The spring skincare switch-up

Finally, the warmer weather is upon us. Off with the knits and the tights; on with the tees and bare legs. But it’s not just your wardrobe which needs a seasonal shift – your skincare does, too. Balance Me co-founder Rebecca Hopkins tells us how.

Just as a ‘one size fits all’ approach doesn’t apply to your wardrobe (who wants to swelter in a winter coat in June?), it doesn’t work for your skin either. Seasonal changes affect our skin and it needs a different approach now than it did in the depths of winter. It’s time to tweak your routine. Nothing dramatic, just a few simple swaps to ensure your skin is in peak condition, ready for the warmer days ahead.

Start the day by cleansing with Pure Skin Face Wash. It’s light, quick and sulphate-free, so it won’t strip your skin’s natural oils. In the spring, I swap my usual Radiance Face Oil - perfect for winter as it contains Amazonian Buriti Nut Oil, which makes it richer – for our Rose Otto Face Oil. As the days get hotter, the rose is soothing on the skin – and the fragrance is just incredible.

Follow this with a lighter-textured moisturiser, which will balance any perspiration caused by rising temperatures. Collagen Boost Moisturiser contains peptides and Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate without feeling heavy. Beware of rising UV levels and protect your skin: an SPF is a non-negotiable everyday essential. It’s good to get a little Vitamin D, but the skin on your face is much more sensitive to the sun, so make sure you’re wearing our Natural Protection Moisturiser SPF 25.

For even more of a glow, add our Gradual Tanning Drops to your routine, which allow you to customise your own tan. Simply add one drop to your moisturiser for a lighter glow or two-three drops for a deeper tan. Get the best result by removing the superficial layer of dead skin reveals the smoother skin beneath and polishes your skin - so ensure you exfoliate regularly. Simply washing off a cleanser using a muslin cloth is a simple, gentle way to add exfoliation into you daily routine.

At the end of the day, when I have more time, I use Cleanse and Smooth Face Balm which leaves my skin perfectly clean without any of the harsh chemical agents which can strip it. Massage it in well to remove the day’s residue (pollutants, make-up, sunscreen, perspiration) before adding water and washing off with a warm flannel or muslin.

Don’t forget the skin on your body, which has been hidden away for months under those winter layers. A daily body brush now will get it in prime condition for summer. Using long sweeping strokes, work towards the heart and the lymph nodes to stimulate and detoxify your skin. Follow with Super Firming Body Oil on thighs, buttocks and stomach, and Super Moisturising Body Oil everywhere else.