The Daffodils are starting to make an appearance and the evenings are getting lighter – this can mean only one thing – Spring is on its way! 

However, before we get too ahead of ourselves, it’s important to remember that a change in season should mean a change in skincare routine, too. 

To  ensure a fresh and dewy look this spring, Dr Shaaira Nasir, Consultant Dermatologist at sk:n, reveals her secrets to help protect your skin from dryness, sun damage and premature ageing.

First things first – prepare your skin against the elements

With the warmer weather coming in, we’re likely to go outside more. Being outside means your skin will collect additional dirt throughout the day so even if you forgo make-up in the warmer months your skin still needs a good clean in the evening. 

I would also recommend exfoliating once or twice a week. This will not only keep your pores in top tip condition but will also remove the dead skin cells that can prevent your skin from getting a uniform glow. Exfoliating washes or creams containing salicylic acid (which is a beta-hydroxy acid) are best for oily skin types.

For drier skin types, chemical exfoliation containing alpha-hydroxy acids such as lactic or glycolic acid are best. SkinCeuticals Glycolic Renewal Cleanser is a gentle daily exfoliator that visibly clears and brightens the complexion, making it perfect for dull or discoloured skin.

Buy SkinCeuticals Glycolic Renewal Cleanser

At sk:n, we offer a variety of industry leading Skin Peels that involve applying a non-toxic chemical solution to the skin that removes the top layer of dead skin cells and encourages new ones to grow, revealing the softer, smoother skin beneath. The perfect spring clean for your skin.

What are the benefits of using Vitamin C?

Skin is naturally built for repair, but factors in daily life like exposure to sun and pollution generate free radicals – unstable molecules that can damage and prematurely age skin. Daily topical use of pure Vitamin C, an antioxidant our bodies do not naturally produce, is the gold standard for environmental protection.

However, Vitamin C must be properly formulated for optimal absorption into skin. Skinceuticals founding scientist Dr. Sheldon Pinnell established and patented the first Vitamin C formulation parameters (known as the Duke Patent Parameters) for ensuring effective absorption and efficacy within skin:

1. Pure vitamin C
2. In a high concentration of 10-20%
3. At a low pH (<3.5)

Which Vitamin C serum is right for me?

From brightening your complexion to improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, Vitamin C can help a multitude of skincare concerns, but which Vitamin C serum is right for you?

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum – Targets visible signs of ageing

This daytime Vitamin C antioxidant delivers advanced environmental protection and improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and loss of firmness.

SKIN TYPE – Normal, dry, combination
SKIN CONCERN – Fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of firmness
KEY INGREDIENTS – 15% Pure Vitamin C, 0.5% Ferulic Acid, 1% Vitamin E

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic features a combination of 15% pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), 1% vitamin E (alpha tocopherol), and 0.5% ferulic acid to enhance protection against environmental damage. This topical antioxidant serum neutralises free radicals, while C E Ferulic improves signs of photo-damage, the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and the loss of firmness.

Key Benefits

• Helps to reinforce skin’s natural protection against free radicals
• Neutralises free radicals on the upper layer of the skin to help prevent the impact of ozone damage to skin
• Visible anti-ageing benefits, such as the improvement of the appearance of lines and wrinkles Ideal for normal, dry, and sensitive skin
• Excellent complement to sunscreen for enhanced protection
• Fast absorbing serum

SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF Serum – Minimises discolouration

Phloretin CF is a powerful antioxidant face serum featuring a patented combination of 2% Phloretin, 10% pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic Acid), and 0.5% Ferulic Acid.

SKIN TYPE – Normal, oily, combination
SKIN CONCERN – Discoloration, uneven skin tone
KEY INGREDIENTS – 10% Pure Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) 2% Phloretin, 0.5% Ferulic Acid

This topical ferulic acid serum provides advanced protection against environmental damage and neutralises free radicals. Phloretin CF helps to diminish the appearance of hyperpigmentation and improves skin tone, for a brighter looking complexion.

Key Benefits

• Helps to reinforce skin’s natural protection against free radicals
• Refines texture for a smooth and more uniform skin tone
• Paraben-free and ideal for normal, oily, combination, and ageing skin types
• Excellent complement to sunscreen for enhanced protection

SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF Serum – Improves the appearance of blemishes

Silymarin CF is a powerful vitamin C triple antioxidant serum formulated specifically for oily and blemish-prone skin.

