It's been a hot minute since our last snow storm here in New York, and I have officially said my goodbyes to the ice cold winds that were so deadly to my skin.

But even now I'm still practicing my 10 step skincare routine that I've been accustomed to since a very young age, simply because this transitioning weather can still be harmful to our skin.

The back-and-forth type of weather we're all experiencing right now can easily affect us, like how weather change can make you sick. Some people experience colds, fevers, or even allergies - and if your body can be affected, so can your skin. It's time to switch up from your deep, ultra-moisturizing and hydrating creams (I sincerely hope you've all been using them!), into lighter formulas for upcoming April showers and sunny days. Remember, it's really important to change up your skincare routine every season! For some, it can be difficult to determine what type of product you may need that your skin type requires. Before we get into it, I would side note that I have dry skin! Here's my basic take on how to get started:

Switch to a lighter moisturizer:

If you're OTT like me, you would have a day and night cream. I even dab essential oils like coconut oil on the driest parts of my face after applying toner or a detox product prior to serums and moisturizers. Most of the time the night cream is not a product that you need to change because, in the heat, I can imagine many of you blasting that cold AC air.plus your skin actually requires a lot more hydration in your sleep so that rich night cream of yours can stay right where it belongs in your medicine cabinet. However, your day cream is a vital product that you need to change.

For our oily skin counterparts, you may have enjoyed the dry winter months that helped balance your natural oils, but your skin is going to retain more water during the warmer months. I recommend water-based formulas or hyaluronic acid (which is the best ingredient estheticians and cosmetologists have yet to find), which is 1000 times more hydrating than water. No matter how hot it gets, skipping moisturizer is never a good idea because if your skin lacks the water that it needs, it will secrete more oils. which mean breakouts. And do not neglect your décolletage! For this process, I use Nutiva's Organic Virgin Coconut Oil for $12.99, La Mer's The Regenerating Serum for $330, the Treatment Lotion for $140, Luxes's 2 Second Detox , Stay Young, Hyaluron Intense, and 2 Second Lifter, which is the Stay Young set for $323, and Chanel's Hydra Beauty Micro Gel Yeux for $68. 

Crank up that SPF:

You can call me crazy but mine are always 50++ all year around. To be honest, sunlight doesn't get any less harmful no matter what time of the year it is. Yes, we may receive less sunlight during the colder months but those UVA and UVB rays are still out there because you're never truly safe unless you're in a dark room. I understand it's that time of the year to show off your beautifully bronzed skin but you also have to protect your assets. For the less crazed people, you should be at least SPF 15 all year-round, however, for the upcoming warmer months, opt for SPF 30. Makeup with SPF can also be an added protection, but I don't recommend using them when you know there will be flash photography; makeup products with SPF is that very product that will give off a white cast and guaranteed, you will get a flashback. This is because of one of the most common ingredients that can be found, titanium dioxide.

Exfoliate (it never stops):

Major key: exfoliated skin can absorb 20% better than non-exfoliated skin. There are two types of exfoliants and those are chemical and physical ones; the chemical exfoliators are like glycolic acid or alpha-hydroxy acid. But if you prefer scrubs, search for non-abrasive ones with round beads to minimize the amount of damage on your skin. If the scrub is too severe, it's just going to harm your skin as opposed to renew it. I'm currently using Himalya Herbals' Purifying Neem Scrub which is a completely chemical free skin and haircare line from India.

Throw away any products or tools over six months old:

Might I mention that you also need to wash your makeup brushes and sponge once a week? If you do eye makeup almost every day, you should also invest in one of those spray brush cleaners that can allow quick swipes to remove access eyeshadow powders, dirt, and dust. I'm currently using Sephora's The Cleanse: Daily Brush Cleaner $8.50 which is the travel size.