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Winter icicles are beginning to thaw, and the first signs of spring have started to emerge. From the warmer temperatures to the blossoming buds, the seasonal transition is almost upon us—which means your doctored skincare routine is not far behind. Remember, just like your wardrobe or your go-to Starbucks order, the way you tend to your skin should also change seasonally. As heat and humidity rise, the heavyweight cream you used all winter won’t satisfy your skin’s evolved needs. Spring is the perfect opportunity to renew your skincare routine, and as a season sprouting with green awakening, makes for the perfect time to introduce a line of natural products. Don’t know where to start? Read on to learn how you can use the verdant benefits of spring to achieve a radiant and rejuvenated glow.
Aloe Vera
The benefits of Aloe Vera are plentiful: soothing, healing, restorative, moisturizing. Its properties have been used in medicines since ancient times, but it continues to live on as an incredible skincare ingredient. Aloe Vera is abundant come spring; skip the store and find it walking along the street. Extract the juice from its fleshy pulp and apply topically, or enjoy Aloe in your yoghurt or favourite beverage.
Carrots
If you’re wondering how to get rid of pimples, carrots could be your answer. They’re laden with vitamin A, an essential nutrient for those with oily skin. Vitamin A helps reduce the amount of sebum (oil) produced in the pores, which can lessen the frequency or severity of acne breakouts. Spring brings plenty of carrots, the rabbits’ BFF and potentially your skincare cure.
Papaya Extract
If you’re like most aboard the chemical peel train, you’ve probably already heard the benefits of the enzymatic papaya. Tropical fruits such as papaya or pineapple (wonderful finds in the warming weather!) contain an enzyme called “papain” which has skin-peeling properties. It’s a great renewing agent and breaks down skin cells to reveal a newer, brighter complexion.
Eggs
The ultimate symbol of spring and new beginnings, eggs have been used by women for centuries to cure dry skin. Packed with protein and lecithin—a natural skin lubricant—egg yolk delivers an ample dose of post-winter hydration. Combine one with a tablespoon of honey and wear it as a mask for 15 minutes to experience a buttery soft surface beneath.
Sugar
Enjoy the sweetness of spring and head over to Pinterest to find your favourite sugar scrub recipe. The options are near endless, but the benefits are the same: sugar is a wonderful, natural exfoliant your skin loves receiving a good slather from. It helps slough off old, dead skin cells and can help correct those brittle patches, cracked elbows, and dry areas left over from the cold weather. Find a recipe with lemon, lavender, or honey and apply it to your face or body as directed.
Roses
One of spring’s most romantic and fragrant blossoms, roses are also a skincare dream. The flower is a natural astringent, meaning it helps to constrict pores by removing oil and dirt from the skin. The result is a smoother, firmer complexion—which smells incredible too! Find it in a toner at the store or make your own DIY mist at home. Mix a tablespoon of dried rose petals and 1 cup of white vinegar; let the mixture sit for a week before straining and adding ½ cup of rosewater to spray or dab onto your skin after cleansing.
Water
True—you should be staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water all year round. However, if your winter was filled with too much alcohol or caffeine, now it’s especially important to rehydrate. Purify your skin from within by consuming a restorative amount of water, and promote your complexion (and overall health!) by eating a balanced diet filled with leafy greens, Omega-3s and antioxidants—all of which are readily available this time of year! Not only will your skin thank you, but you’ll be better poised to take on the entire year ahead.
Winter almost always takes a toll on our delicate skin; give it the pampering it deserves using a natural skincare regimen provided by the abundance of spring. A rejuvenated you will feel better, too!