Skip to main content

SKINCARE SPRING CLEANING

Posted April 20, 2023 in Skin Care

3 Minute Read:

Happy March SIPS readers! The temperatures are getting warmer, flowers are in full bloom, pollen covers our cars and that can only mean one thing – Spring is officially here! One of my favorite traditions is spring cleaning my home. I know cleaning isn’t the most fun but, after it’s done, there’s a sense of calm and I look forward to a fresh start. Did you know spring cleaning is critical for skincare products too? As we transition into this season it’s the right time to tweak your skincare routine. 

Infographic explaining when skincare products may have gone bad.

Skincare Products Rotate With the Seasons

Spring is the most appropriate time to transition to lighter skincare products. During the winter, we layer rich moisturizing products to counteract the dryness of the season. However, with the temperature rising and humidity increasing, more lightweight products are essential during this time. I would recommend a light moisturizer to keep your face hydrated and refreshed during the warmer months. One of my favorite products to transition to in the spring is the ZO Renewal Creme. It’s a lightweight hydrator for mild dryness. Oat kernel and plankton extract, soothe and reduce redness and a hint of retinol stimulates skin renewal while supporting skin’s hydration levels.

Clean Out the Closet

Skincare has an expiration date and if you’re using it regularly, you should finish the product well before it expires. However, if you’ve had a few creams or serums sitting around, you might need to determine if they’re still okay to use. There are several ways to determine whether a product has expired. 

It’s best to toss out your skincare products if:

  • Product has changed color
  • Product has a different texture
  • Product has a funky smell
  • Product has separated
  • Product looks off

Products without an expiration date may have a POA “Period After Opening” symbol. These are found at the bottom of your product and resemble a tiny jar. Inside the jar there will be a number and a letter, for example “6M” which means six months. This means that in lab testing, the brand determined the product to be effective up to six months after opening. This information is particularly helpful and informative, but only if you can remember when you opened it. A tip I find helpful is to take a black sharpie and write the date you opened the product on the bottle somewhere. This will help ensure that you’re not using products past their expiration dates! 

Using skincare that’s expired can cause irritation or infection. Even if you don’t react to an expired product, it’s still wise to get rid of it. Products past their expiration date will not be as effective at penetrating into your skin. Skincare products are exposed to air and microorganisms when they are opened and oxygen starts to degrade the ingredients. Most products have preservatives that keep the product safe from bacteria, fungi, and yeast. However, we can only trust these preservatives to protect our products for the duration of their specified shelf life. 

Sunscreen NO MATTER the season

Sunscreen is the most critical part of your skincare routine. It is the easiest way to protect your skin’s appearance and health at any age. Sunscreen prevents sunburn, skin cancer and premature aging. Choosing a sunscreen can be overwhelming with all the different options available. The most crucial thing to look for when selecting a sunscreen is the SPF level. A SPF of 30 or higher will ensure your skin is fully protected, even on rainy days. Be sure to reapply sunscreen after swimming or using a towel, and always choose a product with “broad spectrum” coverage. Rain or shine, apply sunscreen. Your future self will thank you!

My Spring Skincare Must Haves

Let Me Help You!

Selecting new products and starting new skincare treatments can be overwhelming. Let me help you! During a complimentary skin care consultation, I perform a skin analysis and learn about your current skincare regimen and concerns. Skincare is not a one-size-fits-all!  I will recommend specific products based on your skincare needs and put together a customized treatment plan. Book an appointment today by calling our office at 919-785-0505. And I encourage you to connect with me on Instagram @TheBubblyAesthetician or send me an email at: Candace@Specialistsinplasticsurgery.com. 

 Happy Spring Cleaning! 

-Candace