The Treatment Room Podcast: Episode 167 – Spring Skin Survival Guide

Release Date: April 15, 2025
Host/Author: Tessa Zali, licensed esthetician, double-certified acne expert, NASM health + nutrition coach, and skincare brand founder.

As winter fades and spring ushers in warmer weather, Tessa Zali and her co-host delve into comprehensive strategies to help estheticians and skincare enthusiasts transition their routines for optimal skin health. This episode, titled "Spring Skin Survival Guide (with Product Recs!)", offers actionable tips, expert insights, and product recommendations to ensure your skin remains radiant and resilient throughout the season.

1. Reassessing Exfoliation

Timestamp: 01:43 – 05:19

With the onset of warmer months, skin tends to produce more oil, necessitating a reevaluation of exfoliation practices. Tessa emphasizes the importance of balancing exfoliation based on environmental factors and individual skin responses.

Tessa Zali [03:20]: "One of the main reasons we can break out is due to something called retention hyper keratosis, which is just a fancy way of saying you are shedding a lot more skin cells than average."

The duo discusses how colder climates can dry out the skin, reducing the need for excessive exfoliation, whereas warmer, humid conditions may require increased exfoliation to manage oil production and prevent clogged pores.

2. Adjusting Moisturizers for Oil and Hydration

Timestamp: 05:58 – 08:00

Spring demands a shift from heavy, occlusive moisturizers to lighter formulations that cater to increased oil production without compromising hydration. Tessa highlights the significance of choosing moisturizers that maintain hydration without making the skin feel excessively oily.

Co-Host [07:00]: "If your moisturizer is a little too heavy for your skin, it might be time to just get on a little bit of a lighter moisturizer."

Additionally, they emphasize the importance of layering products thoughtfully, ensuring that each layer complements the others without overwhelming the skin.

3. Importance of Reapplying SPF

Timestamp: 16:08 – 22:03

Reapplying sunscreen is crucial during spring as UV exposure intensifies with longer days. Tessa and her co-host stress that sunscreen applied in the morning typically only lasts up to three hours, making reapplication essential to protect against sun damage.

Co-Host [17:26]: "Just remember, your morning application is not lasting you for your lunch break, for your commute home. You should be reapplying your SPF at least once after your morning application, ideally twice."

They recommend using convenient options like SPF mists to make reapplication effortless throughout the day.

4. Booking a Professional Skincare Appointment

Timestamp: 21:52 – 24:55

Spring is an ideal time to consult with a skincare professional to address persistent issues and reset your routine. Tessa introduces her virtual acne care program, which is now open to new clients, offering personalized plans to manage acne and improve skin health.

Tessa Zali [22:12]: "There is a lot to managing acne, and it does not have to be debilitating."

This segment underscores the value of professional guidance in navigating seasonal skin challenges and maintaining clear, healthy skin.

5. Thorough Cleansing and Spring Cleaning Routine

Timestamp: 25:10 – 32:12

Proper cleansing becomes even more critical in spring to combat increased humidity and sweat. Tessa and her co-host advocate for a meticulous cleansing routine, including double cleansing to effectively remove impurities.

Co-Host [26:22]: "Spending a full minute massaging your cleanser on your face... ensures that the surfactants can pull the dirt and debris off your skin."

They also recommend sanitizing skincare tools and regularly cleaning products to maintain hygiene and prevent breakouts.

6. Introducing Antioxidants

Timestamp: 32:50 – 35:28

Antioxidants play a pivotal role in protecting the skin from environmental stressors and enhancing the complexion. Tessa highlights the benefits of incorporating vitamin C and retinoids into both morning and nighttime routines.

Tessa Zali [33:02]: "Antioxidants help protect your skin from pollution and sun damage while also brightening your complexion."

She recommends specific serums like Jan Marini's Siesta and Hydrenides Brightening Serum for their efficacy in combating pigmentation and supporting collagen production.

7. Packing Travel Size Skincare Tips

Timestamp: 35:50 – 38:57

Traveling can disrupt your skincare regimen, but Tessa offers solutions to maintain consistency. She advises preparing travel-sized versions of essential products to ensure uninterrupted care on the go.

Co-Host [36:13]: "Consistency is key. Make sure you are staying on track with your plan, even when traveling."

Tessa provides links to her Glymed Plus Professional store and Pomp Beauty storefront, where listeners can purchase travel-friendly skincare options.

8. Extending Skincare to Neck, Chest, and Hands

Timestamp: 38:05 – 43:46

Often overlooked, the neck, chest, and hands are susceptible to sun damage and aging. Tessa and her co-host recommend incorporating these areas into your daily skincare routine to ensure comprehensive protection and maintenance.

Co-Host [40:35]: "The Revision Neck Cream is the best neck cream in the industry in my humble opinion."

They suggest using specialized products like the Revision Neck Cream and Jan Marini's Hand Cream to target specific concerns such as elasticity, pigmentation, and texture.

9. Incorporating Cool Therapy

Timestamp: 43:55 – 47:58

Cool therapy practices like cold rolling and icing can reduce inflammation and promote lymphatic drainage, making them valuable additions to any skincare routine. Tessa demonstrates how these techniques can be seamlessly integrated for maximum benefit.

Tessa Zali [45:29]: "Inflammation is at the heart of all skin issues from pigmentation to acne to rosacea and aging."

Using tools like The Skinny Confidential's cold roller or simple ice cubes can effectively minimize inflammation and enhance skin resilience.

Conclusion

Timestamp: 47:58 – End

Tessa and her co-host wrap up the episode by reiterating the importance of adapting skincare routines to seasonal changes, emphasizing that consistent, mindful care leads to long-lasting skin health. They encourage listeners to follow their Instagram @mysdtessa for more tips and to consider professional programs for personalized skincare solutions.

Tessa Zali [48:02]: "Listen to your skin. Give it what it needs."

This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to rejuvenate their skincare regimen for spring, providing both foundational advice and specialized product recommendations to achieve glowing, healthy skin.

Notable Product Recommendations:

• Glymed Sulfur Mask: Ideal for oil control and acne-prone skin.
• Glymed Rejuvenating Peptide Mask: Hydrates and plumps dry skin.
• Glymed Cell Balm: A superior occlusive for barrier support.
• Jan Marini's Siesta & Hydrenides Brightening Serum: Antioxidant serums for brightening and pigmentation.
• The Skinny Confidential Cold Roller: Tool for cool therapy and reducing inflammation.
• Revision Neck Cream: Targets elasticity and wrinkles on the neck.
• Jan Marini's Hand Cream: Combats hyperpigmentation and improves texture.

For more detailed information and to purchase recommended products, visit Tessa's website and follow her on Instagram @mysdtessa.