Though we still have a few days before Spring officially arrives, it’s pretty much spring where I live. The sun is warm, but not blistering, and we are surrounded by dogwood blooms and tree pollen. Serenaded by the songs of crickets and treefrogs. It’s that sweet time of year when everything feels fresh, and it’s the perfect time for a spring glow-up.
This season of renewal is the perfect opportunity for a skin care reset. The harsh winter breeze is gone, replaced by the balmy gusts of a southern spring. My skin’s needs have changed, and it’s time to lean into that spring-time glow. Let’s explore some tips for a clean beauty routine that’ll help you achieve a fresh, glowing complexion perfect for spring and beyond.
Start with a Gentle Cleanser
The foundation of any glowing complexion is a well-balanced skincare routine, and it all begins with proper cleansing. A gentle, non-stripping cleanser removes dirt, oil, and impurities without disrupting your skin’s natural barrier. I prefer cleansing with oils, which are easy to find and budget friendly. You can use jojoba oil, coconut oil, pumpkin seed oil, or other oils that you might find in your kitchen! You can use them alone, pair with other oils, or find an oil blend that was created for cleansing. If you prefer a gel or cream cleanser, that’s ok, too. Look for cleansers with soothing and hydrating ingredients like aloe, glycerin, or lavender to hydrate and nourish the skin. Antioxidants like vitamin c and green tea can also help protect and rejuvenate your skin.
It’s best to combine oil cleansing with another form of cleansing when you’re wearing makeup or sunscreen to ensure removal of all the residue from your skin.
Tone and Refresh
If your skin needs a little extra help, you can use a toner after cleansing to balance your skin’s pH and tighten pores. Toners with natural, skin-soothing ingredients like rose water or witch hazel can provide hydration while calming the skin. Always patch test first when trying new skin care ingredients, since everyone’s tolerance level is different. Your skin barrier is unique and what works for someone else might not work for you.
I like spritzing my face with this DIY green tea toner I make at home:
Fill half of a 1-ounce bottle with freshly brewed green tea and a few drops (5-6) of peppermint oil (opportunity). For more stability, you can add a 1/4 tsp of apple cider vinegar to it. Fill to the top with water. It stays good in the refrigerator for a few days.
Exfoliate (but only occasionally)
Spring is the perfect time to shed the dry, dull skin that may have built up over winter. Exfoliating helps reveal fresh, glowing skin by removing dead skin cells that clog pores and leave your complexion looking dull. Opt for a gentle, non-abrasive exfoliator to reveal fresh, glowing skin without irritating it. If you don’t want to use a physical exfoliator or a traditional chemical one, using sugar or fruit enzymes can offer a gentle yet effective scrub without irritation. I love this one from LouLei Botanicals.
Exfoliate 1-2 times a week to scrub away dead skin cells and make way for the glowing skin that comes with warmer days.
Hydrate
Your skin may not be begging for moisture the same way it was during the dry winter months, but it’s still important. Warmer weather and changing air can leave your skin thirsty for moisture. Choose light, breathable moisturizers that keep your skin hydrated without feeling heavy or greasy. Some good ingredients to look for are hyaluronic acid, which pulls moisture into your skin, squalane, oils, or moisturizing botanicals. This is my favorite moisturizer to wear at night, and during the day, I like to use a light oil.
Protect Your skin with Sunscreen
Warmer months mean more sun, which makes sunscreen essential for maintaining healthy, glowing skin. I’m not saying you shouldn’t wear it in the winter, you should if you’re spending time outside. Even indirect sunlight can damage your skin. However, we spend more time outside when it’s warm, and the need for protection increases. Mineral sunscreens with non-toxic ingredients are best for protecting your skin from harmful UV rays while still allowing it to breathe. Look for those with zinc oxide (non-nano) or titanium dioxide.
I like to layer this oil under my makeup for extra UV protection since it has carrot oil in it, and it also works as my daytime moisturizer.
Glow with Facial Oils
I have oily skin. Even then, I’m convinced that oils have been a large part of skin health journey. The right oils don’t make me greasy, but they calm, smooth, and plump my skin. And they give me a glow I like to think equates to healthy skin. For added radiance, consider incorporating a nourishing facial oil into your routine. Oils like argan, rosehip, and marula oil are rich in essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins that help keep your skin hydrated and glowing.
I like layering oils either under my makeup, or under my moisturizer at night for added benefits and hydration. This one is currently my favorite for nighttime use.
Nourish Your Skin
What better way to support your skin’s glow than with the right food? Seasonal fruits and veggies are abundant in spring, providing your skin with the vitamins and antioxidants it needs to stay fresh and vibrant. Make sure to get plenty of fresh berries, leafy greens, and omega-3 rich foods like chia seeds and fatty fish for soft, supple skin that glows. Check out my post about eating for healthy skin here.
Conclusion
Spring is the perfect time to embrace a clean beauty routine that’s as fresh and rejuvenating as the season itself. Achieving a healthy, glowing complexion doesn’t require complex skincare routines or harsh chemicals. By adopting a clean beauty routine, you can nourish and protect your skin with natural, non-toxic products that promote long-term health and radiance and give you that gorgeous, healthy glow. If you don’t know where to start, start with the basics – cleansing and moisturizing – and work your way up from there.
What’s your favorite clean beauty product for achieving a radiant glow? Share your tips and favorite products in the comments below!
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