How to Transition Your Skincare Routine for Spring

Spring is a time for renewal, and that means it's a perfect time to reassess your skincare routine. With warmer weather on the way, your skin will need different care than it did during the colder months. In this post, we will discuss how the change in seasons can impact your skin and provide tips on how to transition your skincare routine for the warmer spring season.

How Going From Winter to Spring Impacts Your Skin

The seasons can have a significant impact on your skin. During the colder months, the dry air can cause skin to become dry and flaky, while the warmer months can lead to oilier skin and breakouts. The humidity levels can also affect the skin's hydration levels, leading to either too much or too little moisture. As these shifts occur, being mindful of your skincare products is helpful to ensure you are getting their  true benefits based on the environmental and behavioral changes.

As the weather warms up, your skin will need lighter, more breathable products that won't clog your pores or weigh your skin down. It's also essential to focus on sun protection, as the sun's UV rays can cause premature aging, sunburn, and even skin cancer. But first, here’s where to start.

Start by Assessing Your Current Routine

The first step in transitioning your skincare for spring is to assess your current routine. Take a look at the products you're using and determine which ones need to be changed or modified for the spring season. For example, if you've been using heavy moisturizers during the winter, you may need to switch to lighter formulas for spring. 

If you’re lucky, you won't have to start building a routine from scratch and instead will only need to swap in a couple new products! These are the types of spring skincare products you should consider modifying for the warmer months.

Incorporate an Exfoliating Product

Exfoliation is a crucial step in any skincare routine, and it's especially important in the spring. During the winter, our skin can become dry and flaky, and exfoliating helps to remove dead skin cells and reveal fresh, radiant skin. There are different types of exfoliants, including physical and chemical exfoliants and depending on your skin concerns we would recommend using glycolic acid or tranexamic acid in this step.

Glycolic acid is a powerful exfoliator that can help remove dead skin cells, dirt, and other impurities from the skin's surface. As a result, it can help improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and promote a brighter, more even complexion. Using glycolic acid in your spring skincare routine can help prepare your skin for the warmer weather and help it look its best.

Tranexamic acid has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the skin's response to UV radiation, resulting in less damage to the skin. Since the spring season brings more sunshine and longer days, your skin is likely getting more exposure to harmful UV rays that can cause sun damage. Additionally, tranexamic acid can also help to improve the skin's barrier function, which is important for protecting the skin from environmental stressors such as UV rays. Using tranexamic acid in your spring skincare routine can help protect your skin from sun damage and keep it looking healthy and radiant.

Switch to Lightweight Moisturizers

As the weather warms up, it's time to switch to lightweight moisturizers. Heavy creams can feel too thick and greasy on the skin, and they can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Look for lightweight moisturizers that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which helps to hydrate the skin without feeling heavy or sticky.

Using a lightweight moisturizer in your skincare routine during the spring season can offer several benefits for your skin. Here are a few:

1. Balances oil production: As the weather gets warmer and more humid, our skin tends to produce more oil. Using a lightweight moisturizer can help to balance your skin's oil production, preventing excess oiliness and breakouts.
   
   
2. Hydrates without feeling heavy: A lightweight moisturizer provides essential hydration to your skin without feeling heavy or greasy. It's perfect for those who want to avoid the heavy feeling of thick creams on their skin during the warmer months.
   
   
3. Absorbs quickly: Lightweight moisturizers are typically absorbed quickly into the skin, making them an ideal choice for busy individuals who don't have much time to spend on their skincare routine.
   
   
4. Doesn't clog pores: Heavy moisturizers can clog pores, leading to breakouts and other skin issues. A lightweight moisturizer is less likely to clog pores, making it a better option for those with acne-prone skin.
   
   
5. Perfect for layering: If you use other skincare products, such as serums or SPF, a lightweight moisturizer is a great option for layering. It won't interfere with the absorption of other products, allowing you to create a customized skincare routine that works for you.

Look for a lightweight moisturizer that is suitable for your skin type and enjoy the benefits of healthy, radiant skin. If you’re unsure of how to find your skin type, check out our piece on how to build a skincare routine that’s right for you!

Use SPF Protection in Your AM Routine

Protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays is essential all year round, but it's especially important during the spring where UV levels are higher. As the weather gets warmer, we tend to spend more time outdoors, and our skin is more susceptible to sun damage. Look for an SPF product with broad-spectrum protection and an SPF of at least 30. Don't forget to reapply every two hours if you're spending time outdoors.

Wearing sunscreen or an SPF product is essential in your skincare routine during the spring season for several reasons. Here are a few:

1. Protects from UV rays: During the spring season, the sun's UV rays become stronger, and there is an increased risk of sunburn and skin damage. Wearing sunscreen or an SPF product helps protect your skin from these harmful rays, preventing sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer.
   
   
2. Prevents hyperpigmentation: Sun exposure can cause hyperpigmentation, which is the darkening of the skin in certain areas. This can be particularly problematic for people with darker skin tones. Wearing sunscreen or an SPF product can help prevent hyperpigmentation and keep your skin looking even-toned and healthy.
   
   
3. Keeps skin looking youthful: Sun damage is one of the leading causes of premature aging, including wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. Wearing sunscreen or an SPF product helps protect your skin from these signs of aging, keeping your skin looking youthful and radiant.
   
   
4. Prevents skin cancer: Skin cancer is a serious concern, and the sun's UV rays are a leading cause of this disease. Wearing sunscreen or an SPF product can help reduce your risk of developing skin cancer, particularly if you spend a lot of time outdoors during the spring season.
   
   
5. Can be incorporated into your routine easily: Wearing sunscreen or an SPF product is easy to incorporate into your skincare routine. Many moisturizers and makeup products now contain SPF, making it easy to protect your skin without adding an extra step to your routine.

There are many SPF products out there and mainly moisturizing products contain it as well. So keep an eye out for that as you shop for products. If you have a busy schedule, finding a combo moisturizer with SPF might be a good way to speed up your morning routine.  Regardless, make sure that applying an SPF is a regular part of your skincare routine.

Bonus Tip: Adjust Your Diet and Hydration

In addition to using the right skincare products, it's essential to eat a healthy diet and stay hydrated for healthy, glowing skin. Proper diet and hydration are essential for maintaining healthy skin during the spring season. 

As the weather warms up, it's easy to become dehydrated, which can cause dry, flaky, and itchy skin. Drinking enough water throughout the day can help keep your skin moisturized and healthy. Additionally, eating a healthy diet that's rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole foods can help reduce inflammation in the body. This is especially important for people with skin conditions like acne or eczema, which are often caused by inflammation. By reducing inflammation through a healthy diet, you can improve the overall health and appearance of your skin.

Certain nutrients are also important for healthy skin, including vitamin C, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients can help protect your skin from damage, promote collagen production, and improve skin elasticity. 

To get these nutrients, it's important to eat a variety of foods like citrus fruits, nuts and seeds, fatty fish, and leafy greens. By incorporating these foods into your diet, you can help keep your skin looking and feeling healthy. By drinking enough water and eating a diet rich in whole foods and essential nutrients, you can help keep your skin moisturized, reduce inflammation, and protect it from damage.

And if you have questions about what products are right for you, we have expert in-house estheticians that you can reach out to where you can get advice on getting the right ingredients for your skin goals. You can book a free consultation here!