Spring Glow-Up: Preparing Your Skin for Warmer Weather
Simple Steps to Update Your Skincare for Spring
Just like you're probably swapping out your heavy winter sweaters for lighter layers right about now, your skin needs a “wardrobe change” too.
As temperatures start climbing and humidity levels shift, your winter skincare routine might be doing more harm than good.
Maybe you've already noticed it - that heavy winter moisturizer suddenly feels too thick, or your skin's getting oilier than usual.
Don't worry, this is totally normal, and I’m experiencing it too.
Your skin's needs change with the seasons, and spring is the perfect time to switch things up.
In this guide, I’ll cover exactly how to transition your skincare routine for warmer weather.
You'll learn which products to swap out, what ingredients to look for, and how to deal with common spring skin issues like seasonal breakouts and increased oil production.
The best part?
You don't need to completely overhaul your routine.
Small tweaks can make a big difference in how your skin looks and feels as the weather warms up.
Winter Skin Recovery
Let's be real - winter probably wasn't kind to your skin.
Between dry indoor heating, harsh winds, and those super hot showers (no judgment), your skin barrier might need some TLC.
Getting Rid of Winter Build-Up
First things first - you need to deal with any dry, flaky patches left over from winter.
But here's the thing: don't go crazy with harsh exfoliants right away.
Your skin barrier might still be sensitive.
Depending on your needs, you could start with gentle exfoliation 1-2 times a week.
The Allies of Skin Mandelic Pigment Corrector is perfect for this - it's effective but won't strip your skin.
Repairing Winter Damage
Winter dryness often means a weakened skin barrier. Signs include:
Skin that feels tight or rough
Redness or irritation
Products that suddenly sting
Dry patches that won't go away
The fix? Focus on hydration and barrier repair. Look for products with:
Ceramides
Hyaluronic acid & glycerin
Niacinamide
And other nourishing ingredients
Thick moisturizers I love include Mirror Skin’s Peptide Cream, Medik8’s Advanced Ceramide Cream, and CeraVe’s Moisturizing Cream.
Just note that these might be too heavy as warmer weather approaches.
Skip the harsh actives for now.
Your skin needs to heal before you start introducing stronger ingredients for spring.
Transitioning Your Routine
Time to lighten up your skincare routine.
Just like you're not wearing that heavy winter coat anymore, your skin doesn't need those rich winter products.
What to Phase Out
Super thick moisturizers
Heavy facial oils
Creamy, oil-based cleansers
Occlusive balms
What to Bring In
Spring is all about lighter layers. Switch to:
Gel moisturizers (like Versed’s Dew Point Gel Cream)
Water-based serums (Medik8’s Liquid Peptides is my favorite)
Lightweight cleansers
Hydrating toners (Laneige Cream Skin Toner works great here)
Image from laneige.com
Morning Routine Updates
Your AM routine needs the biggest changes:
Switch to a lighter cleanser
Use a vitamin C serum for extra protection (Stratia C+C is perfect for spring)
Image from stratiaskin.com Choose a gel moisturizer instead of a cream
Evening Routine Tweaks
Your PM routine can stay mostly the same, but:
You might not need that heavy night cream anymore
If you use retinol or tretinoin, keep using it
Skip the facial oil unless your skin still feels dry (my favorite is True Botanicals Pure Radiance Oil)
Remember: make these changes gradually. Switch one product at a time so you can see how your skin reacts.
Common Spring Skin Issues
Dealing With Extra Oil
Notice your skin getting oilier as the weather warms up? Totally normal. Your skin produces more oil in warmer weather. Here's how to deal:
Switch to a foaming cleanser if you need to
Try niacinamide & zinc serums to help control oil
Don't skip moisturizer (dry skin can actually make oil worse)
Spring Breakouts
Breaking out more than usual? Spring breakouts happen because:
Increased oil production
Sweat mixing with products
Allergies making you touch your face more
The fix? Keep things simple:
Use an acne control product like Paula's Choice 2% BHA a few times a week
Image from paulaschoice.com Try a lighter moisturizer
Keep your hands off your face
Clean your phone screen regularly (seriously)
Seasonal Allergy Skin
Allergies don't just make you sneeze - they can mess with your skin too. You might notice:
More redness
Puffy eyes
Sensitive skin
Extra dryness
The fix is keeping your routine gentle and soothing.
No harsh products until allergy season passes if this is a problem for you.
The Bottom Line
The secret to great spring skin isn't buying a whole new routine.
Instead, I want you to be making smart switches to what you already have.
Remember:
Lighter layers work better in warmer weather
Pay attention to what your skin's telling you
Make changes one at a time
Focus on hydration and gentle exfoliation
Your skin's changing needs are totally normal as seasons shift.
If your usual products suddenly aren't working, that's just your skin asking for something different. Listen to it.
And don't stress if you need a few weeks to figure out your perfect spring routine.
Your skin might be a little oilier or breakout-prone during the transition, but it'll settle down once you find the right balance.
Most importantly?
Don't feel like you need to buy a bunch of new products.
Sometimes just switching to lighter versions of what you already use is all you need for healthy, happy spring skin.
Cheers,