When the cold winter days expire, and the flowers begin to bloom as the days grow warmer, it is time to focus on restoring your skin from the dry temperature. As the weather changes, your skin care routine may need to adjust to keep your skin shining and healthy. Spring weather brings its own issues, ranging from increased humidity to wind-blown pollen that can impact the way your skin will act. You may notice that your skin becomes oilier during Spring months when the humidity is higher. Do not over-wash or scrub your face, however, as this removes natural oils and results in dryness and acne. Nevertheless, wash once or twice daily, and if you have to, use a less intense second cleanser if you have been wearing makeup or sunscreen. It’s time to take charge of your skincare routine, stock up on new products, and start routines that will nourish, regulate, and safeguard your skin for the spring months. Here’s a spring skincare guide that does not only include expert advice, but real interviews on how to maintain your glow while nature awakens.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Spring brings heat that results in a detectable increase in humidity. Even though the humidity is a break from winter’s dryness, it presents a new challenge for your skin. Moisturizing is just as important during the spring as it is during the winter. However, in the spring your skin might require a somewhat less heavy moisturizer to combat humidity without being too greasy.
Start with incorporating a light but hydrating moisturizer that will not clog your pores with oils. Look for hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe vera in the ingredients list of these products. While thicker creams have been necessary during cold weather, it’s recommended to use something in gel form in warm weather for extra comfort.
Other than moisturizing, make sure that you also hydrate your body. Spring days are usually sunny, so make sure that you drink water enough to keep your skin healthy. Drinking the 15.5 cups for men and 11.5 cups for women every day is the key to keeping your skin hydrated. Dryness, wrinkles, and dullness follow dehydration, so you should drink water as frequently as possible.
Moisturizing can still be done during the nighttime in the spring, but now you can change to a water-based, light moisturizer. Skincare expert Valerie Galvan emphasizes that while Spring calls for lighter products, hydration is still key. “In the Spring, your skin still needs moisturizing, but heavy creams clog pores in humidity,” she explains. She recommends choosing water-based moisturizers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or aloe vera, which hydrate without weighing the skin down. Galvan also advises cutting back on facial oils during warmer months, though small amounts of jojoba or rosehip oil at night can still be effective. If you adore oils, like jojoba or rosehip oil, they can still work miracles; the only catch to is that you must use less in hotter weather.
Change to a lighter cleanser
As the weather starts getting warmer, spring requires a cleanser that is refreshing, but not harsh. While drying, stripping cleansers may have worked in the winter for eliminating dead skin or excess oil, now with the spring season shift, your skin may dry up or break out due to over-washing.
Use gentle, hydrating cleansers that remove dirt, sweat, and impurities from your skin without disrupting your natural moisture barrier. Opt for a gentle foaming or gel cleanser with calming ingredients like chamomile, cucumber, or green tea. Galvan warns against using harsh winter cleansers in spring, noting they can be too aggressive. “I suggest you switch to a foaming or gel cleanser that’s mild—look for calming ingredients such as chamomile or green tea,” Galvan said, adding that these soothe irritation from seasonal pollen and allergens.
Spring produces more pollen and allergens that can trigger skin reactions. To fight this, use an oil-based micellar water to clean away not just dirt and makeup but also environmental toxins without stripping your skin of its natural oils. Micellar water is great for a deep clean that can leave your skin clean and non-irritated.
You may notice that your skin becomes oilier during spring months when the humidity is higher. Do not over-wash or scrub your face, however, as this removes natural oils and results in dryness and acne. Nevertheless, wash once or twice daily, and if you have to, use a less intense second cleanser if you have been wearing makeup or sunscreen.
Exfoliate with Care
Spring is ideal for shedding and stripping away the layer of dead skin cells which may have been accumulated over the winter. With the weather now warming up, the skin is typically oilier and pores get clogged up. Gentle exfoliating must be performed so that silky smoothness and glow of your skin can be preserved, but don’t go overboard with it.
