Why spring cleaning your beauty routine will transform your complexion

We don’t know about you guys, but here at bh, we think spring-time is the absolute bomb. Not only do we get off on spring cleaning our home but getting to wear a brand new wardrobe - hello pretty sandals - and let’s not forget the increased temperatures.
But while you’re out frollicking and enjoying the warmer days, spare a thought for how your complexion is faring. Winter has a track record for wreaking havoc on your skin. With heaters blasting warm air and cold temps dipping outside, winter can leave the skin on your face looking lacklustre and feeling rough.
RELATED: 8 of the best skin care products with manuka honey
Learn how to transition your skin with ease from winter to spring with an updated beauty routine.
When the temperatures change so does your skin. “When this happens, you contend with dehydration, dryness, itchiness, and build up of dead cells, all of which make your skin look dull and uneven,” explains Venustus skin clinic owner, Jeannie Bourke. “And when the epidermal surface cells completely dry out, it can become difficult for serum to penetrate deeper into the skin.” Noooo!
Sensitive skin? Pay special attention!
Sensitive skin types seem to have the worst reaction to temp changes (both indoors and outdoors) so if your skin falls into this group, your rescue remedy should consist of a special concoction of ingredients. “Jojoba is great in helping to strengthen the skin’s uppermost layer that prevent irritants from penetrating it," says Jeannie. “And german chamomile, lavender and calendula can help to repair irritation.
bh loves: Ella Bache Émulsion Jojoba, Bellamer Botanical Skin Care Renewing Face and Neck Mask
RELATED: 6 of the best cooling face masks for every skin type
Is your skin feeling tight and dry?
If your skin’s looking dull, feeling tight, has more lines than usual and is generally uneven looking, it’s more than likely dehydrated. “You can make simple tweaks to your kit by including a serum, moisturiser and face mask that include hydrating oils,” says Jeannie. “Any products with peach kernel, rosehip, rose essential oil, apricot, neroli essential oil, frankincense and organic carrot extract will give your skin a moisture hit.”
bh loves: Sukin Certified Organic Rose Hip Oil, Nutrimetics Nutri-Rich Oil Ointment
You can also make a beeline to radiant, dewy skin, by applying a potent face mask, that targets dehydrated skin, at least once a week. If you’re using a cream mask, instead of washing it off, drench your skin with moisture by wearing it to bed.
bh loves: Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Treatment Mask, Natio Ageless Hydrating Mask
Spending more time outdoors?
As the days get longer and warmer, the danger of UV damage beings to increase. UV radiation can cause damage to our skin even in spring. Think sun spots, blotchy skin and fine lines. To get an idea of how high the UV levels are during your lunch-time stroll, download the SunSmart app. Set your location and it will reveal what the UV forecast is and between what times of the day sun protection is recommended.
But it’s also time to get sunscreen-diligent again and start applying it every single time you go out in the sun.
bh loves: SunSense Anti-Ageing Face SPF 50+, NEUTROGENA® Ultra Sheer Clear Face Lotion SPF30
Does your skin still feel rough?
Another easy way to rejuvenate your skin for spring time is exfoliating. The process of exfoliating removes the buildup of dead skin cells that can make your skin look dull but also clog your pores. Regular exfoliation will speed up the renewal of skin cells, strip it of impurities that cause black and whiteheads and help to remove dry flaky patches. But it also allows serum, moisturiser and masks to penetrate your skin more easily and sometimes deeper.
But just how often should you exfoliate? It’s a good question because over-exfoliation can cause your skin to break out and lead to inflammation and sensitivity. So don’t do it more than three times a week. And be sure to use one that suits your skin type. Got congested skin? Try a charcoal-infused scrub that works to attract and lift toxins and impurities from your skin. Sensitive skin? Go for a gentle cream exfolitaor.
bh loves: Garnier Pure Active Intensive Charcoal 3-in-1, Dermalogica Gentle Cream Exfoliant
What does your spring skin care routine consist of? Is your skin still dry and itchy from winter?
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
Review them now to earn points that you can swap for free beauty products in RewardsRoom.
45 Member Comments
I always love trying new products, to see what is good for my skin
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Yep time to get peeling! I love Philosophy vitamin c peel and I am loving Weleda skin food for all the dry bits.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I don't tend to change my products year round... They just seem to work for me...
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I like the sound of the SunSence anti aging sp50+ living in Perth we get a lot of sunshine and I have a fair complexion so burn easily. Hopefully summer is just around the corner.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Great Article. I just like to make sure that all year round I exfoliate proper using a facial exfoliation brush, usually in the shower and then adjust my moisturiser depending on my skin. For example, in winter when my skin is drier, I use Clinique's Dramatically Different Moisturising Gel as I find this gives a deeper, longer lasting hydration to my skin.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
My dry and mature skin does not change with the seasons. Over the last year, I've had areas of flaky skin which is unusual, but I assume this is due to long-term illness, possible nutritional deficiencies etc.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I recently went Queensland (live in Melb) and had to completely change my routine as my skin was getting so dry and flakey. I used cleansing oils, a facial oil and a rich moisturiser. I packed a lot of sheet masks and was using them regularly as well. My skin can normally get away with just an oil but when it's really dry I need something more rich.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I know some of my products are quite old, and it's hard to throw them out isn't it? But it's always so much fun to buy new products.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 1
I don't find it hard to throw away products. I find it a relief to discard the really crappy or mediocre products.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
This article is so useful thankyou!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I make changes to my skincare regimen but then the transition is quite slow. For example I have been using this Antipodes night cream all through winter which is thick and rich, but I can't just stop using it now because it has to be used within 6 months of opening. So if I stop using it now it means I'll have to throw it out and buy a new one next winter. I have to keep using it until I finished it, even though I should switch to something lighter now.
The same goes to my cleansers, masks etc. Urh!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I still keep up the hydrating serums and oils but use a slightly lighter night cream.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Have not tried any of the mentioned ones, am using one from each category: hydrating moisturizer/mask, oil and SPF atm. Finally skin not dehydrated any more , weather has been a bit harsh here in the mountains
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I think that changing up the routine is really important this time of the year!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Great information. I now use cold water to wash my face.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Great article, I've already got this sorted.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
My skin is always at its best throughout winter. Getting close to summer I'll be winding down a lot of activity to avoid the heat.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
“And german chamomile, lavender and calendula can help to repair irritation. Yes those oils are healing and regenerating but it's a good idea to test on a patch of skin away from the face as they can be quite stimulating - and irritate the skin. If your skin is not used to essential oils less is more to start off with. If you see redness or little red spots it's time to back off
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Great article - I have sensitive skin and I like the sound of these products :)
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 1
LOL "make a beeline" - love the pun!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
All I can say is Rosehip Oil! Rosehip Oil. All year round.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I’ve been doing something of a chemical spring clean this year - removing products that contain ingredients I don’t want on my skin.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I start using lighter serums/creams/sleeping packs and lessen the amount of products in my routine so I'm not clogging my skin overnight. More hydrating sheet masks!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I adore the Venustus range of body lotions. Spring is time to deal with reptile scales on my legs and make my feet presentable for summer sandals.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I do make changes, my skin usually ends up dry and sensitive in winter. So warmer weather does wonders for it.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0