Winter Blues to Spring Blooms: Natalie's Guide to Spring Skincare

Spring has finally arrived which means one thing: it’s time to overhaul your skincare wardrobe for warmer and sunnier months ahead. Skin is often left dull and tired looking after long winter months as the result of a variety of internal and external factors, including reduced sun exposure, low humidity, heating, hot showers – all of which contribute to accumulation of dead skin cells, dehydration and loss of radiance.

In this article, our founder Natalie-Kingsley Fieldgrass reveals her top tips and tricks on how to transition your skincare routine from winter to spring and restore that healthy glow!

Refresh and Oxygenate

The first step in restoring a dull-looking complexion after winter is to oxygenate the skin. Our skin cells require oxygen for energy to regenerate and renew. However, during the cold winter months, our blood vessels constrict, reducing blood flow to the skin and consequently decreasing oxygen and nutrient supply. This, coupled with high pollution levels and dehydrating environmental conditions, contributes to a dull appearance.

To restore the natural glow and breathe life back into your skin, we recommend incorporating Biologique Recherche Lait VIP O2 into your daily skincare routine. This hydrating cleansing milk features the specific BR Oxygenating Complex, which contains perfluorodecalin, a type of perfluorocarbon with a unique ability to carry and replenish oxygen. Once applied to the skin, the formula immediately begins to oxygenate the skin cells, stimulating cellular activity and metabolism, resulting in a brightened and illuminated complexion. The formula is also enriched with Vitamins E & F, two potent antioxidants that counteract the damaging effects of pollution and enhance water retention capabilities by strengthening and nourishing the hydrolipidic film, also known as the skin barrier.

Shed Away Dull Winter Skin

As a natural defence shield against harsh winter weather, our skin tends to accumulate a thicker layer of dead skin cells which contributes to uneven skin texture and reduced transparency of the epidermis (loss of radiance). The easiest and quickest way to shed away those extra winter skin layers is by exfoliating your skin.

When it comes to exfoliation, there are two key types of that we need to focus on: Mechanical and Chemical.

Mechanical exfoliation works by physically loosening and removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. This is great for instant improvement in skin texture, brightening and boosting follow up product penetration.

Chemical exfoliation works by loosening bonds that hold dead skin cells together at the outermost layer of the skin (stratum corneum) so they can shed off more easily. Chemical exfoliation also can work on deeper layers of the skin and depending on the type of acid can deliver a multitude of additional benefits. When it comes to skin brightening AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) and PHAs (poly-hydroxy acids) are the go-to acid groups that contribute to brighter, smoother and more hydrated complexion.

For those transitioning from winter to spring, Irene Forte Apricot Acid Polish is an ideal product choice. This dual action scrub-mask combines six chemical and physical exfoliants to help brighten, clarify and refine the skin. Apricot Seed Powder delivers gentle physical exfoliation while a combination of PHA (Gluconolactone) and Quadtruple-AHA Complex that includes Tartaric Acid, Malic Acid, Mandelic Acid, and Citric Acid deliver targeted chemical exfoliation. Gluconolactone is a super interesting acid, often referred to as “the next generation acid” due to its higher molecular structure and unique ability to attract hydration and soothe the skin, delivering ultra gentle exfoliation while strengthening and hydrating the skin simultaneously. AHA complex with featuring naturally occurring fruit acids efficiently renews and brightens the skin while boosting fibroblast activity to stimulates collagen production. And lastly the addition of antioxidant rich Upcycled Red Grape Skin and Aloe Leaf Juice ensures skin is thoroughly protected, soothed and hydrated.

Rejuvenate

Spring is the start of the wedding and holiday season. This is the time when we want our skin to look extra plump, smooth and firm! To achieve that we need to focus on supporting the extracellular matrix (ECM) within the dermis and dermal-epidermal junction, a basement membrane connecting the dermis and epidermis which is responsible for cell communication between the two layers.

The dermis, an essential support tissue, accounts for 90% of the skin’s thickness. The dermis is composed of 80% water, as well as elastin and collagen fibers contained in a glycoprotein gel. Fibroblasts are the main cells in the dermis, they specialise in synthesising collagen and elastin fibers. As we age, wrinkles appear mainly as a result of changes in the dermal-epidermal junction, which becomes thinner. This is particularly caused by the alteration and scarcity of collagen and elastin fibers responsible for the skin’s firmness and elasticity. This consequence is directly linked to the reduction in the number of fibroblasts, which then become less productive.