Ensure that you get a gentle exfoliator; otherwise, you many cause irritation and can leave skin bare. According to Galvan, spring exfoliation is essential but must be gentle. She suggests using a mild chemical exfoliant like glycolic or lactic acid in order to remove dead skin left over from winter without irritating the skin. “Over-exfoliating can have the opposite effect and leave the skin more sensitive,” Galvan said. With greater levels of scrubs, harsh exfoliators can damage your skin. These abrasive scrubs can be replaced with chemical exfoliants which contain agents such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, or fruit enzymes. Physical scrubs break the dead skin cells without rubbing that can cause redness or irritation. Products containing AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta-hydroxy acids) are particularly great for exfoliating dead skin and cell turnover.
Exfoliate weekly, or as needed by your skin. You can tell when it is needed by looking at the oil layer of your skin. If your skin feels greasy, it’s time to exfoliate! For sensitive skin, exfoliate no more than once every two weeks or with gentler means like a soft cloth or enzyme product. Don’t over-exfoliate as this will dry out your skin and expose it to environmental aggressors like allergens and pollution.
Protect Your Skin from the Weather
Spring also sees more sun, and although the temperatures are not as hot as summer, UV radiation can easily damage your skin and cause premature aging. Just like in winter, sunscreen must be used daily in Spring. UV rays can cause skin damage even on cloudy or rainy days, so make it a habit to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every morning, even if you’re staying inside.
Don’t forget to apply SPF on other areas of your body such as hands, neck, and lips. These are not so frequently given care but readily exposed to the sun. Apply moisturizing hand cream and lip balm with SPF on to preserve your skin from chapping and sunburn. Lip balm with a minimum SPF content of 15 is a must because your lips will crack when enduring the unstable spring weather.
If you will be outside, particularly during the hottest sun time, be sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours and use protective gear such as hats or scarves to guard your skin from dangerous UV rays.
Dry Skin Moisturizing through Humidifying
When temperatures change from cool to warm, the air can also get drier due to running air conditions on hot afternoons, which tend to remove moisture from the air. This dries out your skin, and it leaves you feeling tight and dry. To get your skin sufficiently moisturized, place a humidifier in the living room or bedroom. Galvan backs this up, stating that spring air conditioning can significantly dry out indoor environments. “That’s when a humidifier is your skin’s BFF—particularly at night,” Galvan said. It helps counteract the moisture loss caused by HVAC systems and supports skin hydration overnight. They are especially helpful at night because the humidifier will replenish moisture while you sleep. Getting one will ensure that your skin doesn’t lose its precious moisture to dry air!
Watch What You Eat
Spring is rich in new vegetables and fruits that have the ability to nourish healthy, good-looking skin. It is crucial to eat an excellent balanced diet that suits your skin. Antioxidant-rich foods like berries, spinach, citrus, and carrots will fight damage as well as keep collagen balance in check.
Omega-3 fatty acids in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts can limit inflammation and prevent your skin from drying out. These fats induce the strengthening of the skin’s own barrier function, retaining moisture inside and keeping external aggressors out. Do not forget to include foods that are rich in vitamin C, including oranges, bell peppers, and strawberries, which rejuvenate your skin and form collagen. Galvan also stresses the importance of seasonal produce in supporting spring skin health. “Berries, green veggies, and all the vitamin C-rich foods come to mind,” Galvan said, adding that foods like salmon and walnuts are key to reducing inflammation and maintaining the skin barrier. “If you’re not sipping water or eating water-laden foods like watermelon or cucumber, then your skin is going to say it,” Galvan adds.
Rehydrate your skin by consuming water-rich foods like watermelon and cucumbers to quench its thirst. By fueling the health and radiance of your skin with a healthy, skin-nourishing diet, you’ll be giving it the nutrition it needs as you transition into the new season.
As the world outside us renews itself, so should your skin care routine. With higher humidity, more allergens, and more sun, your skin’s needs shift. Even though this happens in subtle ways, they are important. By hydrating wisely, cleansing with care, exfoliating with caution, and protecting against environmental stressors, you can feed your skin’s natural glow. Pair that with a nutrient-rich diet and the right tools, and you will notice the difference.
Spring can be an era of authentic glow. Let this be your reset button for skin improvement.
As the world outside us renews itself, so should your skin care routine. With higher humidity, more allergens, and more sun, your skin’s needs shift. Even though this happens in subtle ways, they are important. By hydrating wisely, cleansing with care, exfoliating with caution, and protecting against environmental stressors, you can feed your skin’s natural glow. Pair that with a nutrient-rich diet and the right tools, and you will notice the difference.