Your Spring Skincare Routine with io

At io, we take our lead from the seasons. During the quieter winter months, the natural world slows down to recharge its batteries before reemerging in the spring. With the new season upon us, let’s make sure your skin is ready, prepped, and glowing.

Let io help you transition from winter to spring skincare

Every spring, we notice the same post-winter concerns with our facial clients: dullness, fine dehydration lines, dry, itchy skin, clogged pores, and sensitivity. So as soon as the heating goes off, let’s get your skin back on track with a combination of spring skincare and spa treatments.

SPRING SKINCARE ROUTINE: 

Get exfoliating

No one wants to start the spring with dull skin – blame winter. Flat, dead skin cells can’t reflect the light as efficiently as plump, hydrated ones – they need to come off. Oil gets trapped under this layer of dead skin; the pores become clogged, and the skin looks uneven. 

The start of spring is the perfect time to up your exfoliation – spring skin is less thirsty and sensitive, so it can tolerate a more intense treatment. 

But still, go gentle. Come into io for a professional exfoliation to avoid upsetting your skin barrier. Ideal for any skin type, our Custom Enzyme Boost gently removes dead skin cells to reveal smoother, brighter skin and includes a revitalizing facial massage to banish the winter blues. For a more advanced exfoliation, why not try io Luzern Oxygen Facial, an Aha/Bha peel combined with medical-grade oxygen to calm winter-worn skin.

Hydration

When we replace our winter clothes with a lighter spring wardrobe, it’s time to do the same with skincare. As the humidity levels rise in spring, we may no longer need to layer oils and rich balms to lock in moisture as required in the dehydrating winter months. You can let your skin breathe.

It’s time to switch to water-based formulas rich in humectants. Your io therapist will assess your hydration levels and devise your personalized spring skincare routine. She might suggest layering a hydrating mist under or over your moisturizer for an extra layer of hydration without clogging your pores. Or a light, quenching serum to plump up fine dehydration lines left over from winter, especially around the eyes.

Our skin needs internal hydration as well, so start drinking and eating your water!

SPF

We have more UV exposure in spring, so let’s concentrate on preventing sun damage and premature aging. UV rays thicken the outer layer of skin and block the pores, so don’t forget to reapply SPF every 2 hours. (No one wants thick, coarse skin).

Sunlight is brighter in the springtime because it moves to a higher angle, so avoid it between 12 and 2 pm. We will help you find a sunscreen with an elegant texture that is a joy to use and works well under your make-up. (Please don’t rely on the sunscreen in make-up).

Vitamin C antioxidant serum

We can’t talk about sunscreens without mentioning the importance of a well-formulated vitamin C serum – they work together for the ultimate environmental protection.

Antioxidant-rich vitamin C protects your skin from pollution (both indoor and outdoor) and UV-induced free radicals before they prematurely age your skin. This multitasking ingredient also brightens the skin, especially if you are prone to pigmentation. 

Lighter cleanser

If you are prone to springtime breakouts, replace your cream-based cleanser with a lighter, fresher gel cleanser.

Retinol

Gold standard anti-ager retinol is perfect for brightening post-winter skin. For experienced retinol users, why not try our Power Peel Facial, which exfoliates with lactic, salicylic, glycolic, and/or retinol.

 

Book in for an io spring skincare consultation

We have asked io skin expert Danielle for her product recommendations to help your skin transition from winter to spring. Or even better, come into io Marin for your personalized consultation and a detoxifying spring clean.

 

DANIELLE'S HOME CARE RECOMMENDATIONS

Josh Rosebrook Hydrating Accelerator
A regimen without J.R.'s Hydrating Accelerator is impossible to imagine. Misting before moisturizing is, of course, a valued practice. I also use it as a carrier for my Pro-Heal Vitamin C serum. Mist a small amount of the Accelerator in your palm, then add 3-4 drops of the Pro-Heal. This ensures a more evenly distributed application.

iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum Advanced
A solid and well-formulated vitamin C serum is the strength in any good regimen, and Pro-Heal puts the muscle in your product line-up. Powerful antioxidant protection with the added nutrients of vitamin A and E and soothing olive leaf extract will keep your skin performing at its best.

Monastery Flora Botanical Cream Serum
Next, smooth on Flora, such a wondrous moment. Flora is a romancer, light, quenching, and dreamy. Its ingredient list is very smart. Elderberry extract and red raspberry seed calm and strengthen. Its creamy texture will have you looking forward to using it again.

Monastery Attar Floral Repair Concentrate
Warm the Attar botanical balm in your fingers and smooth over your face and neck. This delicious-smelling barrier will hold your moisture in place during the day and protect your skin from dry conditions.

Suntegrity "5 in 1" Moisturizing Face Sunscreen
Suntegrity sunscreen is the first sunscreen with a permanent spot in the zipper pouch of my purse. Before we met, I had never had any pleasure in applying and wearing sunscreen on my face. This sunscreen has an excellent finish and wearability. It behaves well with preceding layers and doesn't appear obvious and dry like a lousy foundation. May the two of us never part.