It may not feel like it yet, but summer is just around the corner. And if you did some spring cleaning for your home, do not forget to include your skincare. The average person does not change up their routine very often or even think about it much. So, if you already cleaned out the cabinets, take a few minutes to go through your skincare products and routine to start fresh this summer.
Cleaning Out the Cabinets
When it comes to skincare products, think about the last time you paid attention to your skincare products. Face wash and body wash or moisturizers tend to get used up quickly because they are used more often, but other products can linger in the back of the cabinet for years, especially if these products were gifts. As you are spring cleaning, throw out any expired products. If you have unopened and unexpired items that you will not use, consider donating them to local shelters or nursing homes.
In addition to getting rid of the skincare products you are not using, spring cleaning is also a great time to clean and replace your skincare tools. Makeup brushes, hairbrushes, exfoliators, and other items need to be cleaned and replaced regularly. Clean makeup brushes and sponges at least once a week, using a little bit of soap and water. If you do not wear makeup very often, you may be able to keep your makeup brushes for a year. Still, if you are a daily makeup wearer, you should replace the brushes about every three months, or anytime they begin to show signs of wear. For hairbrushes and combs, use a little shampoo to clean the bristles once a month. For plastic brushes and combs, you can soak them in shampoo and water for a few minutes, rinse them, and place them bristles down to dry.
For wooden-handled brushes, only submerge the bristles of the brush. Then, rinse and dry right away. You can use a toothbrush to clean the bristles and base of your hairbrush. Most people do not replace their hairbrushes often enough, even though you should get a new hairbrush once or twice a year. For items like exfoliators, tweezers, and other skincare tools, you should follow the care instructions from the manufacturer. These items can be made from various materials that will all react differently to water and cleaning products.
Protecting Skin from Sun Damage
Spring means sunshine and more time outdoors enjoying the warm weather, so it is an excellent opportunity to review your sun protection routine. Most sunscreens expire after six months, so if you have had the same bottle of sunscreen in your cabinet for quite a while, it is time to get some new products. You should apply sunblock to any part of the body that will be exposed to sunlight every day. For most people, this means using sunscreen on their face, neck, and hands daily. Many facial moisturizers have sunscreen built right in. If you are outside for more extended periods, you should make sure to reapply your sunscreen regularly (at least every two to four hours).