Spring is the season of change and growth. For many this can bring a desire for new beginnings and a fresh start. One great way to accomplish this is by examining your daily routines to make sure they are still serving you and your lifestyle. Today let’s take a deep dive into your daily skincare routines to do some spring cleaning!
Look for expired products
With consistent use you should be using up your products before they expire. Still, checking the expiration of your skincare products once or twice a year is a good habit to form. I recommend checking these dates once in the spring and once in the fall as you may be changing your routine at that time. Check your products packaging for a written expiration date usually listed as month/year. if there is no date given on the products packaging check for a symbol that looks like an open jar with a number written in it. That number is the number of months that product is good for once opened. Most often this is either a 6-month or 12-month period. If you can’t find either of these expiration identifiers a good rule of thumb is to replace products a year after they have been opened. If any products are past their expiration date, it’s best to toss them or use them as a body product. An expired product will no longer deliver the desired results. It typically means the active ingredients will have significantly lower efficacy and will have less noticeable results than when the product was first purchased. It may also increase sensitivity, which is why I recommend either getting rid of the product entirely or using the rest of the product on your body as the skin there is thicker and much more tolerant than the face and neck.
Pass on products that don’t work for you
Don’t hold on to products that didn’t work for you. They only add clutter and make it harder for you to stay consistent with your routine. If it is a product not fit for your skin type, consider passing it on to a friend or family member who it may work better for. If it’s a product you would not recommend to loved ones, just toss it! There is no use in it taking up space in your bathroom cabinet.
Replace used facial towels
It’s important to get rid of or repurpose facial towels every few years. Facial towels can contribute to irritated skin and break outs as they age. They can hold on to dead skin and bacteria and pass those back on to your clean skin when used. They also become rougher over time which can be abrasive to the skin leading to sensitivity and irritation. When these things start to occur, it is time to replace the towels used on your face. However, this doesn’t mean you need to throw them out. I like to repurpose mine as cleaning rags once I no longer use them for my skin.
Switch to light weight products
As the weather changes, your skin routines may need to change as well. When warm weather and moist air comes back many find they don’t need to use the same heavy creams that they do in the winter. Spring is a time of transition, and your skin care may need to reflect that. Be ready to make those switches and make sure you’re equipped with the products you need to feel dewy and hydrated without any heavy feeling on the skin.
Visit your esthetician
Above all else, consistent visits with your skin professional will make the biggest difference in your skin. Now is a great time to book an appointment to get your skin on the right track before summer. The best way to reset the skin is through a nice relaxing facial with some added exfoliation. For continued treatment and skin maintenance consider adding dermaplaning or microdermabrasion to your facial or upgrading to a HydraFacial. Slough off that dull, dry winter skin and step out with a glowing, hydrated, and fresh face. My favorite part of all those services is that they are ‘go and glow’ treatments. This means you leave our office with radiant skin, no need to worry about downtime.
During your facial is also a great time to chat with your esthetician about your routines and let them know what is and isn’t working for you. If you need to make any changes to your routine, they will guide you through that. Having this discussion during a facial appointment will give them time to take a closer look and feel the skin, allowing for better recommendations. You will also have the opportunity to feel the products on your skin prior to purchasing them, ensuring you love the results and application.
Once you feel satisfied with your updated routine don’t forget to pick up any refills of products you’ll be repurchasing and continuing to use. Keep in mind any products that may have expired and replace them with fresh bottles.
Ready for a fresh start?
Book an appointment with me at Lake Country Plastic and Hand Surgery this spring to have your skin glowing by summer. The best way to start is with a signature facial so I can get to know you and your skin. Call our office to book today!
