Discover how the arrival of spring can awaken your skin with our informative article. Learn about the natural changes that occur during this season and how they impact your skin's health. From increased hydration to UV protection, we'll explore the various ways that springtime can benefit your skin and offer tips on how to make the most of this rejuvenating season. Whether you're looking to achieve a radiant complexion or simply want to understand the science behind springtime skincare, this article has everything you need to know.
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Spring usually boosts circulation
In the winter, we tend to hibernate more and are typically less active. This can lead to our circulatory system (aka our blood) to be more stagnant. And since blood is the main highway for delivering nutrients and oxygen to our skin cells, our skin can be more stagnant during this season as well.
Spring is a season of rejuvenation and renewal, and it also happens to be a time when our circulation gets a boost. With the warmer temperatures, our blood vessels naturally dilate, allowing for better blood flow and oxygen delivery to our tissues and organs.
Additionally, the increased daylight and exposure to sunlight can stimulate the production of vitamin D in our bodies, which is essential for maintaining healthy blood vessels and circulation.
Moreover, the arrival of spring also encourages people to get more active and engage in outdoor activities, such as walking, running, and cycling, which further promotes circulation by increasing heart rate and strengthening the cardiovascular system.
Overall, spring's natural elements and lifestyle changes can provide an optimal environment for improving circulation and overall health.
Warmer temps bring higher humidity
Skin needs moisture to be healthy, and the winter months are notoriously dry for most of us. So when spring hits, many of us may start to feel more naturally moisturized and less dehydrated. We may even notice our skin starts glowing more as this happens.
This is because warmer temperatures often bring higher humidity levels, which means that there is more moisture in the air. This increased humidity can help our skin to retain its natural moisture levels, which can help to prevent dryness, flakiness, and itchiness. In addition, the springtime weather also encourages us to spend more time outdoors, where we are exposed to natural sources of moisture, such as rain and dew. This can be beneficial for our skin as it allows us to absorb these natural sources of hydration, which can leave our skin feeling soft, supple, and rejuvenated.
Overall, the arrival of spring can be a welcome relief for our skin, providing it with the moisture and hydration it needs to look and feel healthy.
Lighter days bring reduced stress and Vitamin D
It’s no question that daylight savings time leaves us feeling more mentally upbeat when we can start seeing later and later sunsets. But more sun exposure typically also helps us create more vitamin D in our bodies, which is directly connected to our skin’s ability to heal, rejuvenate and protect itself from signs of premature aging.
In addition to the benefits of daylight savings time and increased sun exposure, the creation of vitamin D in our bodies can also lead to reduced stress levels. Vitamin D has been shown to play a key role in regulating mood and reducing feelings of anxiety and depression, which can contribute to overall improved mental health.
Moreover, the antioxidant properties of vitamin D can also help to protect our skin from free radical damage caused by UV radiation, which can lead to premature aging, fine lines, and wrinkles. So not only does the increased sunlight exposure in spring help to provide us with much-needed vitamin D, but it can also lead to reduced stress and healthier, more youthful-looking skin.
And the best part is that using sunscreen doesn't inhibit the synthesis of vitamin D, so we can protect our skin while still reaping its benefits.
Springtime Risks and Strategies
With all these benefits, it’s difficult to see any negative side effects of the spring season to our skin health. But like every season, there are both positive and negative effects. Because springtime is all about more light and outdoor activities, you won’t be surprised that the increased sun exposure we typically experience also has some inherent risks involved.
More sun exposure leads to more UV damage and cancer risks
While increased sun exposure can have numerous benefits, it's important to be mindful of its potential dangers as well. Overexposure to the sun's harmful UV rays can lead to serious health risks, including skin cancer, premature aging, and sunburns. This is why it's crucial to protect your skin by applying broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily, as well as reapplying every 2 hours when spending prolonged periods outdoors.
And it's not just those with fair skin who need to be mindful of sun exposure; all skin tones can be affected by the damaging effects of UV radiation. By taking these preventative measures and being cautious about sun exposure, you can enjoy the benefits of spring without compromising your skin's health and safety.
Cooler temps give a false sense of security
Springtime can seem like a roller coaster or weather patterns, mainly in the realm of temperature. Some days it seems like winter may be hanging on while others are straight up summer vibes. On the cooler days, it is still common for many people to think that sunscreen is less required. This is NOT true and can leave those susceptible to advanced sun damage and health risks. UVA rays, in particular, are rarely filtered adequately by temperature, clouds or precipitation, but carry similar if not worse effects than UVB rays. This is why I teach that it’s good practice to wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every day. Every. Single. Day. Even in winter. Even if you’re inside. If you are where a plant could survive, you should have your sunscreen on.
Outdoor living brings outdoor risk exposure
With being outside more in the spring and summertime months, skin is more exposed to outdoor pollutants that can lead to increased sensitivity, dehydration, and flares in certain skin conditions like acne, rosacea and hyperpigmentation disorders. The best way to combat this is to include proven topical antioxidants in your daily skincare routine like stabilised vitamin C, vitamin E, Vitamin A (retinoids), and well known skin barrier strengthening hydrators like glycerine, hyaluronic acid (long and short chain), and essential fatty acids (oils). Also, use sunscreen daily.
As the season of rebirth and rejuvenation, springtime offers a range of benefits for our skin. From increased hydration and moisture to heightened sun exposure and vitamin D synthesis, the changes that come with this season can help to revitalize and protect our skin. However, it's important to be mindful of the potential dangers of overexposure to the sun's harmful UV rays and take preventative measures, such as using broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily and reapplying every 2 hours. By taking these steps and embracing the rejuvenating qualities of spring, we can enjoy healthier, more radiant skin all season long. So let's welcome the arrival of spring and all the benefits it has to offer for our skin and overall health.
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