As the seasons shift, so should your skincare routine. Cold-weather creams and ultra-rich formulas? It’s time to swap them out. With rising temperatures and extra humidity, your skin craves lightweight hydration, antioxidant protection, and gentle exfoliation to keep it fresh and balanced. If you’re looking to reset your routine for spring, here’s the hydrating routine that your skin needs—morning and night.
AM Routine
Begin with a gentle cleanser to remove natural oils and refresh your skin after a long slumber. A pH-balancing formula, such as the Anokha oatmeal cleansing milk, is great for those with Dry and Sensitive skin. Also, oatmeal cleansing milk clears the dead skin buildup that blocks pores while leaving the skin with a natural radiance. Let the skin air dry and layer on an antioxidant serum next. For daytime use, you cannot go wrong with Youth To The People 15% Vitamin C + Caffeine Energy Brightening Serum for Uneven Tone, which will help even skin tone, reduce hyperpigmentation, protect against signs of aging, and brighten your skin throughout the spring season. Once the serum has been absorbed, lock in hydration with a gel or water-based moisturizer like the Caudalie VinoHydra Gel Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid & Aloe Vera. Finally, a non-greasy, non-comedogenic sunscreen, preferably 50 SPF or higher, is to protect your skin.
PM Routine
When wearing makeup and SPF, the best thing is to add an oil cleanser into the mix to ensure you remove all that unnecessary grit and dirt. Always apply this dry and massage for 1 minute before emulsifying. Then, follow up with a second cleanser (this can be the same one from your AM routine). Once your skin is dry, pat in an exfoliating toner to help remove dead skin and boost luminosity. Be sure to implement this 2-3x per week. Next, with a hydrating serum to help maintain skin elasticity, follow up with a gentle retinol for collagen production. If you normally don’t use retinol, start with a small amount and use it every other day. Finally, top off your PM skincare routine with an eye cream, and night cream.
This hydrating routine emphasizes light hydration, antioxidant protection, and gentle exfoliation to keep your skin radiant as the weather warms up!
Here’s how your skincare routine adapts to winter:
The drop in temperature makes us go from being Brazillian Bombshells to the aestheticSlavic Girl, hot drinks are the best, and the parties of the season are exciting. All are incredible, except when the skin starts to crack, not to mention that the lips and hands also suffer. Also, if you have a problem such as rosacea or dermatitis, be prepared to have a plan b, that is, you should have a winter skincare routine.
The skin tends to become sensitive due to low humidity and cold wind, which lead to dryness, redness, and sensitivity. Lips can also become chapped, and acne can worsen due to dry skin and increased sebum production. You may experience more frequent breakouts due to a lack of moisture in the air.
It is important to adapt your skincare routine with moisturizing and protective products, as well as avoid excessive use of heating, which can aggravate skin dryness. But don’t worry, here we guide you so that winter doesn’t catch you off guard.
Opt for a gentle, alcohol-free cleanser that won’t strip your skin of natural oils, as exposure to cold, dry air can aggravate dryness. Cream or oil-based cleansers may be best suited for this season, as they help maintain the skin’s moisture barrier.
Exfoliate once or twice a week, to gently remove dead skin cells and stimulate cell renewal. But be careful not to over-exfoliate, as this can irritate dry, sensitive skin in winter. Opt for gentle exfoliants that contain ingredients like enzymes for a less abrasive exfoliation.
During cold weather, use a thicker, more nourishing moisturizer to protect your skin from dryness and cracking. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, jojoba oil, or shea butter, which help lock in moisture and strengthen your skin’s protective barrier. Consider applying a hydrating serum underneath your cream to provide extra hydration and strengthen the skin barrier.
Even if the days are cloudy, don’t underestimate the importance of wearing sunscreen, because the UV rays are still there. Repeat after us: I must wear sunscreen every day. Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and apply it generously to all exposed areas of skin, including the face, neck, and hands.
Consider including serums or treatments with ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, or niacinamide to address specific skin concerns, such as dark spots, fine lines, or redness. These ingredients can help improve skin texture and tone, as well as stimulate collagen production for a firmer, more radiant appearance.
