Healthy, glowing skin requires an all-year-round commitment. The shift from winter to spring and summer quite often necessitates a refinement in one’s skincare regime as each season presents new skin challenges. With over two decades of industry experience, Günther Oliver has seen first-hand how the cold, harsh winter weather affects clients’ skin, and the subsequent change of seasons can cause all sorts of concerns. Günther shares tips, product suggestions and treatment recommendations to help you approach the transition with an informed and purposeful plan for the ultimate radiance.
Hydration is Key
Maintaining proper hydration is one of the most crucial aspects of transitioning your skincare routine from winter to spring and summer. During winter, cold and dry air can strip your skin of its natural moisture, leading to dryness, flakiness, and even irritation. As the weather warms up, it’s essential to continue providing your skin with the hydration it needs. Depending on your specific type and needs, swapping out heavy, occlusive moisturisers for lightweight, easily absorbable options might be beneficial.
Expert Tip: Look for products containing hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or aloe vera extract, as these ingredients help lock in moisture and keep your skin hydrated without clogging pores.
Exfoliation is Your Friend
During the winter months, dead skin cells can accumulate on the surface of your skin, making it appear dull and potentially clogging pores. Spring and summer are the perfect times to incorporate exfoliation into your routine to reveal a fresh, radiant complexion. Whether you’re opting for an in-salon treatment, an at-home exfoliation regimen or a combination — it’s the perfect time to prep for a dewy summer glow.
Expert Tip: If you’re a first-timer when it comes to in-salon treatments, booking a level-one peel is an excellent place to start. For an at-home option, look for masks or serums that have Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), but never use physical scrubs. My absolute favourite product for this is the pHformula’s Dermabrasion Cream – an easy, fuss-free addition to your weekly routine with absolutely fantastic results.
Sun Protection is Non-Negotiable
Sunscreen is always essential, but this is even more important with the sun shining brighter and longer. Not only does sunscreen protect your skin from harmful UV rays, but it also helps prevent premature ageing, sunburn, and skin cancer.
Expert Tip: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50 and apply it every morning, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours if you’re spending time outdoors. Don’t forget to cover your neck, ears, and the back of your hands.
Lighten Up on Makeup
Heavy makeup may not be as comfortable during spring and summer’s hot and humid months. Consider opting for a lighter, more natural look that allows your skin to breathe.
Expert Tip: Use a tinted moisturiser, or even better, tinted sunscreen, instead of foundation for a more lightweight coverage. Heliocare has some wonderful options.
Focus on Antioxidants
Spring is the perfect time to increase your antioxidant dosage to combat the damaging effects of free radicals caused by sun exposure and pollution. Incorporating antioxidant-rich products in the form of serums, masks or moisturisers into your skincare routine can help your skin stay healthy.
Expert Tip: Although Vitamin C might be associated with winter, it’s one of the most significant glow-enhancing skincare ingredients. VitaminC-enriched serums, masks, or moisturisers can help brighten your skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and protect against environmental damage.
Beauty From the Inside Out
Remember that skincare isn’t just about what you put on your skin; it’s also about what you put into your body. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables can work wonders for your skin’s health.
Expert Tip: Incorporate seasonal foods high in antioxidants, such as berries, leafy greens, and nuts, into your diet to support your skin’s natural repair processes.
Conclusion
Transitioning your skincare routine from winter to spring and summer requires a thoughtful approach that considers your skin’s changing needs. As the weather warms up and the sun shines brighter, focus on hydration, sun protection, exfoliation, and antioxidant-rich products. Customise your routine to address specific skin concerns, and don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional skincare therapist for expert help. By weaving the above tips into your routine, you can enjoy radiant, healthy skin, regardless of the season.
Günther Oliver, recognised as The Skin Medic, is a specialist skincare therapist in the aesthetics industry with a career that spans over two decades, working locally and internationally. He worked as an educator and trainer before establishing his practice in 2010. Günther's reputation is anchored in his steadfast dedication to science-backed skincare. His profound comprehension of diverse skin types and their unique requirements informs his tailored approach, consistently yielding exceptional results. As a results-driven therapist, Günther sets exacting standards for his clients' homecare regimens founded on "consistent care with the right products." This ethos underpins the creation of his online store, Skin Fit. This curated online store offers a range of carefully selected products tailored to the needs of individual skin types. Through a holistic focus on skin health, Günther assists clients in developing an enduring appreciation for their skin.