3 Steps to Spring Clean Your Beauty Routine

Vibrant, radiant skin is the hallmark of clean skincare. It’s a concept similar to clean eating, focusing on products that are minimally processed and free of harmful additives. Chemical additives can cause inflammation, dryness, irritation, and discoloration, ultimately defeating the purpose of anti-aging skincare, which is why we should all steer clear of them. Now that spring is in full bloom, it’s a perfect time for a clean break. Here are three easy ways to start fresh!

1. Out with the Old: Check Expiration Dates

Active ingredients lose effectiveness over time, so it’s best to part ways with products that have passed their prime. Determining which ones to toss is pretty simple. First, consider shelf-life and look for the PAO (Period-After-Opening) symbol on the product container. It looks like a tiny jar with a number on it and refers to the number of months you can use a product after it has been opened. If the product has exceeded that period, chances are it’s ready to retire.

To be sure, open the product itself and look for changes. Has the color changed since you bought it? Is the consistency different? Has it separated, become runny, lumpy or too thick? Is there a strange smell, or does the texture feel grainy or streaky on your skin? These are all signs that a product should be thrown away.

2. Trade up for Clean: Check Ingredients

If you don’t obsessively research ingredients, the idea of finding clean products can seem overwhelming. So, what exactly is a clean skincare product? Very simply, it’s a product made of natural and/or cosmeceutical grade ingredients that have been proven safe and effective, without toxic additives that can irritate the skin and cause harm. Print this quick Clean Beauty Checklist and compare it with product ingredient lists.

3. Spring Forward: Build A Clean Skincare Routine

Now that you have cleaned up your beauty cabinet and you know what you are working with, start a list of what you need. One thing is certain, and whether you are a minimalist or skincare aficionado, your daily regimen should bring you pleasure and compliment your lifestyle. Here are essential steps to think about as you build.

Step 1: Cleanse

Cleansers are the most overlooked part of a good skin care regimen, and the right cleanser can yield tremendous results.

The Minimalist

The Skincare Aficionado

Step 2: Serums

Adding a serum is a quick way to take your spring ritual to the next level. The lightweight nature of serums means they instantly absorb into the skin where they can deliver transformative results more quickly.

The Minimalist

The Aficionado

Add a target serum. With the change of season, we suggest adding a soothing remedy to your repertoire for those moments when the skin reacts to outside stressors or feels extra sensitive.