Photo Credit: Depositphotos

NEW SEASON, NEW SKINCARE

04-05-19 | Posted by Paige Herman-Axel

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As we anxiously await the official arrival of spring, it’s likely that the idea of wearing easy, breezy dresses, al fresco dining with a glass of rosé and bathing-suit season are top of mind—which is why it’s important that you’re prepared to show off (and protect) your skin from head to toe. “As winter comes to a close, we are all concerned with shedding the dull complexion caused by dry skin—and striving to get our bodies toned, tightened and beach-ready,” says New York City dermatologist Dr. Marnie Nussbaum.

If this sounds like a daunting task, fret not—as we’re sharing the professional-approved products and treatments that are sure to have you ready for the new season and the warmer months ahead.

Moisturizer
Similar to adjusting our wardrobes for higher temperatures, most of us can benefit from a fresh moisturizer come spring and summer. Whether you prefer a water-based gel, lotion or cream, Dr. Nussbaum recommends looking for a moisturizing formula that contains ceramides to help reinforce the skin’s protective barrier and hyaluronic acid for lightweight hydration that won’t clog pores.

Product to try: Replenix Pure Hydration Moisture Balm revives dull, post-winter skin with fast-absorbing hydration courtesy of hyaluronic acid, anti-aging peptides and a hefty dose of green tea polyphenols for antioxidant protection.

LovelySkin.com

Sunscreen
The advent of spring requires extra sun protection—and let it be known that the SPF you apply at sunrise is not enough to keep your skin shielded from UV rays until sundown. “Although most people have come to realize that sunscreen is an essential step in their morning skincare regimen, many still don’t understand that it’s imperative to re-apply throughout the day for optimal protection,” says medical aesthetician and founder of New York City’s Just Ageless, Jeannel Astarita. In addition to the sunscreen you use before applying makeup, it’s wise to keep a portable powder-based product in your bag so you can touch up before heading outside without interfering with your makeup.

Product to try: The eyelids are home to some of the thinnest, most delicate skin on the body—and we often avoid them when applying sunscreen. Supergoop’s Shimmershade cream eyeshadows give your lids a subtle wash of stay-put color plus much-needed SPF 30.

Supergoop.com

While on the subject of sun protection, Miami Beach, Florida plastic surgeon Dr. Jose Rodríguez-Feliz has a few words of advice for anyone who underwent any form of surgery this past winter, or may be prepping their skin for spring and summer with chemical peels or laser treatments. “Protecting recently-resurfaced skin and post-surgical scars from UV light is very important, otherwise patients put themselves at risk of hyperpigmentation. Timing is everything when it comes to in-office treatments and surgical procedures, and it’s important to avoid the more intense sunlight during summer months—and to remember that UV rays can penetrate clothing and have an effect on any underlying scars.”

Antioxidant protection
“Aside from sunblock, which everyone knows is essential when it comes to skincare, I’d say an antioxidant is the second ‘must-have’ product,” says Dr. Rodriguez-Feliz. Designed to protect the skin from free radicals generated by UV rays and environmental pollution—and help prevent long-term damage that leads to visible signs of aging and discoloration—a vitamin C serum that contains L-ascorbic acid is the way to go.

Products to try: Dr. Rodriguez-Feliz recommends SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic or Phloretin CF, depending on where your skin falls on the dry-oily spectrum.

SkinCeuticals.com

Body lotion
The ideal way to reveal smooth, radiant skin on the arms, legs and any other bare spots is to give these areas the same level of care as you do your face—which includes exfoliation and hydration. “I see so many clients who come to me for skin-tightening and cellulite-smoothing treatments, and I always recommend they use an advanced, high-quality body lotion to enhance their results. They love the improvement professional treatments deliver by targeting the lower layers of the skin, but it’s necessary to address the skin’s surface as well since the way it reflects light goes a long way for a smooth, supple appearance,” says Astarita.

Product to try: With a potent blend of retinol, exfoliating enzymes, hydrating ingredients and antioxidants, ZO Skin Health Body Emulsion provides everything you could ask from a body skincare treatment—plus improvement in dark spots and uneven skin tone. Great for KP too (aka little red bumps).

Zoskinhealth.com

Body-contouring treatments
If toning and tightening is on your spring wish list, there are several downtime-free treatments that can have you ready to reveal a slimmer silhouette by Memorial Day. According to Dr. Nussbaum, “Unwanted pockets of fat can be melted away with the new TruSculpt iD in 15 minutes, while the abdomen and buttocks can be toned and tightened with four EmSculpt treatments over the course of two weeks.”

Note: Replenix and ZO Skin Health products were provided for review. All others were purchased or sampled in-store. All opinions are my own.