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Spring into Skin Health: Seasonal Skin Tips, Nutrition, Gua Sha, and Nordic Walking in Andalusia
- mariesmithalma
- Apr 7
- 6 min read
As the days grow longer and the air turns warmer, spring offers the perfect opportunity to reset your skin and wellness routine. The change in seasons brings a wave of new energy, but it can also bring challenges, especially for the skin. This month, I wanted to share some of the best seasonal tips to help you achieve healthy, glowing skin, along with a few insights from my personal wellness journey that I hope you’ll find inspiring.
Whether you are looking to tweak your skincare routine, try something new, or learn more about how lifestyle habits affect skin, there is something here for you. Let’s dive in.
Seasonal Skin Support – Springtime Skin Tips
With spring in full swing, many of us begin to notice changes in our skin. You might see your complexion looking a little dull, or perhaps you are struggling with breakouts or dryness despite the milder weather. These fluctuations are all part of the natural transition your skin goes through as it adapts to the changing temperature, humidity, and light.
Here are some important tips to support your skin during the spring months:
1. Exfoliate Mindfully
As the winter months leave behind dull, dry skin, gentle exfoliation can be a great way to boost radiance and remove dead skin cells. However, it is important not to over-exfoliate. Too much exfoliation - whether physical scrubs or chemical exfoliants - can compromise your skin’s protective barrier, leaving it vulnerable to irritation, redness, and dehydration. My personal thoughts using my vast knowledge of skin is to leave exfoliation to the professionals. A skin therapist will advise the best product for your skin along with clinic treatments, if required.
2. Update Your Cleanser
With the warmer weather, the heavier cleansers you might have used in winter could feel too rich for your skin. Switching to a light, hydrating cleanser or a gel-based formula can help remove impurities without drying out the skin. A mild cleanser will still maintain the skin’s natural moisture while preparing it for serums and moisturisers.
3. Layer Hydration
Spring weather can often be unpredictable, with some days feeling sunny and others still chilly. To combat fluctuating conditions, I recommend layering your skincare products for added hydration. Start with a hydrating serum, such as one with hyaluronic acid, which attracts moisture and plumps up the skin. Follow with a lighter moisturiser and, of course, finish with an SPF to protect against the sun's rays.
4. Never Skip SPF
Even when the sun feels softer in spring, UV rays are just as damaging. Daily sunscreen application is non-negotiable. I recommend using a broad-spectrum antioxidant SPF to protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. This will not only prevent premature ageing but also reduce the risk of skin damage from the sun’s rays.
5. Mind Seasonal Allergies
Spring allergies are a common issue for many of us, and they can manifest in the skin. If you suffer from pollen allergies, you may notice more puffiness around the eyes or redness on the skin. To combat these issues, look for skincare products containing niacinamide, which helps to calm inflammation and redness, or oat extract, which is known for its soothing properties.
Need Skincare Advice? I’m Here to Help
With so many products available, it can be tricky to know what your skin truly needs. I’m here to offer personal, professional advice - whether you are just starting with Environ or looking to adapt your routine. My aim is to help you get the very best from your skincare, tailored to you. Just reach out if you have any questions or need a recommendation.
Gua Sha & Facial Oil – More Than Just Relaxation
One of the skincare rituals I am truly passionate about is Gua Sha - a facial massage technique that uses a smooth-edged stone, usually made of jade or rose quartz, to gently scrape along the skin. While it is known for being relaxing, it also offers many benefits beyond just a nice self-care moment.
Let me share some of the top benefits I’ve personally experienced with Gua Sha:
1. Improved Circulation & Oxygen Flow to the Skin
Regular Gua Sha massage stimulates blood flow, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the skin. This helps to promote a natural, healthy glow by encouraging better circulation and nutrient delivery to skin cells.
2. Lymphatic Drainage
One of the most significant benefits of Gua Sha is its ability to support lymphatic drainage, which is vital for removing waste and toxins from the body. This helps to reduce puffiness and bloating, especially around the face and neck area. It is a wonderful way to keep skin looking fresh, particularly in spring when allergies and water retention can make us feel puffy.
