Winter / Spring transition: How to adapt your skincare routine?

Winter puts our skin to the test: cold, wind, heating, lack of light. A cocktail of elements that leaves our complexion tired and our epidermis dehydrated. With the arrival of spring, the skin needs to be revitalized to regain its radiance and balance.

The aim: to eliminate accumulated toxins, revive the complexion's radiance and prepare the skin for sunny days.

Exfoliate your skin as spring arrives

In winter, skin thickens to protect itself from the cold, and dead cells accumulate, dulling the complexion and slowing cell renewal. Exfoliation unclogs pores, activates microcirculation, stimulates cell renewal, brightens the complexion and improves skin care absorption.

Choose fine-grain formulas for normal to combination or sensitive skin, such as Druide's Biolove gentle exfoliant or Zorah's Xfoliambre exfoliant.

Frequency and precautions

• 2 times a week for normal skin and 1 time a week for sensitive skin.
• Always moisturize after exfoliation with a moisturizing mask such as Nordora's Biointensif repairing night mask, specially designed for our winters.
• Avoid the sun after exfoliation, and apply a good sunscreen like Attitude's Sunly tinted sun stick.

A springtime cure of detox masks

After winter, the skin has accumulated toxins and excess sebum to protect itself from dryness, so a cure is an essential to help purify, balance and give the complexion a radiant glow.

Which masks are best?

• Clay masks to absorb impurities and mattify the skin, such as Natuku Minerals' Manicouagan Clay Detox Mask.
• Activated charcoal masks for deep detoxification
• Moisturizing masks with hyaluronic acid, aloe vera or honey to nourish and soothe after purification, like the Antipodes mask with Manuka honey.

Tips to maximize effectiveness

• Apply a mask after exfoliation for better penetration.
• Do not let a clay mask dry completely (moisten with an orange blossom or rose spray).
• Combine two types of mask for multi-masking (e.g. clay on the T-zone, moisturizer on the cheeks).

The essentials for radiant skin in spring

Lighten your routine to let your skin breathe! In winter, we prefer rich textures; in spring, we adopt lighter formulas. It's all about finding the right balance between purification and hydration.

Purifying products

1. Gentle purifying and soothing cleansers (chamomile, aloe, clay).
2. Moisturizing and radiance-boosting serums with vitamin C.
3. Balancing toning lotions (e.g. rose water to soothe, witch hazel water to tighten pores or purifying ice water for an even complexion).

Moisturizing products

• Light gels and creams rather than thick ones.
• Precious oils with a satiny glow, like Nia Pure's moringa oil.
• Moisturizing mists to refresh skin during the day, like Natuku's ice water.

Protect your skin every day

• Incorporate SPF 30 to 50 sun protection, even on cloudy days.
• Choose light, non-comedogenic sun creams.

Diet and its impact on skin radiance in spring

Our skin is a reflection of our diet: what we eat influences its hydration, elasticity and radiance. After winter, when our diet is often richer and less varied, it's essential to provide the right nutrients to revitalize the skin. A balanced diet, rich in antioxidants and water, helps restore a fresh, radiant complexion.

Antioxidants to fight toxins and boost radiance

Colorful fruits and vegetables (rich in beta-carotene and vitamin C):

• Carrots, sweet potatoes, apricots → promote a natural tanned complexion.
• Strawberries, kiwis, citrus → boost collagen production.
• Spinach, broccoli, red peppers → rich in vitamin C and iron for oxygenated skin.

Essential fatty acids to nourish and protect the skin

Omega-3 and omega-6 help maintain good hydration and reduce skin inflammation.

Sources:

• Oily fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines).
• Chia seeds, flaxseeds, walnuts.
• Avocado, olive oil and walnut oil.

Probiotics and fermented foods for a healthy microbiota

A balanced intestinal flora is essential for healthy skin.

Choose :

• Plain yoghurt, kefir and kombucha.
• Sauerkraut, kimchi and miso.

Zinc and selenium for clear, blemish-free skin

These two essentials promote cell regeneration and reduce acne.

Sources :

• Seafood, legumes, pumpkin seeds, seaweed.
• Brazil nuts (very rich in selenium).

Why is hydration crucial for the skin?

Well-moisturized skin is more supple, luminous and regenerates better. Water helps eliminate toxins from the tissues and prevents skin dryness.

Moisturizing waters and foods

• Mineral water: 1.5 to 2L a day to help eliminate toxins and replenish minerals.
• Infusions and herbal teas: based on detoxifying plants such as rosemary, dandelion, hibiscus, birch and nettle.
• Water-rich foods: Cucumber, watermelon, melon, radish, celery.
• Infused waters: lemon water, cucumber and mint water.

4 recipes to nourish your skin from within

Nutricosmetics ("cosmetofood"), or when food becomes your new beauty asset!

Healthy glow smoothie (rich in beta-carotene and vitamin C)

Ingredients :

• 1 carrot
• ½ mango
• 1 squeezed orange
• ½ squeezed lemon
• 1 piece fresh ginger
• 150 mlcoconut water

Preparation:

Blend all ingredients until smooth. Drink in the morning for a radiant glow.

Moisturizing and antioxidant smoothie

Ingredients:

• ½ cucumber
• 1 handful spinach
• ½ green apple
• ½ avocado
• 200 ml cooled green tea
• 1 teaspoon chia seeds

Preparation:

Blend and drink as a snack for a boost of hydration and antioxidants.

Detox herbal tea "Clear skin"

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon nettle leaves (draining and purifying).
• 1 teaspoon thyme (antibacterial).
• 1 teaspoon chamomile flowers (soothing).
• 250 ml warm water.

Preparation:

Steep for 10 minutes and drink 1 to 2 cups daily.

Beauty water, chia fresca

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp. chia seeds
• juice of one cucumber blended with 250 ml spring water
• Juice and zest of one lemon.
• 5-6 fresh mint leaves.

Preparation:

Add the cucumber water, lemon juice, chia seeds and mint leaves to a jar and stir well. Refrigerate for 1h00 to allow the chia seeds to swell, then consume throughout the day.

What goes on internally, under your skin

The lemon juice provides detox benefits, the chia seeds' fiber helps eliminate toxins, and its omega-3s and minerals, calcium and magnesium, help radiance and hydration. A collagen-forming, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredient, beauty water fights free radicals and thus delays the effects of ageing - a low-cost anti-ageing tip!

In conclusion

Spring is an ideal time to renew your routine and revive your skin's radiance. A good exfoliation, the right masks, light skin care and the right diet will leave your skin fresh and luminous, ready for an even, long-lasting tan.

And don't forget that the most important thing is to listen to your skin and adjust your routine according to your needs.

About the author

Ophélie Thieblemont, Holistic esthetician, Cosmetics and Supplements Manager at La Boite à Grains du Plateau

In-depth knowledge of :

• Cosmetology
• Medico-aesthetics
• Nutricosmetics (or cosmetofood)
• Aromatherapy

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