Spring is in the air across Australia and New Zealand, and as the temperatures start to rise, it's the perfect time to give your skin a much-needed reset. The transition from Winter to Spring can take a toll on your skin, leaving it dull, dry, and in need of some serious TLC. Our Aesthetikonzept Founder & Facialist Claudia explains how you can rejuvenate your skin and get that fresh, healthy glow just in time for the warmer months...
Claudia Schenz
Aesthetikonzept Founder & German-Trained Beauty Therapist With 30+ Years Experience As A Facialist
1. Exfoliation: Out With The Old
Winter often leaves our skin dry and flaky due to the colder, drier air and indoor heating. The first step in any Spring skin reset is exfoliation. There are many benefits to regular facial exfoliation including removing dead skin cells, unclogging pores, and allowing your skin to better absorb moisture and active ingredients. In fact, skincare applied after exfoliation absorbs up to 70% better – ensuring you get the most from your daily skincare.
In Australia and New Zealand, where the climate can vary greatly, choosing the right exfoliator is crucial. If you're in a humid area like Queensland or Auckland, a gentle exfoliant like KOSHO Multi-Effect Peeling that doesn't strip the skin of its natural oils is ideal. However, if you're in a drier region like Victoria or Otago, opt for a more hydrating exfoliant that also soothes the skin like skinicer Repair Mask.
Pro tip: Avoid over-exfoliating, as this can lead to irritation. Aim to exfoliate 2-3 times a week depending on your skin type. If you have extremely sensitive skin or suffer from facial skin conditions such as eczema, acne or rosacea, try skinicer Repair Mask instead of KOSHO Multi-Effect Peeling. The mask is deeply hydrating but also contains natural astringents such as organic willow bark and witch hazel extract which provide extra mild exfoliation.
Cleanse:
The natural, Dermatologist-developed skinicer Repair Cleanser has a pH neutral formulation, meaning it gently cleanses without stripping the skin of its natural oils.
Best for: all skin types, but especially extremely sensitive skin or facial skin conditions (eczema, acne, rosacea etc.)
Dermatologist-developed, made in Germany.
Generally, cleansing is required before exfoliation. The vegan KOSHO Creamy Cleansing is a gentle, foaming mousse cleanser, with plant-based surfactants which cleanse without stripping skin. Rosemary & poplar bud extracts regulate sebum production for balanced skin.
Best for: normal, combination and oily skin.
Vegan, made in Switzerland.
Exfoliate:
skinicer Repair Mask is a natural, Dermatologist-developed cream mask which is not rinsed off but ideally left on to absorb over night. The unique Spiralin microalgae extract accelerates healing of extremely sensitive, damaged skin,
Best for: dry, sensitive skin or facial skin conditions (eczema, acne, rosacea etc.)
Dermatologist-developed, made in Germany.
KOSHO Multi-Effect Peeling has an "oil-gel" consistency and is applied to dry, cleansed skin. Thanks to the biodegradable, micro-particles of rice and bamboo which are coated in precious oils to avoid micro-tears, this exfoliation and/or mask is suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin.
Best for: all skin types (not facial skin conditions).
Vegan, made in Switzerland.
2. Hydration: Quench Your Skin’s Thirst
As you move into Spring, switch out heavier Winter creams for lighter, more hydrating options. The increased humidity in Spring means skin needs a different type of moisture – one that hydrates without feeling greasy.
Look for lightweight moisturisers with ingredients such as Squalane which is deeply hydrating with a non-greasy feel such as in Biotulin Daynite24+ Cream, or consider adding serums containing hyaluronic acid – a superstar ingredient that helps the skin retain moisture – to your daily routine.
Serums containing hyaluronic acid could be Biotulin Supreme Skin Gel or KOSHO Full Hydration Serum which even contains four different types of hyaluronic acid. If Serums aren't your thing, a refreshing facial mist such as KOSHO Smart Matcha Face Spray can boost skin hydration and help you get the most from your skincare products containing hyaluronic acid.
Last but certainly not least: Biotulin faceLIFT 4-Week Ampoule Facial Kit boasts short- and long-chain hyaluronic acid, as well acetyl hexapeptide-8 and panthenol, vegan collagen, niacinamides and plant-derived stem cells from the alpine rose, for the ultimate 4-week skin "glow up".
Hydration Boost:
KOSHO Smart Matcha Face Spray contains the unique Matcha extract to protect skin against oxidative stress and ageing, while refreshing lime and bamboo hydrolates boost hydration. Can be used as toner, setting spray or refreshing facial mist.
