As we near Spring and the promise of long, sunny days spent outdoors you’re probably taking stock of the projects you’d like to tackle around the house. This is the time many of us get to cleaning those base boards, backyard sheds, and perpetual junk drawers. Spring is also the perfect time to check in with your skin and adjust your daily routine to account for the change in weather.

Find everything mentioned in this blog in our Wellness Department!

Time to start (gently) exfoliating again

Some folks like to hold off exfoliating during harsh winter months when dry skin can really get you down. With increasing humidity levels you can safely exfoliate for smooth, extra-glowy skin. 

Face

You’ll want to go very gentle on your face, especially if you haven’t been exfoliating. This Dual-Texture Facial Mitt from Clean Logic is great for removing makeup and sunscreen on one side, and gently exfoliating on the other. 

To make your own super gentle, anti-inflammatory facial scrub, combine 1 tbsp organic ground flax seed with 1 tbsp carrier (aloe very gel, yogurt, honey, avocado, jojoba oil, rosehip oil). Gently massage onto clean skin for 30 seconds. Wash away with warm water. 

Exfoliate 2-3 times a week. If your skin is new to exfoliating or you have very sensitive skin, start with once a week exfoliation. If exfoliating is part of your routine, be sure to moisturize your skin too. 

Body

To exfoliate everywhere else, try a Bamboo Dry Brush. Dry Brushing exfoliates your skin, unclogs pores, stimulates your nervous system, and gives your skin that radiant glow. It’s also not as harsh on your skin as scrubbing in the shower. You can read all about dry brushing in this article

I like to dry brush about once a week before I shower. I start at my ankles and work my way toward my heart brushing with slight pressure in large, clockwise arcs. You can light some candles, mist lavender essential oil, or listen to relaxing music to make this ritual sooth body and mind. 

 

Switch to a Light Moisturizer

I use straight up shea butter to moisturize in the winter, but Spring brings humidity that helps keep our skin hydrated. You can swap out your heavier moisturizer for something a little lighter.

Try Cocokind Chia Seed Facial Oil for easy, everyday moisture. Pair with Cocokind Facial Cleansing Oil for a spring routine that moisturizes and removes dirt, makeup, impurities, and excess oil without stripping your skin or disturbing its pH. 

Weleda Skin Food Light Nourishing Cream delivers easily-absorbed moisture to your skin. This light formulation is ideal for immediate moisturizing of face and body. Keep in your backpack or at your desk for those times your skin needs a hydration boost. 

SPF all day, every day

In case you weren’t applying sunscreen throughout the winter, you’ll definitely want to now. You can read our blog all about sunscreen and sun protection here

Badger Broad Spectrum Clear Zinc Sunscreens are on sale right now through the end of the month! These offer serious sun protection without the chalky white appearance that comes with some mineral sunscreens. I love Badger’s lavender-scented clear mineral sunscreen for every day use.

Antioxidants for your skin

You’re probably familiar with Vitamin C as an important nutrient we get from food. Vitamin C, an antioxidant, has just as many benefits for our skin when applied topically! These benefits include improving skin texture, protecting from sun damage, reducing inflammation and acne, and making your skin extra-glowy. 

Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum also contains Vitamin E, Hyaluronic Acid, Chamomile, Konjac Root, and Clary Sage to compound the antioxidant effects of Vitamin C on the skin. This serum is good for folks who like to keep their routine quick and easy: massage into skin each morning after cleansing. 

Derma-E Skin Brighten is formulated with Licorice and Alpha-Arbutin to make your skin radiant. This is a light, quick absorbing cream you can apply morning and night after you moisturize. 

Shikai Healthy Glow Facial Serum and Daily Moisturizing Lotion are made with Vitamin C and CBD, another powerful antioxidant, to even skin texture and tone. Use both for full body glow. 

Wear a cute hat

It’s okay if you forget to SPF every once in a while as long as you have a cute hat to wear when you do. Thankfully, we have lots of cute hats at the Co-op.