SKIN TYPE – Normal, oily, combination
SKIN CONCERN – Oiliness, blemishes
KEY INGREDIENTS – 15% L-Ascorbic Acid (Pure Vitamin C Antioxidant), 0.5% Salicylic Acid, 0.5% Ferulic Acid, 0.5% Silymarin

The result of six years of research and development, this lightweight formula helps reduce oil oxidation, control excess sebum and improve the appearance of blemishes and signs of ageing. It provides environmental protection for oily, blemish-prone skin and fights against visible skin ageing.

Key Benefits

• Clinically proven to reduce oil oxidation by up to 76%*
• Improves appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by up to 24%**
• Reduces excess sebum/oil by up to 15%***
• Reduces oiliness by up to 15%***

Still not sure which Vitamin C serum is right for you? Pop into your nearest sk:n clinic for a free consultation with our trusted experts or to purchase SkinCeuticals products.

Secondly – up the moisture

Seasonal changes such as increased exposure to sunlight can have a drying effect on the skin. Moisturising after exposure will give your skin the hydration it needs to repair itself. It’s best to opt for a light moisturiser in the daytime and a thicker, more hydrating one for the night-time.

Don’t forget the neck and décolletage when applying as this area of the skin is thinner, therefore particularly susceptible to wrinkles. As a bonus tip, apply moisturiser as soon as you’re out of the bath or shower, whilst your skin is still damp. That way you’ll lock in extra moisture!

I’ll be using the sk:n CU3 Intensive Moisture Cream. Not only does it moisturise, it has anti-ageing properties too. It contains copper peptides which helps with elastin and collagen production.

Buy sk:n CU3 Intensive Moisture Cream

Number three – keeping using retinol, with care

Retinoids such as retinol are great collagen inducers which help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. They also help to even-out irregular pigmentation caused by sun damage. It is actually a myth that you can’t use a retinoid during the warmer months.

While true that skin becomes more photosensitive due to the exfoliation and removal of dead skin cells, provided you use retinol by night and sunscreen during the day you can both protect your skin and repair it at the same time. 

Buy Medik8 Night Ritual Vitamin A (50ml)

Tip four – make SPF your best friend 

As soon as the sun appears many of us will want to ditch the thought of SPF to top up our tans. But it’s essential that you wear protection. UVB rays cause sunburn and UVA rays can lead to premature ageing with both also contributing to skin cancer, so it’s important that you wear a sunscreen which contains protection against both.

You should always apply SPF after your moisturiser and before any foundation or make-up, while remembering to reapply regularly throughout the day. Although helpful, make-up with SPF should not be used as a substitute for sunscreen. This is because it’s more likely to be removed by water or rubbing and we tend to apply it a lot more thinly than sunscreen.

In terms of your routine skincare products, it is best to go for fragrance-free products as fragrances can irritate your skin, and always choose the right product for your skin-type:

• For those with a normal skin type you may find selecting a moisturiser with SPF 30 gives you the protection you need without being too heavy on your skin. 
• If you suffer with dryer skin, opt for a separate moisturiser and SPF to give your skin the hydration you need.
• If you have acne-prone oily skin, then go for oil-free gel. 
• Remember, if you’re fair or prone to burning you should always use SPF 50. 

Buy Heliocare advanced XF gel SPF50

Finally – Look after sun damaged skin

Whilst sun damage can occur all year round, as we move into spring it can intensify so be mindful of protecting yourself even if the sun does not feel hot on your skin. Regardless of whether you look burnt – if your skin has become dry, or feels warm to the touch, chances are it needs a little TLC at the end of the day.

Take a cooling shower and cover yourself in a soothing body lotion while your skin is still damp. There are many natural skin-loving ingredients that can help soothe sun-damaged skin. Aloe vera has moisturising and cooling properties which are particularly comforting for sunburnt skin, or dry, flaking skin caused by sun exposure. 

This spring, my go to product will be Avène Skin Recovery Cream. It has a minimum number of ingredients, therefore is gentle on the skin and contains Parcerine which calms irritation and redness.