Vegan, made in Switzerland.
Biotulin faceLIFT 4-Week Ampoule Facial Kit provides 20 ampoules designed to be used over 4 weeks (reserving weekends for masks/exfoliation) to 1. Detox, 2. Hydrate, 3. Plumpen and 4. Smoothen skin. The serum in the ampoules is gently massaged into cleansed, dry skin and before any other skincare.
Vegan, made in Germany.
Biotulin® Supreme Skin Gel is applied as a thin layer and gently massaged into the face or targeted areas (forehead, frown lines, crow's feet, mouth lines etc.). Biotulin® works by using a botanical extract to relax facial muscle micro-contractions for visibly smoother skin. Once absorbed, Biotulin® Supreme Skin Gel must be followed up with a moisturiser – ideally Biotulin® Daynite24+ Cream for best results. Save with the Set.
Vegan, made in Germany.
KOSHO Full Hydration Serum is the hero product of the KOSHO Matcha Effective Cosmetics range. This serum should also be applied to cleansed, dry skin and followed up with a moisturiser and UV-protection. Used twice daily (morning & night) this 30ml bottle of KOSHO Full Hydration Serum lasts approx. 8-10 weeks.
Vegan, made in Switzerland.
3. Brightening: Say Hello To Glow
Spring is all about renewal, so it’s time to bring some brightness back to your skin. Winter can leave your complexion looking dull and uneven, but with the right products, you can restore that vibrant glow.
Generally, Vitamin C is said to be best for brightening, as it is a powerful antioxidant which helps reduce the appearance of dark spots, evens out skin tone, and boosts your skin’s radiance. However, did you know that the KOSHO Matcha Effective Cosmetics contain a unique Matcha extract with an antioxidant considered 100x more powerful than Vitamin C?!
Therefore you can't go past KOSHO Full Hydration Serum based on FOUR types of hyaluronic acid and the unique matcha extract to protect against ageing and rejuvenate skin. Prickly Pear Extract evens the skin tone and replenishes, while Magnolia Berry Extract reduces redness
Pro tip: Serums containing hyaluronic acid generally require a moisturiser over top. Use a broad-spectrum SPF (see next step 😉 to protect your skin from sun damage and prevent any hyperpigmentation from getting worse.
KOSHO Full Hydration Serum is the hero product of the KOSHO Matcha Effective Cosmetics range. This serum should also be applied to cleansed, dry skin and followed up with a moisturiser and UV-protection. Used twice daily (morning & night) this 30ml bottle lasts approx. 8-10 weeks.
Vegan, made in Switzerland.
KOSHO Eye Lifting Serum also has a instant brightening and lifting effect. Also containing the unique Matcha extract, as well as Spilanthol to reduce micro-muscle contractions around the eyes and reduce the appearance of lines. Precious tsubaki oil from the Japanese camellia is rich in omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids and also moisturises the delicate eye area.
Vegan, made in Switzerland.
4. UV-Protection: Embrace Spring Safely
In the Southern Hemisphere we really should be applying UV-protection daily – Summer and Winter, rain or shine. Because there really isn't much point trying to reverse the signs of ageing, if you aren't simultaneously protecting your skin against UV-damage.
In Australia and New Zealand, where the sun can be harsh even in Spring, consider a moisturiser with added SPF protection. This will keep your skin hydrated while protecting it from UV damage.
Unless you spend hours at a time outdoors, you can reserve the SPF30 protection – as in Biotulin UV30 Daily Skin Protection Cream – until Summer.
Perfect for Spring: KOSHO Smart Protection Cream offers a lighter formulation day cream with natural UV-protection (equivalent to about SPF15) and skin brightening and rejuvenating properties.
Pro tip: Don’t forget those often-missed spots like your ears, neck, and the back of your hands.
The skin-smoothing Biotulin UV30 Daily Skin Protection Cream includes SPF30 UVA and UVB protection, as well as the naturally active, skin-smoothing Biotulin ingredients and plant-derived squalane for a smooth, non-greasy feel and finish.
Vegan, made in Germany.
For a lighter, deeply active day cream, try: KOSHO Smart Protection Cream. Organic matcha extract naturally protects skin from UV- & light-induced skin ageing. Japanese Crocus Extract strengthens the skin, restoring its natural protection barrier. Collagen & elastin production is activated for smoother, plumper, nourished skin.
Vegan, made in Switzerland.