Your skin can feel the transition from cold and dry air to warmer, more humid conditions. This is a challenge that may call for adjustments to your skincare routine to help prep your skin and keep it radiant, healthy, and protected against the new environmental conditions for the coming spring season.

How to update your skincare routine in the spring season

There are several effective and budget-friendly strategies you can use to prepare your skin for spring.

1. Use a lighter moisturiser

Swap the thick and rich winter moisturiser for lighter, more breathable options. Choose gel-based or water-based moisturisers that hydrate without feeling heavy on your skin. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin are great for retaining moisture without clogging pores.

2. Exfoliate gently

Regular but gentle exfoliation is key to achieving fresh and radiant skin. Mild exfoliants containing alpha or beta hydroxy acids can help slough off dead skin cells and reveal a brighter, smoother complexion.

3. Reintroduce SPF

Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and make it a non-negotiable step in your daily routine. Look for sunscreens that are lightweight and non-greasy.

4. Incorporate antioxidants

Antioxidants like vitamin C help neutralize free radicals, boosting the skin's defense system. Vitamin C serums also promote collagen production and brighten the skin.

5. Hydrate from the inside out

Drinking plenty of water helps keep the skin hydrated and can improve its texture and appearance. Additional water can come from water-rich foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges.

6. Address allergies

Seasonal allergies can cause irritation, puffiness, or redness. Gentle hypoallergenic products can soothe and calm the skin. Chamomile and aloe vera also help reduce inflammation and irritation.

7. Lighten up the makeup routine

Heavy foundations can feel suffocating in warmer weather and may lead to clogged pores. On the other hand, tinted moisturisers or BB creams provide coverage while letting the skin breathe.

8. Focus on hydration and repair at night

Using hydrating serums after cleansing followed by lightweight night creams or facial oils helps lock in moisture. Other ingredients like niacinamide can repair the skin barrier and improve skin texture.

9. Revamp your diet

Spring is a great time to incorporate more skin-loving nutrients into the diet. Foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids nourish the skin from the inside out. These include leafy greens, berries, most other kinds of fruits and vegetables, and fatty fish like salmon.

Transitioning into your spring skincare routine is all about balancing hydration, protection, and lightening up the makeup routine. Just a few adjustments to the products you're using and your new habits can help your skin transition smoothly into the new season!

Our clinicians can discuss and evaluate your concerns and provide advice on various treatments and skincare regimes during your consultation.

References:
Bianchini, J. M., Zhang, Q., Hanna, G., Flach, C. R., Wang, H., Southall, M. D., … Randhawa, M. (2019). A unique gel matrix moisturizer delivers deep hydration resulting in significant clinical improvement in radiance and texture. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 12, 229–239. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S196110
Boo YC. Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) as a Cosmeceutical to Increase Dermal Collagen for Skin Antiaging Purposes: Emerging Combination Therapies. Antioxidants. 2022; 11(9):1663. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11091663
Tang S-C, Yang J-H. Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin. Molecules. 2018; 23(4):863. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23040863
Thomsen BJ, Chow EY, Sapijaszko MJ. The Potential Uses of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Dermatology: A Review. Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. 2020;24(5):481-494. doi:10.1177/1203475420929925