and deeply hydrate. This is a top pick for sensitive skin but I haven’t met a person who doesn’t love it. Calecim Professional Pigment Solution is my must-have tyrosinase inhibitor. That means it helps control the formation of pigment aka melanin aka dark spots. Neova DNA Total Repair is another sunny season essential, as the DNA repair enzymes identify and repair UV damage before it can permanently alter your DNA. You’re welcome!
4. Moisturizer
I start to reach for lighter textures around March/April. C27 Baume 27 Creme Legere is the ultimate gel-cream. It has the same properties as the Creme Riche version that we’ve been selling out of all fall and winter, but in a lighter texture. Snag yours now because we will sell out every single month. For the high-tech among us, Auteur Definitive Density Cream is the perfect texture. It has neuropeptides to minimize wrinkle formation and peptides to boost collagen and elastin production.
5. SPF
I have said it a thousand times and will say it a thousand times more. I do not care what sunscreen you use as long as you use it, liberally. But since this is my newsletter, I’ll tell you about some of my faves. Sofie Pavitt Face has crushed it again with her newest launch, Screentime. It’s an acne-safe SPF 30 that feels like a moisturizer. Oily skinned folks can use it AS their moisturizer, and I can layer it over all of my other skincare without feeling heavy. No white cast, no pilling. 10/10. If you prefer a mineral formula, Le Prunier Plumscreen is zinc oxide-powered and also has a lotion-y texture. And if you love an oil and the dewy finish that comes with it, Vacation Chardonnay Oil is perfection, as well as Ereka’s possible favorite product ever. You can confirm with her but I’m 98% positive she’d agree.
6. Exfoliation
Exfoliation is so skin-dependent, but a great universal option for transitional weather is C27 Peel 27. It’s a triple acting combo salad. It has fruit enzymes, AHAs and tiny tiny finely ground apricot kernel powder. You can mix it with a gel cleanser or use it alone with just water to activate the powder, a few times a week.
7. Retinoids
I’ll never stop loving Vitamin A. If you’re looking to amp it up, move to the next stage of your Environ C-Quence Serum or Retinol Serum. If you’re looking to start, Environ AVST Gel or Verso Super Facial Oil is the way to go.
Ok that’s all for now, I’m going to go outside and enjoy this beautiful day!!
xx Raquel