3. Release of Tension
If you carry tension in your jaw, neck, or forehead, Gua Sha is an excellent tool to help release it. Gentle scraping along these areas helps to release tightness and promotes relaxation. It is particularly beneficial for those who experience stress-induced skin issues like breakouts or headaches.
4. Smoothing Fine Lines
Regular use of Gua Sha may also help to soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by promoting the production of collagen, the protein that keeps our skin firm and youthful. While the effects are subtle and gradual, it is an excellent addition to any anti-ageing regimen.
5. Mindful Touch
Gua Sha is an excellent practice for cultivating a deeper sense of self-care and mindfulness. Taking the time to slow down, breathe, and focus on your skin’s needs during the routine can help improve your overall wellbeing.
I’ve created a facial oil that pairs beautifully with the Gua Sha tool. It enhances the glide of the tool and nourishes your skin while you perform the massage. A video tutorial link on how to use it is sent when you purchase a Gua Sha set. Makes for beautiful gifting. If you would like more details just let me know.
Nutrition & Skin – My ZOE Experience
Nutrition plays a significant role in the health of your skin. I’ve recently joined the ZOE science & nutritional programme, which provides a detailed breakdown of how different foods impact my body and skin.
The ZOE programme has opened my eyes to how my unique metabolic profile - based on my genetics, gut microbiome, and lifestyle habits - determines how my body reacts to food, stress, and sleep. By taking a personalised approach to my diet and understanding how my body processes different nutrients, I’ve seen some incredible improvements in my energy levels, gut health, and even my skin’s appearance.
If you’re curious to learn more, I’d recommend checking out this link:🔗 Learn more about ZOE
I also have a 10% off referral link for anyone interested in joining the programme. Just contact me, and I’ll be happy to share it with you. This programme is an amazing tool for anyone looking to support their skin from the inside out.
Nordic Walking in Andalusia – A Refreshing Adventure
One of the most exciting parts of my month was taking part in a Nordic walking adventure in Andalusia. Walking through the sun-drenched hills, (I mean the rain-drenched hills!) olive groves, and scenic landscapes of southern Spain was the perfect way to recharge both physically and mentally, despite the wet weather.
Nordic walking - which involves walking with poles - has been shown to be a fantastic low-impact workout that engages the entire body. It is an excellent way to get the benefits of cardiovascular exercise without putting stress on the joints.
Here are some of the reasons why walking, especially in nature, is so beneficial for both your mind and body:
1. Stimulates Circulation
Walking gets the blood flowing and encourages healthy circulation, which helps nourish the skin and improve your complexion. It’s a great way to keep your skin looking vibrant and rejuvenated.
2. Supports Lymphatic Drainage
Much like Gua Sha, walking stimulates the lymphatic system. This helps your body clear toxins and reduces water retention, which can leave your skin looking less puffy and more toned.
3. Reduces Stress & Improves Mood
Spending time outdoors, especially in beautiful surroundings, helps to reduce stress levels and can improve your overall mood. Walking is a natural stressbuster that encourages the release of endorphins, the "feel-good" hormones, making you feel calmer and more centred.
4. Promotes Better Sleep
Regular walking can help regulate your sleep patterns, so you wake up feeling more rested and refreshed. A good night’s sleep is essential for skin regeneration, allowing your skin to repair and renew itself overnight.
5. Boosts Mental Clarity
Walking in nature has also been linked to enhanced cognitive function and creativity. It helps clear the mind and gives you the space to think more clearly, which is why I always come back from my walks feeling inspired and rejuvenated.
Final Thoughts
Spring is the perfect time to refresh your routine and explore new ways to nurture your skin and body. Whether it is adjusting your skincare to better suit the season, adding Gua Sha to your beauty ritual, experimenting with new nutritional insights from the ZOE programme, or embracing the benefits of walking in nature, there’s no better time than now to invest in your wellbeing.
If you have any questions or would like further guidance, I’m always here to help. Here’s to a glowing, healthy, and energised April!
With warmth,
Marie x
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