Don’t forget to protect your lips with a nourishing lip balm that contains moisturizing and emollient ingredients such as cocoa butter, coconut oil, or vitamin E. Apply sunscreen regularly, especially before going outdoors, to prevent dryness, cracking, and irritation on your lips.
Wear gloves, scarves, and hats to protect your skin from the cold and wind when you are outdoors. These extra garments will help protect the delicate skin on your hands, neck, and face, well as prevent moisture loss and avoid irritation caused by the elements.
If you’re serious about your skincare routine, you’ve likely got a few tools lying around. Whether a jade roller is proudly displayed on your bathroom shelf or you’ve invested in something a bit more high-tech, these handy devices are meant to provide luxurious experiences as well as address certain skin concerns. With brands becoming more and more innovative, it’s now possible to get spa-like treatments at home, and the number of options is only growing larger by the day. Case in point: SolaWave’s brand new blue light upgrade to their buzzed-about skincare wand.
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The original Red Light Wand is designed as a four-in-one tool that delivers microcurrents, red light therapy, facial massage, and therapeutic warmth to help with things like fine lines, wrinkles, and overall radiance. The new SolaWave Blue Light 3 in 1 Wand, which launched somewhere in August, takes a more targeted approach to skincare — specifically, to acne. The portable (and chic) tool uses blue light to fight breakouts and kill acne-causing bacteria. The wand’s warmth function also helps your products better absorb into your skin 2x as effectively while using less product. The SolaWave Blue Light Wand also reduces redness, brightens dark circles, combats blemishes, while the vibrating capabilities de-puff, promote circulation, and boost the skin’s radiance.
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While the Blue Light Wand isn’t cheap, it typically retails for less than the original wand ($139 versus the Red Light Wand at $149) — and currently, it’s on sale for $119. If you’re looking for acne-fighting solutions and have been curious about skincare devices, now’s the time to dip your toes in.
The aluminum alloy tool has a razor-like shape and a form that’s easy to clean and recharge. Safe for all ages, the wand is best used on hydrated skin and it comes to life thanks to smart-touch activation. Perfect for use on the forehead, under eyes, cheeks, jaw, neck, and upper lip, the wand can be used in one of two positions.
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Primp Tips:
SolaWave can be used on most areas of your face: forehead, under eyes, cheeks, jaw, neck, and upper lip.
The SolaWave Wand forms two distinct positions: (1) the vertical “I” orientation and (2) the rotated “T-bar” position.
When using the wand, glide across your face in an upward and outward movement.
Clean your SolaWave Wand by spraying a dry cloth with water or disinfecting spray and wiping down the head.
We only include products that have been independently selected by BeautyLeeBar’s editorial team. However, we may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.
Keys Soulcare, Alicia Keys’ beauty line, landed in our lives at the perfect moment. Created by the musician as skincare with self-care at its core, Keys Soulcare launched in 2020 (a year when we needed an awful lot of self-care) and started with a range of 10 facial and lifestyle products, from moisturizers to a scented candle. Now, Keys is adding body care to the mix: a hand and body wash, body cream, and body oil, all bearing that same philosophy of taking time for yourself.
“While working closely with Alicia on the facial skincare, we wanted to also infuse many of the ancient and nourishing ingredients into our body offerings,” says board-certified dermatologist Renee Snyder, who co-created Keys Soulcare along with Keys. “It is so important to take care of ourselves, and the body is another moment where we can focus on self-care.” To add to the ritual of it all, the products also come with a corresponding affirmation meant to be spoken with each use. “Alicia and the team develop each affirmation based on the action and feeling you will experience with the offering,” explains Snyder.
Because Keys is known for her radiance—in addition, of course, to her legendary voice—I was intrigued to try her latest products to see if I could capture a bit of her glow. Keep reading for a full breakdown on the new products courtesy of Snyder, and for my honest reviews to find out if I’m fallin’ for them (sorry, couldn’t help myself).
