Blog: April 2025
April has finally arrived, and we are ready to celebrate at Rae Clinic!
This is my favourite time of the year. The clocks have changed; the days are brighter and the sun can sometimes be spotted in the sky. The change in temperature and season can cause changes in our skin. Many patients this month have mentioned their skin feels dull. I am going to explore this further in "the science bit below." A bit like changing to the lighter duvet (I'm not there yet the heating is still on!), we need to adapt our skincare to the seasons.
Looking at topics for the months ahead - I plan to talk more about those pesky lip lines that plague us as we age, dark circles and a deep dive on SPFs. If there are questions you would like discussed please email or DM on insta and I can add them to the list!
And now for the Science bit....
Spring into Summer Radiance:
With the warmer weather and longer days, spring and summer are the perfect times to refresh your skincare routine. As the seasons change, so should your approach to skincare - your skin’s needs will shift as temperatures rise, and you may spend more time outdoors. Whether it’s the sun’s harsh rays, increased humidity, or the need for extra hydration, adjusting your skincare regimen can help you maintain that radiant glow all season long.
This month, we’ll dive into why it's important to update your skincare routine for the warmer months and share some essential tips for keeping your skin healthy, fresh, and glowing this spring and summer.
Why does my skin look dull?
Heavier products which are great for moisture and preventing trans epidermal water loss (TEWL), winter essentials, can cause your skin cells to be retained longer on the skin surface. Our skin turn over is typically every 14-84 days. The faster that turnover is, the less time dead skin cells sit on the skin surface.
This image shows all the cells in the upper layer of the skin. As these skin cells mature they move from the bottom to the top before they shed. In simple terms, more dead cells on the surface = dull skin. Deep moisture products, while great for preventing moisture loss which is necessary for winter, can cause these cells to sit on the surface for longer.
So what can I do about it?
Exfoliants are excellent at tackling this problem. I would tend towards a chemical exfoliant rather than a physical one. I'm not sure if anyone remembers taking the surface of their skin off with the St Ives apricot scrub!!! When I think of it now!
Glycolic acid can be an excellent choice for most, or salicylic acid for those who have acne. Physical exfoliants can be harsh on the skin, in particular for those with sensitive skin. By breaking down this top layer, we expose more youthful skin cells, leaving your skin more radiant. These can be found in home care or a stronger in clinic peel (Obagi Blue Radiance Peel can work magic). Other considerations:
Your skin behaves differently in different seasons, and spring and summer bring about changes that affect how your skin reacts. Here’s why it’s important to tweak your routine for the warmer months:
1. Increased Sun Exposure: Longer days mean more sunlight, hopefully. More sun exposure can lead to skin damage if not properly protected. If its not already part of your morning routine - pull out your sunscreen.
2. Humidity: Summer brings more humidity, which can affect how your skin retains moisture. Some products that work well in the dry winter months may feel too heavy when the air is more humid.
3. Increased Sweat & Oil: Hotter weather can lead to more sweat and oil production. This might mean you need lighter products and more frequent cleansing.
4. Dryness from Air Conditioning: While the outside weather might be humid, indoors, air conditioning can strip moisture from your skin, causing dryness and irritation.
My top products for Spring/Summer:
1. SPF - always protect your skin. It is the best anti-aging product out there. What is in your makeup is not enough. You would need nearly your whole bottle of foundation to make it SPF 50. Most people end up at about SPF 4-10
2. Anti-Oxidants - Vitamin C, E or B. These will help provide some protection from damaging rays from the sun, traffic pollution etc while increasing collagen stimulation and reducing wrinkles. 3. Chemical exfoliant: This one is an essential all year round for me.
4. An Excellent Sun Hat: I'm aware it's not a product, but a wide-brimmed hat is always the best choice. Prevention is always better than the cure.
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Rae Clinic
