1. Invest in a HydraFacial

If your skin is feeling dry, or tight, you need a boost of hydration. I love the HydraFacial treatment because it’s a multi-step process that incorporates cleansing and mild exfoliation of the skin, pore extractions, and finishes with an infusion of skin indulgent anti-oxidant serums and hydration. The HydraFacial treatment takes about 30 minutes to complete, is not invasive or painful, and is offered in most Dermatology offices.

If you prefer at-home treatments, the Celavive® Lifting + Hydrating Sheet Mask is a great choice to help you look more rehydrated and glowing!

2. Schedule a Dermaplaning

Dermaplaning is a treatment typically performed by an aesthetician. A scalpel is used to gently scrape off facial hair and dry dead skin cells. Without this dead layer of skin and “peach fuzz”, your skin is better able to absorb skincare products. And your makeup will apply much smoother and silkier. Result: more lustrous looking skin!

3. Try a Mild Chemical Peel

A light chemical peel can be helpful to exfoliate any dry winter skin to repair a dull complexion. However, be careful to not overdo your first chemical peel of the Spring—too high of a strength can have the opposite effect and cause more peeling and dryness. Typically, chemical peels are based on hydroxy acids. If your skin is more oily or acne prone, a beta hydroxy acid composed of salicylic acid will be helpful. If you struggle more with pigment issues or uneven complexion, a glycolic acid peel will target hyperpigmentation. Lactic acid, malic acid, and resorcinol are also common ingredients. Chemical peels are available in different strengths—customize yours based on skin type and how aggressive you want to be.

4. Switch It Up

With warmer temps and more humidity in the air, you may want to switch your morning moisturizer to a lighter consistency, like a lotion instead of a cream. Or try a serum under your makeup for a layer of active skincare that won’t feel too thick or heavy. I also like a tinted moisturizer in the Spring for a slight tanned appearance, but without any real sun damage!

5. Don’t Forget Your Lips

Your lips may have taken a beating this winter. If so, it’s time to put those dry chapped lips behind you! I like Aquaphor ointment for intense healing, but 1-2 applications of hydrocortisone cream (over-the-counter) can also help calm any irritation.

6. Protect Your Beautiful Skin

It’s time to get back to your daily sunscreen routine. Choosing a moisturizer that already has SPF in it, like the Celavive®  Protective Day Lotion or Cream, ensures you are always protected from damaging UV rays. Longer days of more sunshine means you’ll probably be spending more time outdoors. I recommend at least SPF 30 on a daily basis, but if you’re going to be hiking, at the beach or pool, or exposed to more direct sunlight, reach for SPF 50 or higher. For kids, look for sunscreen formulations with mostly zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Also, there are many stylish clothing options now with UPF (UV protective factor).

7. Get Back to a Healthy You

Spring is a great time to reset, not only your skincare routine, but all the bad habits that may have creeped in during the winter months. If you’re like me and spent most of the dark winter days watching Netflix, recovering from holiday glut, and avoiding consistent exercise, then you know these lazy health and lifestyle behaviors need a good cleanup! For enhanced skin results, try to avoid sugary snacks, processed foods, and excessive dairy intake. Drink lots of water (or my favorite, green tea!) and get back in your exercise routine.

The doctor in me can’t help but offer one final tip for Spring. As you put away your chunky sweaters and scarves and pull out your t-shirts and shorts, it’s a great time to schedule your skin cancer screening appointment with your local Dermatologist. Look out for any changing or darkening moles, skin spots that don’t heal, or pimple-looking lesions that start to ooze or bleed. Your Dermatologist can perform a head-to-toe examination to look for any irregularities. Skin issues, when caught early, tend to be superficial and easily treated.

The Author

Dr. Jennifer Lee graduated from Harvard Medical School and is a board-certified Dermatologist. As a diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology and member of the American Academy of Dermatology, she specializes in the diagnosis and management of skin disease. Dr. Lee is the founder and medical director of REN Dermatology & Laser Center, a comprehensive medical and cosmetic skincare center in Nashville, Tennessee.

Dr. Lee is a member of the clinical faculty at Harvard Medical School and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. She has received numerous recognitions including Top Doctor in Nashville, Teacher of the Year at Vanderbilt, and 40 under 40 by the Nashville Business Journal.

Dr. Lee is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and also serves as a USANA consultant.