The shift in seasons brings with it a slew of welcome changes– more daylight hours, warm sunshine returns, flowers and life emerge from the dark and dreary winter months. But while there are so many wonderful things about the start of spring, there can also be some challenges. Aside from the seasonal difficulties of allergies, spring fever, and rollercoaster weather changes (it went from sunny to raining in a matter of minutes) skin conditions can arise as well. After months of being inside overheated, dry spaces and dealing with cold air chapping cheeks and noses, you may find your face looking dull, dry, and in need of some serious TLC. Here are three common skin issues that can arise once spring has sprung and some ways to alleviate them.

Before we get to the good stuff, let’s have a little anatomy lesson. The skin is made of three layers: epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. The outermost layers of skin, known collectively as the epidermis, are our bodies’ first line of defense against environmental pollution, germs, and other foreign material. The dermis is the middle layer, which contains sweat glands, hair follicles, capillaries and nerve endings. Finally, the hypodermis is the innermost layer, which is a fatty layer containing connective tissue that binds it to the muscle and skeletal tissue. When discussing skincare, it’s important to recognize we often are only talking about the epidermis layers, which are visible and often present signs of damage and aging. 

Dry Skin

You know the unpleasant feeling of chapped, red skin if you’ve ever walked around the Pacific Northwest during winter. In the winter months, skin is often exposed to cold, dry air. The relative humidity of the air around you outside and in your home is very low, which causes moisture to escape the skin. It’s important to know the difference between dehydrated and dry skin. When skin is dehydrated, it lacks water, which makes it is more susceptible to becoming damaged which causes dead skin cells to accumulate, leading to clogged pores and blemishes. Focus on increasing your water intake and consider using a thicker moisturizer or an hyaluronic acid serum to amp up the amount of moisture your skin has. Hyaluronic acid is a very popular skincare ingredient because it has the capacity to carry hundreds times its weight in water, boosting hydration in the skin without feeling greasy like an oil-based moisturizer might. Alternatively, when skin is dry, it lacks the natural oils that make skin supple and smooth, and appears flaky and rough. Usually, dry skin is a more ongoing issue than dehydration, and using a high-quality facial oil or oil-based moisturizer can help reduce dryness. If you suffer from dry skin, it’s also important to examine the skincare products, like foaming cleansers, you might be using and make sure they aren’t stripping your skin of necessary oils.

Blemish-Prone Skin

As spring arrives and then temperature increases, sweat and increased oil production increases. Oil and sweat on their own are not inherently an issue. The skin creates oils in order to protect the moisture barrier, which prevents foreign bodies from entering the skin as easily. But oil production is increased, it can trap dirt and dead skill cells in the pores, leading to blemishes, pimples, and blackheads. So how do you set your skin up for success over this transition period? Focus on exfoliation to remove excess dead skin, then follow up with hydration to protect new layers of skin. For an intensive skincare routine, consider booking a chemical peel every 4 to 6 weeks over seasonal transition periods.  This will help remove dead skin, jumpstart production of new skin cells, and reduce oil production over time, all resulting in a smoother, clearer complexion. 

Dermatitis and Itchy Skin

When spring finally arrives and the weather starts to warm, your skin is exposed to a new set of environmental factors. Plants that lay dormant over the cold winter begin to burst to life. All those pretty flowers and plants bring an onslaught of pollen. Pollen and grass allergies wreak havoc not only on your sinuses, but also your skin. If you struggle with itchy skin during the spring months, this could be the culprit. Pay attention to whether your skin feels better or worse after being outside. If being out and about causes your skin to become irritated, try showering or washing your face after spending lots of time outside. You might consider investing in an air purifier system for your bedroom or office. This helps to create a space free from the irritants that may be causing skin to be itchy or red. The skincare products you use could also be exacerbating any allergy issues caused by spring. Use clean moisturizers containing little to no additional scents designed for sensitive skin. I recommend the Sensitive Creme by Yon-Ka Paris.

Taking care of your skin throughout the year can be challenging as it’s needs change seasonally. When winter gives way to spring, pay attention to how your skin feels and appears. By taking some of the above steps to address common spring skin issues, you can mitigate the effects of the season. Clear, smooth skin can be yours with some small changes to your routine. Remember, no matter what time of year, to drink your water and wear sunscreen!