Spring Skin!

Ah, spring! That glorious time of year when the world awakens from its winter slumber. The air grows milder, the flowers begin to bloom, and the days stretch a little longer. But while we might be shedding our heavy coats and welcoming the sunshine, our skin and hair are also undergoing a transition and often need a little extra TLC. Let us dive into how spring affects our skin and hair and what can be done to keep then healthy and radiant.

The Skin's Spring Awakening

After months of battling dry indoor  air and harsh winter winds, our skin often emerges in spring feeling a bit lackluster. The shift in humidity and temperature can bring about a few changes:

• Increased Oil Production: As the weather warms, our sebaceous glands tend to become more active, leading to increased oil production. This can result in shinier  complexion and, for some an increase in breakouts.
• Sensitivity to Allergies: Spring is notorious for pollen and other airborne allergens. These can trigger allergic reactions, leading to redness, itching, and inflammation of the skin.
• Sun Exposure:: With more time spent outdoors, our skin is exposed to more ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Even on cloudy spring days, UV rays can be damaging and contribute to sunburn, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
• Dryness and Dehydration: While humidity may increase, the transition can still leave skin feeling unbalance and dehydrated, especially if your winter skincare routine was heavily focused on rich, occlusive products.

Nurturing Your Skin in Spring

To help your skin transition smoothly and maintain a healthy glow throughout spring, consider these tips:

• Lighten Up Your Moisturizer: Swap out heavy winter creams for lighter lotions or gel-based moisturizers that provide hydrating without feeling greasy.
• Exfoliate Gently: Shed those dead winter skin cells with gentle exfoliation. This will penetrate more effectively. Opt. for gentle scrubs or chemical exfoliations like AHAs or BHAs a couple time per week.
• Sunscreen is Your Best Friend: This can not be stressed enough! Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher every morning, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours, especially if you are spending the time outdoors.
• Hydrate from Within: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated and healthy
• Be Mindful of Allergen: If you are prone to allergies, try to avoid peak pollen times and consider using air purifiers indoors. Wash your face after spending time outdoors to remove pollen.
• Cleanse Gently: Opt. for mild, non-stripping cleaners to avoid irritating your skin, especially if it's feeling sensitive due to allergies or change in weather.

Spring Revival for Your Hair

Just like our skin, our hair can also experience changes as the seasons shift:

• Increased Oiliness: Similar to the skin on our face, the scalp can also produce more oil in warmer weather, leading to hair that feels greasy faster.
• Dryness and Damage from Sun and Wind: Increased outdoor activity can expose our hair to more sun and wind, which can lead to dryness, frizz, and even color fading.
• Seasonal Shedding: Some people experience a slight increase in hair shedding during the spring and fall as part of the natural hair growth cycle.

Caring for Your Locs in Spring

Give your hair a spring refresh with these tips:

• Adjust Your Shampoo: If your hair is feeling oilier, you might need to switch to a lighter shampoo or wash it more frequently. Consider using a clarifying shampoo occasionally to remove product build-up.
• Don't Skip Conditioner: Even if your scalp is oily, the ends of your hair still need moisture. Use a lightweight conditioner, focus on the mid-lengths and ends.
• Protection from the Sun: Just like your skin, your hair can be damaged by the sun, use hair products with UV protection or wear a hat when spending extended periods outdoors.
• Gentle Styling: Avoid excessive heat styling, which can further dry out your hair. Opt. for air-drying or use heat protectant sprays when using styling tools.
• Consider a Scalp Treatment: A gentle scalp scrub can help remove build-up and stimulate circulation, promoting healthy hair growth,
• Stay Hydrated: Drink enough water is just as important for healthy hair as it is for healthy skin.

Spring is a time of renewal, and by paying a little extra attention to our skin and hair, we can ensure they feel refreshed, healthy, and ready to embrace the warmer months ahead, So, set out, enjoy the beauty of the season, and let your radiant skin and vibrant hair shine!