It was a lovely winter season the past few months, wearing layers of clothing, snuggling up in thick woolly blankets with a hot chocolate in hand and a few good films to watch but change is inevitable and here we are – in Spring Season! When we think of spring season we immediately picture flowers blossoming, greenery and all-day outside fun but what we forget about is all that sweat and other factors that aren’t so great for our skin in the warmer months – we are in sunny South Africa after all!

Just as an example, sweat can have adverse effects on the skin if steps are not carefully taken to prevent it.  Sweat can lead to irritation and rash outbreaks and nobody has time for that. So to counter the havoc sweat can cause with your skin, as well as counter other adverse effects of spring on your skin, we decided to provide you with a few tips.

1. Avoid using too much cream – the dry winter season may have meant more creams and moisturisers to compensate for the lack of natural oil production. Try using a lighter moisturiser during the day and a heavier cream at night in the warmer months. This will mean less sweat and fewer breakouts.

2. Start using gentle, natural scrubs and light peels – scrubbing allows you to deeply exfoliate the skin by means of friction and tone your face by reactivating the skin’s microcirculation (circulation of the blood in the smallest blood vessels). Peeling deep cleans your face by means of active ingredients such as fruit acids and enzymes. This helps in dissolving dead cells and unclogging pores.

3. Add sunscreen to your makeup routine – an SPF of 25 is said to do the trick but if you are going to be in the sun for a long period of time we recommend an SPF of 50 or higher. Remember to reapply regularly and don’t be fooled by clouds and the shade.

4. Start using an antioxidant serum – spending more time outside means your skin will be more exposed to the sun. An antioxidant serum will protect your skin from unstable molecules producing oxidants which tend to speed up the ageing process. The serum will also give your skin a firmer texture and increase moisture.

5. Make use of a clay mask – clay masks exfoliate and soften the skin. Using a clay mask once a month will ensure that your skin is kept clear of impurities during the warmer spring season.

6. Avoid products that increase sun sensitivity – Retinol and Glycolic acid are examples of products that increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Oral medications used for acne and rosacea are also prone to make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

These are our six tips for ensuring you stay and look beautiful this spring. Have a look at the lovely products available at our Spa and spoil yourself on your next visit to Crystal Springs.

Happy spring season!