The six golden rules for glowing skin in spring

As we head into the warmer months, our skin is a little more sensitive to the elements and lacking moisture from winter. 

So to ensure our complexions are as healthy and glowing as possible, Australian natural skincare expert, Samantha Sargent, has come up with six golden rules to follow as we head into spring. 

‘Our skin doesn’t see much sunlight in winter, so it will naturally be a little bit more sensitive to the elements. The harsh winter air takes away the thin layer of natural oil that traps moisture in the skin making our skin dry, itchy and scaly,’ Samantha told FEMAIL.

‘For people living in countries where there are seasonal changes in the weather, you may notice the different requirements of your skin according to the seasons. It is beneficial to notice the changes and adjust the usage of your skin care products accordingly.’

‘The harsh winter air takes away the thin layer of natural oil that traps moisture in the skin making our skin dry, itchy and scaly,’ Samantha told FEMAIL

1. SOAK UP THE SUN 

While it’s never a good idea to head out and bake without sun protection, shying away from natural sunlight is also doing nothing for your complexion.

‘The most important thing to remember about sunshine is balance and using your common sense to avoid sun damage,’ Samantha said. 

‘The fact is that the sun has a remarkable effect on our health and happiness, so to avoid it is not wise. However, spending all day in the sunshine isn’t the smartest choice either. 

‘Enjoy the sunshine in the early or late hours of the day, avoiding direct sun exposure between the hours of 11am and 3pm. And if you are going to be out in the sun for long periods of time during the day, wear a hat and apply a sunscreen that contains zinc oxide.’ 

‘The fact is that the sun has a remarkable effect on our health and happiness, so to avoid it is not wise. However, spending all day in the sunshine isn’t the smartest choice either,’ Samantha said

2. EXFOLIATE ONCE A WEEK

This is one step of the skincare regimen that far too many women skip or simply forget about. 

‘Exfoliation is a necessary and basic step in your skincare ritual as it encourages skin cell turnover, stimulates the production of new skin cells and encourages the production of collagen and elastin – the basic building blocks of the skin,’ Samantha said. 

‘Gift yourself a moment of me-time once a week to exfoliate your skin with effective and gentle plant extracts such as jojoba beads or bromelain enzyme from papaya to promote a healthy, hydrated and radiant complexion.’

‘Exfoliation is a necessary and basic step in your skincare ritual as it encourages skin cell turnover, stimulates the production of new skin cells and encourages the production of collagen and elastin,’ Samantha said.

3. AVOID EXTREME EXFOLIATION AND MICROBEADS

While exfoliation is good for your skin, intense exfoliation is not. 

‘These methods expose under layers of immature cells which have not completed their growth and journey to the outer layer,’ Samantha said. 

‘Due to these layers not being fully mature they are therefore far more vulnerable to damage from external pollutants and the sun, one of the major factors in ageing and dry skin. 

‘This is why using a gentle exfoliant that works in harmony with the natural evolution of skin cells is so important, especially in the summer months when you’re out and about in the sunshine.’

‘These [rough exfoliation] methods expose under layers of immature cells which have not completed their growth and journey to the outer layer,’ Samantha said

4. ENJOY ALOE WATER 

One of the most important things to remember with your complexion is that glowing skin ‘comes from within’. 

‘With temperatures rising, one of my favourite drinks to make is aloe water,’ Samantha said. 

‘It’s a great way to stay hydrated all day with the added benefits of anti-inflammatory aloe vera, which include promoting clear skin, alkalinity, digestive benefits and a fab nutrition boost. 

‘To prepare, fill a jug of purified water and add the flesh of one aloe vera leaf. Every home should have an aloe vera plant, not only for this use, but they are a great air purifier as well as being fab for applying to any burns, whether that be from the kitchen or too much time in the sun.’

According to Samantha, aloe water can promote clear skin, alkalinity, digestive benefits and a fab nutrition boost

5. DON’T FORGET TO SPRITZ! 

‘A quick spritz of your favourite face mist throughout day is an effective and refreshing way to hydrate and replenish lost moisture,’ Samantha said. 

‘A mist is to moisturiser, as salt is to pepper… they work oh so beautifully together, enhancing one another as they intertwine their actives to bring about the healthy glow that you seek. 

‘So spritz your face, neck and décolletage prior to applying your serum, beauty oil or moisturiser. The mist not only helps prime the skin for the product that follows, allowing further penetration of botanical extracts but also helps you to use less moisturiser. 

‘A win-win situation for your skin and bank balance. You can also spritz your favourite mist over your face after applying your makeup. It helps to set the makeup as well as giving your skin that much-lusted after natural looking glow, as well as helping your makeup “settle”.’

‘A quick spritz of your favourite face mist throughout day is an effective and refreshing way to hydrate and replenish lost moisture,’ Samantha said

6. SWAP RICH CREAMS FOR LIGHTER LOTIONS 

‘In the summer months it might be helpful to use a light moisturising lotion so that your skin doesn’t become congested,’ Samantha said. 

‘I love the AEOS Enriching Moisturiser during summer as it’s light and non-greasy yet deeply penetrating, and packed with skin loving ingredients such as jojoba oil, rose hydrosol, squalane, and oils of chamomile.

It also contains ingredients including lavender, witch hazel, and crystal essences of rose quartz, sapphire and amethyst.

‘In the summer months it might be helpful to use a light moisturising lotion so that your skin doesn’t become congested,’ Samantha said.