Protecting your skin for spring

Whether you were skiing in the Alps or soaking up the sun in Miami, your spring break plans may have damaged your skin. Changing temperatures wreak havoc on skin, especially if you are already prone to dry, flaky skin. Harsh weather during spring break trips coupled with a return to Richmond can be a recipe for a dermatological nightmare. The cold strips skin of all its necessary moisture, and lack of sun exposure can lead to a duller complexion. On the other hand, being in the sun can dry out and damage your skin. With spring approaching, who doesn’t want to be looking their best? Here are some quick pointers to keep your skin looking flawless.

1. Moisturize – Whether you have dry, oily or combination skin, moisturizing is essential. It gives your skin the nutrition that it needs. For best results, apply a moisturizer morning and night after thoroughly cleaning your face. Some reliable facial moisturizers include Aquaphor, Cetaphil, First Aid Beauty and Aveeno.

2. Limit your time in the shower – While a long, hot shower might be the only thing you want to do after braving the cold, it can actually be detrimental to your skin. The longer you spend in the shower and the hotter the water is, the more natural oils you are washing away from your body. Try showering for 15 minutes or less with warm (not hot) water.

3. Lip care is important – Your lips may be the most prone to dryness, but are often forgotten. It is important to apply a lip balm or ointment that provides necessary oils that ensure healthy, supple lips.

4. Invest in a humidifier – Humidifiers offer a handful of benefits throughout the year, but can be skin-savers during winter months especially. They soothe dry skin, leaving it hydrated and supple to the touch.

5. Skip the heavy makeup – Tinted moisturizers instead of heavier foundations are the way to go during colder months. While you may think that tinted moisturizers are only for the summer, they are actually a winter staple. Tinted moisturizers offer SPF protection, moisture and coverage without looking cakey.

6. Exfoliate – Don’t be afraid of exfoliating your skin. Exfoliation replenishes skin by buffing away any dead skin cells. By exfoliating, you are also improving the effectiveness of moisturizing as dead skin cells can block moisture.

Contact buzz writer Jessica Dugan at jessica.dugan@richmond.edu