Skin Care

7 Dermatologist-Approved Ways to Spring Clean Your Skin

Make these skin care swaps to prep your skin for warmer weather

by Jenn Sinrich | COMMENT

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Kick up your sunscreen protection Sunscreen is a must no matter the season or the weather. In fact, your skin needs SPF protection from the sun's harmful rays even on cloudy or rainy days in the dead of winter. But, as the weather warms up, sun protection becomes even more paramount. Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip, MD, director of cosmetic dermatology at South Shore Medical Center, recommends using a sunscreen separate from your lotion and makeup that has an SPF of at least 50. "When enjoying the sun for a prolonged period of time (e.g. beach, hikes, pool), sunscreen needs to be applied every two hours, since it's no longer affected after 120 minutes," she says. Her personal sunscreen favorite is HydroPeptide Solar Defense - Tinted. "This broad spectrum sunscreen blocks UVA, UVB and infrared rays and contains antioxidants and hyaluronic acid," she explains. For those with darker skin, she recommends Avene Hydrating Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ (Face & Body), a lightweight sunblock that doesn't leave a white residue on the skin.

If you're worried about ruining your makeup during the reapplication process, consider a product that does both, like Colorescience Natural Finish Pressed Foundation SPF 20. "This brand makes several SPF 50 mineral powders that will allow you to freshen up your makeup and get your sunscreen," says Imahiyerobo-Ip.

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