Your Guide To Glowing Skin This Spring!
Did you know what your skin needs changes based on the seasons? As seasons, and therefore weather, changes our skin adapts to maintain balance. These adaptations can take time, and you can support them with the proper products and ingredients!
What Happens to The Skin In Spring
With Spring in Ontario comes rising temperatures and an increase in humidity. These changes have an impact on the skin's microbiome, throwing it off balance - we will discuss the skin microbiome in more detail below. The skin naturally releases more water, which can cause dehydrated skin if not replenished. The sebaceous glands also begin to produce more sebum, which can clog pores and lead to breakouts if you have oily or sensitive skin. With increased sunshine, the skin also uses more antioxidants to protect from free radical damage due to UV rays and there is an uptick in melanin production due to higher exposure to sun.
If you suffer from seasonal allergies to pollen, grass, etc. this can also trigger allergic skin reactions (itchiness, dryness, redness) in sensitive individuals.
So, how can we support our skin during this time?
Hydration Station
Because the skin releases more water during higher temperatures and humidity, it is important to make sure it is well-hydrated. Look for hydrating ingredients like:
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Glycerin
- Beef Tallow
- Aloe Vera
- Ceramides
These act as humectants that draw moisture back into the skin and help strengthen the skin barrier to prevent moisture loss.
You may think of moisturizers as the only hydrating skincare products, but many serums, mists, and cleansers are hydrating as well.
Some great hydrating products we carry include:
- Three Ships Buttercream Lip Mask
- Koope Moisturizers - Lightweight, Middleweight, and Heavyweight
- Andalou Naturals Deep Hydration Moisture Boost Mist
- Hide & Quill All-natural Whipped Tallow
- Three Ships Dew Drops
- Wildcraft Revive Bio-Retinol Face Serum
Keeping Clear
If your skin tends to break out or pores clog up during Spring & Summer humidity, you'll want to look for clarifying ingredients and try gentle exfoliators to keep your skin clear:
- Plant-based non-abrasive exfoliators
- Nourishing Oils (skip if oils tend to break you out)
- It may seem counterintuitive, but oils and oil cleansers help break up sebaceous filaments and clear out pores!
- Salicylic Acid
Those prone to breakouts and acne often benefit from keeping their skincare routine simple, with gentle ingredients.
Some great clarifying products we carry include:
- Earthwise Alchohol-Free Witch Hazel
- Mad Hippie Cleansing Oil
- Carina Organics Daily Face Wash (Unscented)
- Viva Amaze Plant-Based Exfoliating Gel
- Green Beaver Aloe Exfoliant
- Annemarie Borlind Gentle Cleansing Milk
Sun Care
It is extremely important to protect your skin from the sun - not only to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer, but also premature aging, sunspots, and dryness. As mentioned above, the skin uses up extra antioxidants during the Spring and Summer to help fight against the effects of UV rays. Therefore, sunscreens and antioxidant-rich skincare products are essential!
At Jo Anne's Place, we are big proponents of mineral sunscreens. Mineral sunscreens are not only reef-friendly, but offer broad-spectrum protection, immediate protection upon application, and is generally gentler on sensitive and acne-prone skin!
Some great products for sun protection are:
- Green Beaver Mineral Sunscreen (creams, sprays)
- Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen (Baby formulas also available)
Some great products for an antioxidant boost are:
- Mad Hippie Antioxidant Facial Oil with Argan Oil, Goji and Hemp Seed
- Mad Hippie Jelly Cleanser
- Wildcraft Vitamin C Serum
Managing Allergies
If you struggle with allergies and it manifests in irritated skin, there are ways to help manage it. Many find relief in a Low Histamine Diet and managing their histamine levels through lifestyle changes and supplements.
There are also many ways to manage Seasonal Allergies that can help ease skin reactions.
The Skin Microbiome
Your skin is your largest organ! It's got trillions of microorganisms, bacteria, and fungi that makeup up its microbiome. Like the above, they play an important role in your overall health. Some microbes on the skin act as natural antibiotics and keep our skin acidic, which many germs don't like. They also help the immune system function - acting as a warning sign that alert your immune system to harmful bacteria. Signals from your skin microbiome also activate or de-activate your immune system to help you heal wounds and control inflammation!
Changes in your Skin Microbiome (dysbiosis) is linked to skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, and rosacea. The Gut and Skin Microbiomes are also very closely related. The balance of bacteria in the gut can directly affect the health of your skin. Inflammation in the gut can spread to the skin. Poor gut health can also make it difficult for the body to absorb nutrients like vitamin A, C, E, and Omega-3s which are important for skin health.
How do I Support my Skin Microbiome?
Go Easy on the Sanitizer! The balance of your skin microbiome can be disrupted if you clean your skin too much, especially with harsh antibacterial sanitizing products. Instead, use gentle hand washes or sanitizers with hydrating ingredients like essential oils and glycerins.
Moisturize, moisturize. Ultra-moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acids, shea butter, glycerin, and tallow give your skin barrier a boost! Stay away from harsh ingredients found in some traditional creams like parabens, fragrances, and phthalates - these can dry out your skin and damage good bacteria. Add 2-3 drops of frankincense oil to your daily moisturizer to protect and regenerate.
Skin-Loving Supplements.
- Vitamin B Complex – promotes circulation to the skin.
- Vitamin C – necessary for collagen production.
- Vitamin D – 4,000 IU – inflammation fighter.
- Essential Fatty Acids – Omega 3’s and GLA
- Do an annual liver cleanse and use liver loving herbs like milk thistle, dandelion, and turmeric on a regular basis. Skin health also reflects liver and lymphatic health.