Courtesy of Keys Soulcare
All About Keys Soulcare, According to the Derm Who Co-Created It
The benefit of being developed by a dermatologist? Each ingredient has a purpose. The formulations are also cruelty-free and made without things like parabens or sulfates. What you’ll find instead? Loads of moisturizers, all of which are intended to strengthen the skin barrier. “The skin performs many important functions for us; from helping us eliminate toxins to temperature regulation, but most importantly it acts as a protective barrier,” explains Snyder. “When your skin is hydrated, it is resilient and plump.”
So while the Renewing Body and Hand Wash may be a cleanser, it still puts nourishment first. Think skin-loving Manuka honey, shea butter, and cocoa butter. Meanwhile, the sage and oat milk scent (Alicia’s fave!) helps promote “comfort, clarity, and balance,” according to the derm.
The body cream, as you’d expect, is also chock full of hydrating ingredients. “Sunflower seed oil is extremely high in vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from harmful UV rays and other environmental stressors,” explains Snyder. But that’s not all: “Ceramides, along with shea and cocoa butter, promote the infusion of hydration into the skin.” Topping it off is the rose of Jericho, which “can spring back to life at the first drop of water, imparting one’s skin with the feeling of a renewed vitality,” according to Snyder.
Keeping with the theme of protecting the skin, one of the key ingredients in the Sacred Body Oil is baobab oil, which “is known for its regenerative abilities,” according to Snyder. “It is excellent for softening the skin and aids in healing due to the levels of vitamins A, B, and C, along with omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids,” she explains. The formula also contains marula oil, “which is purported to contain 60% more antioxidants than most other oils, packing a powerful punch to the skin,” adds Snyder.
I’m not particularly picky when it comes to soap and body wash, but I’m a sucker for a good scent. My skin can also get dry, so I was excited to see if this formula is as hydrating as it claims. Right off the bat, I loved the fragrance—it reminded me of expensive perfume, without being overwhelming. The texture of the body wash is gel-like, and it lathers up fairly well (especially considering it’s sulfate-free). As I used it, I remembered about the affirmation part of the deal, luckily, they’re printed right on the packaging. For the body wash, the affirmation is “I love myself as I am.” I repeated it a few times until I admittedly felt a little silly. But I tried!
Immediately after toweling off, I could tell my skin felt softer and more hydrated than with my usual body wash, but the true test, in my opinion, would be how it held up post-shower. The next day, I’m pleased to report, my skin was just as soft. I also smelled amazing (if I do say so myself). The product has been a mainstay in my shower since the first use so I haven’t been using it as a hand soap, but the pretty bottle would look great on the sink, too.
I love a good body cream, so this was probably the product I was most excited to try. I would say it’s almost like body butter, both in texture and color (picture Kiehl’s Creme de Corps). Let’s just say she’s thick. A little goes a long way, which is something I learned after I overdid it on leg number one. It’s not scented, which I appreciated, especially because I was still in the throes of the body wash. It didn’t feel greasy after applying, but I let it sink in for a few minutes for good measure. All in all, it’s a solid, super-moisturizing formula, but if you’re looking for something lightweight, you may want a more traditional lotion
While I love a good body cream, I don’t often use body oils, but I was there for the full Keys experience. First off, I was a fan of the dropper bottle, which is super convenient to use. It also has the same fragrance as the body wash, but again, isn’t overpowering. As instructed, I warmed the pale golden oil between my hands first, and it applied like a dream—not greasy at all, and just enough slip. It’s recommended to use this right after showering, but I found myself reaching for the bottle to moisturize my elbows and cuticles, all times of the day. Consider me a body oil convert!
Containing both physical (Hojicha powder, oats, and mung beans) and chemical (lactic acid) exfoliants, this gentle scrub can be used once or twice a week.
Rich and hydrating, this moisturizer contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides to moisturize, and bakuchiol to reduce the appearance of fine lines. Bonus: It also comes in a fragrance-free version.
Keys and Snyder smartly packaged the line’s signature scent in candle form for maximum relaxation vibes.
Have you tried Keys Soulcare products yet? If so, which is your favorite? Let me know down in the comments what you think about the products mentioned above. xo
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