New season, new skincare routine

A lot happens to our skin over winter… the wind, rain and temperature changes between centrally heated homes or offices and the sub-zero outdoors knocks our skin off its natural balance. Our circulation slows, along with skin cell regeneration, and dulling dead skin cells start to build up. Our complexions are often left feeling dry and sensitive, crying out for comforting cleansers and rich moisturizers. Ultimately though, we lose our usual healthy glow.

Enter spring and it’s wonderful (or not) unpredictability! Bright warm sun, dull driving rain and, yes, even the odd snow day! Essentially though, spring is milder. Our skin doesn’t need such intense formulas… and we certainly need to address that lack of glow.

Here, our Senior Trainer Nicola Baillie reveals her expert advice on the skincare routine switches to make this spring that will restore your radiance and ensure you look and feel your beautiful best all season long.

Proper cleansing and exfoliation is your first port of call. If your skin feels particularly dry at the start of the season, opt for a double cleanse each evening (reducing it to once a week once your complexion starts to rebalance). Perform the first cleanse with Hydrating Cleansing Milk then follow up with Nourishing Cleansing Balm. Skin will feel clear and comforted with no trace of make-up.

Twice a week, I’d also recommend you exfoliate. I adore Optimal Skin ProCleanser – it contains Pumpkin Enzymes which,  without scrubbing, gently dissolve dead skin cells to reveal soft, smooth and beautifully bright new skin.

In spring, our skin better retains water and produces more natural oils, meaning it doesn’t need the intense nourishment from richer moisturizers. Therefore stepping down to a lighter face cream is a good idea.

If this feels like it might involve too much trial and error, Optimal Skin ProMoisturizer is a great solution. The specific plant, marine and aromatherapy actives inside ProMoisturizer have some particularly clever qualities – namely the formula responds to changes in your skin day and night and throughout the seasons, delivering exactly the nutrients and nourishment it needs, where it needs it. The result is a complexion that looks and feels healthy, radiant and in balance all year round. What more could you want?!

Although there’s often the thought that putting oils on your skin will make it feel greasy, our 100% natural facial treatment oils do the opposite – working to rebalance your complexion. As skin cell regeneration has slowed over winter, Regenerating Face Treatment Oil is a great regime addition at the start of spring. The Jasmine and Frankincense inside the blend revitalize skin, leaving it looking bright and fresh – simply introducing it to your skincare routine three evenings a week will result in a huge difference.

Alternatively, you could opt for something lighter, like Optimal Skin ProSerum. For me, ProSerum offers more than a serum, but it’s not as rich on the skin as oil – it’s great for rebalancing skin left stressed after winter. The sunflower concentrate replenishes ceramides and omega oils while turmeric delivers instantly noticeable radiance. Plus it smells incredible!

From a treatment mask point of view, for me nothing beats Skin Radiance Mask this time of year. The texture is so light it’s a pleasure to use and the natural Pumpkin Enzymes inside will leave skin fresh, revitalized and with a beautiful dewy glow.

Soothing Eye Lotion is my spring skin staple. Like many, I suffer from hayfever… popping on cotton pads soaked in Soothing Eye Lotion for five minutes keeps puffy, irritated eyes at bay. Keep it in the fridge for extra cooling benefits!

Many people layer their skincare products over winter, yet stop in spring. Layering is important all year round – it’s just a case of opting for lighter serums, oils and moisturisers.