SPRING TRANSITIONING TIPS

In most parts of the States, spring has been filled with erratic weather; cold and snow in some regions or unseasonably warm weather in others, confusing many in this on-again off-again dance with the calendar and seasons.  I’m from the upper Midwest, and the “spring green” is finally showing in all its sweet glory, but later this week, a cold pattern is supposed to return.  And while the calendar indicates it's spring, the temperatures haven't conformed.  I watch and listen for the signs of nature that reassure me that spring has in fact has arrived; I just need to be a bit more patient!   As seasons change and transition from one to another, these changes impact virtually every aspect of our lives.  We need to be mindful of the need to change and adapt as well. 

Following are some helpful tips I’ve developed that will help you transition from our defiant winter type temperatures into spring and even summer.  Enjoy the tips and all that this remarkable season has to offer.    

• Change your skin care and body care regimen and products.  Go with lighter formulations.  With more humidity in the air, you might be able to forgo using a serum or booster, plus heavier-weight moisturizers, and just go with a medium-weight moisturizer.  Consider exfoliating less and reducing the intensity of your cleansing regimen.  If the change is too drastic, your skin will react; so, pay attention to what your skin might be telling you to do or not to do.
• Consider using chilled face toners or an essential oil-based spritzer to refresh the face and neck areas throughout the day, especially as temperatures heat up and humidity increases.
• Change the intensity of your fragrance.  Go with lighter formulations, such as florals or greens, versus woods, ambers, musk, etc.  Remember, as temperatures warm up and humidity levels increase, so too will your body heat, intensifying the fragrance, which could make it too cloying.
• Continue using products with a sunscreen/SPF rating to protect the skin from UVA/UVB rays.  If uncertain, consult a dermatologist.
• Both the weight of clothing fabric and color palettes should changeover from weightier-fabric materials with darker colors, to lighter-weight fabrics (e.g. cotton, silk, natural fiber blends, etc.) that are more neutral or pastel; lighter weight fabrics and colors also keep the skin cooler, naturally.
• When in doubt, look to nature for cues on what to do.  For example, during the day when the sun’s rays are their strongest, most birds and other creatures have the good sense to seek shade and avoid rigorous activity.  Take a cue from them, slow down and stay cooler.  Animals also begin shedding their winter “coats” to prepare for the warmer temperatures.
• What may have worked during the fall and winter, might not necessarily work in the spring and the lead-up to summer.
•  Lighten up on the types of foods you consume and continue drinking plenty of water to maintain a healthy digestive and circulatory system.
• Don’t forget to open those windows and let the balmy breezes and fresher air come indoor and envelope you.
• Take the time to notice nature’s rebirth. 

Springtime is a time for renewal in purpose of self.  It is part of the cycle of life.  Enjoy it.  Celebrate it. 

That’s it for this edition.  Until the next one, remember to take care of yourself and those you love.

By Terry Herman

Terry Herman is a recognized expert in the industry, and regularly covers issues that include business, management, operations, customer care, treatments, products, and trends. In addition to writing and reviewing, she is also a management consultant and motivational speaker.  She also serves on EXPERIENCE | PREMCHIT Journeys In Retreat To Wellness Advisory Board, which is comprised of ten international experts in various fields of wellness and spa.  She also serves as a Group Manager for the popular LinkedIn group, The Spa Buzz.  You can email her at terrysspabeautywellness@gmail.com.

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(Photo credit from www.natureofthingsphotography.com; Morton Arboretum, Lisle, IL.)

N.B.  Google’s blog platform is incompatible with my Mac OS X and Firefox browser latest software versions, which is why some web links appear in different colors and why when attempting to have embedded images their sizing is consistent and/or can’t be sized.