Spring is just around the corner, which means it’s time to start thinking about updating your skincare routine for the warmer weather. If you’re not sure how to do that, we’ve outlined eight essential steps below to help you feel bright and refreshed every single time you complete your skincare routine this season.
Spring clean your bathroom cabinet
Spring is the perfect time to clear out the old and bring in the new. When it comes to your skincare routine, this means going through your bathroom cabinets and drawers to toss any products that have expired or been open too long. While some products can be left open for 12 months, most skincare products expire in six months and will need to be tossed if they have been open longer than that. Take your remaining skincare set and reorganize the products so they are easily accessible. That way, you won’t forget what you have on hand, which will prevent you from accidentally buying duplicates.
Transition to a gel or foaming cleanser
Many people of all skin types enjoy using a soothing milk or cream cleanser during the winter when their skin is more dry. However, these more soothing cleansers can leave your face feeling a bit greasy when the weather starts to warm up in the spring, especially if you have combination skin or oily skin. As we approach spring, you might want to transition to a more refreshing gel or foaming facial cleanser, which will get rid of any lingering residue and leave your face feeling more clean. We especially recommend using a gel or foaming cleanser at night after a makeup remover, to remove any lingering cosmetic products or dirt.
Focus on antioxidants
Antioxidants such as vitamin C will help you achieve a bright and glowing complexion. Antioxidants provide essential nutrients to the skin and also help to fend off free radical damage from environmental pollutants. They are especially effective when used in your morning skincare routine to add a little extra protection before going out into the world. If you feel like your skin is a bit dull right now, and you want to spruce it up as we head into spring, then you should add an antioxidant to your anti-aging skincare routine.
Lock down your sun protection
You should be wearing sunscreen year-round, including in the wintertime, but many people do switch to a lower SPF or aren’t as diligent about reapplying in the winter. This means spring is the time to get serious again about your sun protection. You should be wearing sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every single day and reapplying every two hours when you are out in the sun. The sunscreen should be applied not just to your face but to all exposed skin, including your ears, neck, chest, arms, and hands.
You should also protect your skin with UPF clothing, sunglasses, and a wide-brim hat and seek out shade whenever possible on sunny days to protect your skin from sun damage.
Slowly increase your exfoliation
Many people significantly decrease their exfoliation during the winter to prevent irritating their already very dry skin. This means springtime is the perfect chance to ramp up to a more frequent exfoliation routine. If you are only exfoliating once a week right now, then you can probably step that up to two or even three times a week as the weather gets warmer. Depending on your skin type, you might also be able to switch to a more powerful exfoliant, which can also help to control oil production on hotter days.
Swap your creams for lotions
Thick, heavy creams keep your face from drying out in the winter but can clog your pores come springtime, especially if your skin type tends to be more oily rather than dry year-round. If you find these heavy creams too much for your skin in the warmer months, then try switching to a lightweight lotion or even a gel water cream if a lotion is too heavy for you. These lightweight products will soak into your skin instead of sliding around on your face, and they will sit nicely under makeup even in warmer weather.
Address skincare concerns
As the weather gets warmer, many people switch from foundation to tinted moisturizer or even forgo heavy makeup altogether. This means your skincare concerns might be a little more visible, so you may want to get more proactive about addressing them with topical treatments. Dark spot removers can help with hyperpigmentation, while vitamin C treatments will brighten dull complexions. Anti-aging skin care such as retinol can help to pump up your skin and smooth out the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
What changes are you making to your skincare routine, now springtime is approaching? Do you normally transition your skincare routine during the spring, or do you just keep using your winter products until summer hits? What are your skincare goals for the new season? Let us know in the comments below!