March 23, 2023
Spring Clean Your Skin: Transeasonal Tips for Radiant Skin
Happy Spring, everyone!
The flowers bloom as spring finally arrives; with it comes a fresh start and a renewed sense of energy. It is the perfect time to re-evaluate our skincare routines and refresh our complexions following the harsh and dark winter months. As the weather warms up, our skin’s needs change, and it’s essential to adapt our routine to acknowledge and overcome these changes.
Remember: cleanser is the first step of every skincare routine.
If you're looking to achieve a radiant glow this spring (and beyond), there's no better way to start than by incorporating organic antimicrobial ingredients into your skincare routine. Here are our tips and tricks to help you spring clean your skin using organic and natural ingredients for a healthy, glowing complexion.
1. Spring Clean Your Inventory
When completing your annual spring cleaning, make sure to include your beauty regime. Take some time to search through your beauty and skincare products, and refer to the open jar symbol to identify how long the product will last after opening. Example: a bottle with 6M next to the open jar symbol means the product will be safe to use for 6 months after opening.
Using expired cosmetics is unsafe because the preservatives inside may no longer be effective, and unwanted microbes could begin to grow, putting you at risk of skin irritation and increasing your sensitivity to the sun. Bid farewell to beauty products which have surpassed their time and make room for rejuvenation and renewal in your routine.
2. Optimal Cleansing Time
You should aim to spend at least 30 seconds to 1 minute washing your face to effectively remove the dirt, oil, and impurities. This amount of time allows the cleanser to penetrate the skin and break down any build-up on the surface. However, the actual amount of time you spend washing your face can depend on your skin type and the type of cleanser you are using.
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you may want to spend a bit more time washing your face, up to 2 minutes, to ensure that you have thoroughly cleansed your pores. Similarly, if you are wearing makeup or sunscreen, you may want to spend a bit more time cleansing to ensure that you have removed all traces of these products.
Alternatively, if you have dry or sensitive skin, you may want to be more gentle and spend less time applying face wash to avoid over-drying and irritation your skin. Essentially, it’s important to find the right balance for your skin type and to be consistent with your cleansing routine in order to maintain healthy, happy skin.
3. Wash Your Hands & Rinse With Lukewarm Water
Avoid transferring dirt and bacteria from your hands onto your skin by washing your hands before you wash your face. Similarly, ensure you’re using lukewarm water to wet your face before applying your cleanser; hot water can dry out the skin, and cold water will not effectively remove dirt and oil.
Rinse your face thoroughly with lukewarm water, making sure to remove all traces of product.
4. Know Your Skin Type
When it comes to cleansing – and skincare in general – knowing your skin type can help you achieve your goals faster, and
develop an effective skincare routine. Using products that are not appropriate for your skin type can lead to irritation, redness, and other issues. For example, someone with sensitive skin may react poorly to harsh exfoliants or strong acids. Knowing your skin type can help you avoid these types of products and select those that are gentle and non-irritating.
Here's a simple way to finding your skin type:
- Wash your face with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser
- Wait 30 minutes, without applying serums or moisturisers.
- Examine your skin in the mirror and observe its texture, appearance and behaviour. Notice how your skin feels.
If you have a greasy shine and are prone to breakouts, you likely have oily skin. If your skin feels tights, dull and cracked, it’s likely you have a dry skin type. Combination skin tends to mix symptoms of both skin types, often presenting itself in the form of an oily T-zone (forehead, nose and chin area) and dryness on the cheeks. If your texture appears smooth and even, you have “normal” skin.
Once you've determined your skin type, you can select skincare products that are appropriate for your needs and develop a skincare routine that addresses your specific concerns.
Still unsure about your skin type? Try our FREE skincare consultation quiz.
4. Double Cleanse
If you regularly wear makeup or sunscreen, consider using the double-cleansing method when washing your face; double cleansing involves using two different cleansers, typically an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based one.
The first step in double cleansing uses an oil-based cleanser to remove any makeup, sunscreen, or excess oils from the surface of the skin. Oil based cleansers work wonders in dissolving and lifting away impurities, making it easier for the second (water-based) cleanser to penetrate the skin and remove any remaining dirt.
Our Antioxidant Multi-Tasking Super Balm is a great option for the first step of double cleansing, and every full-sized purchase includes a muslin cloth.
Secondly, the water-based cleanser works to thoroughly cleanse the makeup-free skin, removing any remaining impurities and leaving your skin feeling clean and refreshed.
While this method can be beneficial for some people, it may not be necessary for everyone. If you have very dry or sensitive skin, for example, double cleansing may be too harsh and could strip your skin of its natural oils. In these cases, it may be better to stick with a gentle, hydrating cleanser like the Argan Skin Renew Cleanser.
Ultimately, the decision to double cleanse depends entirely on your individual skin type and needs. If you’re unsure whether double cleansing is the right option for you, talk to your dermatologist or send us a message – we’re happy to answer your skincare queries.
5. Don’t Strip Your Skin Of Natural Oils
Over-cleansing can be just as damaging as using the wrong type of cleanser. Aim to cleanse your skin no more than twice a day, and avoid using harsh scrubs more than once or twice a week; avoid rubbing and scrubbing your skin too hard too. Thanks to the gentle-yet-highly-effective fruit enzymes inside it, Kale Enzymatic Exfoliator is a great daily exfoliator.
It’s important to be gentle and mindful when cleansing your skin to avoid stripping it of its natural oils. By using the right products and techniques, you can achieve clean, healthy skin without compromising its natural balance.
6. Pat Dry With a Towel
Pat your face dry with a clean towel, rather than rubbing it, to avoid irritation and inflammation; simply press the towel against your skin and hold it there for a few seconds before moving on to the next area.
Avoid rubbing or scrubbing your skin, as this can create tension in your skin, and could lead to the early development of fine lines and wrinkles over time. Patting your skin dry is a healthier approach that can help reduce the risk of premature aging.