The perfect product to achieve targeted rejuvenation and redensifying results is Biologique Recherche Masque Caviar Verte. This targeted mask features Green Caviar, a type of seaweed that grows in Indian and Pacific Oceans. Green Caviar is a unique ingredient that effectively stimulates the key components of the dermal layer. It helps to stimulate collagen I and IV, Laminin-5 and Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Let us explain what this means to your skin:

Collagen I, the body’s most abundant protein, which acts as a structural support for the dermis, ensuring skin firmness and tightness
The increase in Collagen IV will directly support the structure of dermal-epidermal junction.
Laminin-5 play support skin key role in supporting effective skin cell communication and regeneration.
And Glycosaminoglycans such as hyaluronic acid will help to redensify the skin providing plumping and smoothing results.

These results are further enhanced by Collagen Segment in the formula. The ultimate age-defying mask also contains Marine Exopolysaccharide, 3D Matrix Lift and Blue Agave Yeast extract which provide immediate and long-lasting tightening and lifting effect. Your skin will be left plump, smooth and firm looking skin. For best results use weekly.

Restore Lost Hydration

A big focus when transitioning from winter to spring is to restore lost hydration. Without adequate hydration levels our skin proliferation becomes disrupted, meaning that the old skin cells are not being replaced by new, fresh cells. This can result in a dull complexion as light reflects less evenly on rough, uneven skin. Additionally, skin that lacks hydration can have increased sensitivity, show more visible fine lines and wrinkles and feel tight and uncomfortable.

Luckily Irene Forte Helichrysum Toner and Triple Hyaluronic Acid Serum are here to help.

Helichrysum Toner combines Helichrysum water and Organic White wine to brighten and lighten the skin while boosting its antioxidant shield. The addition on hyaluronic acid, allantoin, vitamin B5, prebiotic Saccharide Isomerate and amino acid Sodium PCA instantly boosts skin hydration levels and helps to retain hydration within the skin while balancing and soothing. The light, refreshing mist will enhance the benefits of products applied after.

Follow up with Triple Level Hyaluronic Acid Serum that floods your skin intense long-lasting hydration from three different molecular weights of hyaluronic acids. Ultra-Low HA (2-10KDA) provides turbo-hydration, its small molecular weight helps to stimulate fibroblast activity to increase skin firmness. Low Weight HA (20-70KDA) reduces wrinkles and contributes to skin rejuvenation while rehydrating the skin cells within epidermis. High Weight HA (1500-1800KDA) forms an invisible, breathable barrier on the skin to enhance water retention and provide immediate hydration to surface layers. The skin is left soft, plump with fine lines and wrinkles visibly reduced.

Nourish, Smooth and Protect

To lock-in hydration and enhance the benefits of previously applied products, apply a cream as the final step in your morning and evening routine. During the day we recommend choosing creams that are lightweight in texture and rich in antioxidants to protect you throughout the day from damaging free radicals without feeling heavy on the skin. In the evening, choose something more nourishing that includes rejuvenating actives like peptides and ceramides which will help to repair and restore your skin overnight.

Irene Forte Prickly Pear Face Cream would be a great choice for the daytime. This lightweight cream harnesses the remarkable benefits of Myoxinol™, a bio-peptide renowned for delivering wrinkle-smoothing results akin to injectables. What makes it ideal for the daytime use is its infusion of Prickly Pear Extract, Rice Fractions, and Olive Fractions – all packed with antioxidants that shield the skin from environmental aggressors. The formula boasts omega-rich oils and vitamin E, ensuring a comforting feel on the skin while promoting a healthy skin barrier.

Sapelo Rejuvenating Cream is ideal for supporting your skin’s overnight repair processes so you wake-up with a plump and revitalised looking skin. Formulated with renewing peptide complex, featuring six potent peptides that work synergistically to amplify collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production and enhancing skin cell communication. Enriched with three types of ceramides and magnolia oil, it delivers essential nourishment and strengthens skin barrier function resulting in better water retention. Enjoy the sophistication and luxury of this cream as it effortlessly melts into your skin, leaving behind a youthful glow.

Glowing from head to toes!

Crafted with care, the Aman Bath and Shower Oil boasts a harmonious blend of rejuvenating amethyst powder, calming sandalwood, and healing jasmine. This exquisite combination transforms your shower routine into a sensorial and nourishing experience that goes beyond cleansing. It actively rejuvenates and moisturises your skin while fostering a profound sense of inner peace.

Infuse Your Home with the Essence of the Season

Let the Tuileries Collection be the aromatic companion to your skincare ritual, enhancing the ambiance with its sophisticated fragrance. Its captivating notes of rose, mandarin, and white flowers make it the perfect addition to your spring skincare routine, creating an environment where beauty and relaxation intertwine seamlessly.