Springtime is here, and with the change in season our spirits tend to experience a natural boost of contentment and rejuvenation. So does our skin—as the weather gets warmer and the air becomes less dry, we can shed our heavy-duty winter moisturizers and soak in the vitamin D from being outdoors (with proper skin protection, of course!). However, the initial transition from winter to spring can pose a few unexpected difficulties when it comes to attaining that natural springtime glow, for with any seasonal change it becomes easier for our bodies to be thrown out of balance. For example, the increase in humidity may lead to an excess of oil production, or an accumulation of kapha during the winter months may cause the skin to feel residual heaviness.
Fortunately, there are a number of ways to start the sprint season off right by restoring balance to your skin. Here are 3 spring beauty tips for achieving a gorgeous springtime glow—so that your complexion can match the radiance of the weather.
1
Exfoliate & Detox The Skin
An excess of kapha accumulated over the winter months can cause the skin to feel heavy, sensitive and more prone to breakouts than usual. One way of countering this imbalance is by detoxing the skin with a natural and gentle exfoliator. If you’re struggling with acne or oiliness, our UMA Deeply Clarifying Face Mask harnesses the cleansing, antibacterial properties of turmeric and neem to reduce impurities, combat acne and promote evenness. For those who want to combat signs of aging while fostering a natural glow, our UMA Absolute Anti Aging Rose Honey Cleanser doubles as an exfoliant that purifies toxins, reduces inflammation and hydrates and illuminates the complexion. By exfoliating the skin of its impurities, you’ll leave it looking refreshed, brightened and youthful.
Note that you should only exfoliate or apply a face mask 2-3 times per week—if you exfoliate too often, you’ll strip the skin of its natural oils, making it more susceptible to breakouts or irritation. As aesthetician Carrie Lindsay tells Glamour, “Over time, it can actually thin the skin and cause it to wrinkle more easily. Plus, the skin is a smart organ and sheds dead skin cells on its own; if we exfoliate too often, it can actually slow cell turnover.”
2
Use A Gentle Moisturizer
While a thicker, heavy-duty moisturizer might have been part of your regular rotation during the winter months, when the skin tends to become dry and irritated, you don’t need such a strong moisturizer during the spring. Especially since the air is more humid during the spring, using too much moisturizer can lead to an excess of oil production and an increase in breakouts. Instead, use a light moisturizer or even a face oil, which is both hydrating and lightweight.
Our Beauty Boosting Day Face Oil, for example, which is designed to minimize redness and boost radiance, is formulated in a light and absorbent jojoba oil base for potent hydration without any residue or oiliness.
3
Exercise
In Ayurveda, our skin reflects the underlying conditions of our health. One way to naturally boost your complexion and simultaneously improve your health is to exercise! Even something as small as taking a brisk walk or jog every day will work wonders on your complexion—not to mention it boost overall immunity, improves circulation and calms stress and anxiety. What type of exercise you might want to try out will depend on your dosha—Ayurveda is all about balance, so it’s important to find an exercise that can naturally complement your constitution. To learn more about specific types of exercises that are suitable for each dosha, check out our blog post here.
4
Adopt A Light, Nutrient-filled Diet
To combat the stagnation that accompanies an excess of kapha, it’s important to avoid heavy, cold, oily, sweet and fried foods. You should instead aim to eat foods that are light, warm and nourishing, and that have pungent and bitter properties. By bringing your diet into balance, you’ll improve your internal health, which will in turn result in a healthy, glowing complexion. Incorporating a generous amount of fruit and vegetables into your diet is a great way to start! Cooked grains like quinoa and barley, and legumes like black beans and lentils, can also be added to your daily routine for added nourishment. Furthermore, you can incorporate detoxifying spices like turmeric, coriander and cumin for an extra immunity boost and sharp flavor.
Here’s a brief list of some fruits and vegetables that are excellent for clear complexion, combatting stagnation and embracing the skin rejuvenation of spring:
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Kale
- Spinach
- Corn
- Cauliflower
- Green beans
- Turnips
