How to Transition Your Skincare Routine for Spring.

After these long and cold winter months, the countdown is on, Spring is coming!

As we welcome the warmer months, the days get longer and a little brighter, we can start to unpack our picnic florals and rethink our skincare routines. The changes in weather conditions start to affect our skin long before summertime, so it’s essential to adjust the products we use and transition our routine from winter to spring. We’ve got some nifty tips to do this!

What Changes Happen to Our Skin in Spring?

Many of us know our skin behaves differently throughout the seasons, the extremes of winter and summer can wreak havoc on our skin, but little did we know that these changes start as temperatures begin to rise and the humidity builds. Hello springtime!

During winter, our skin tends to be dry, flaky, and tight, as the cold and low humidity strip our skin of its natural oils and compromise our skin barrier. But in spring, our complexion takes on an oily glaze, as the warm and humid weather sends our oil glands into overdrive, overproducing sebum (an oily substance produced by our sebaceous gland). This increased oil production can cause our skin to feel greasy, and lead to congestion, clogged pores and acne breakouts. We demand dewy skin, not greasy!

Springtime also brings with it pollens and allergies that cause inflammation, itchiness and redness that can exacerbate our already temperamental eczema and rosacea. So what do we do? We rotate our products, no brainer. To combat the changes in our skin as we slowly migrate out of winter, here are our tips to ease the transition. Our skin cycles approximately every 21days, so it’s essential to check-in with your routine towards the end of winter.

Up your Cleansing Game.

As the temperature warms up and we begin to sweat a little more, produce more sebum and lather on the SPF, it might be time to check if your cleanser is keeping up. If you have acne-prone or oily skin, opting for a hydrating, non-comedogenic cleanser can be an effective way to purify your skin without stripping away its natural oils. Cleansers containing salicylic or hyaluronic acid and ceramides are great options for acne-prone skin. And don’t be afraid to try that Oil Cleanser, they can be used by all skin types, all year round and are a great way to rebalance your skin barrier, leaving it feeling soft, supple and dewy.

Choose a Lighter Moisturiser.

As the weather becomes more humid, we don't need heavy moisturisers like we do in winter. Instead, opt for a lighter moisturiser, a lightweight cream or moisturising gel that can hydrate the skin without feeling heavy or greasy. Look for moisturisers that contain hyaluronic acid or glycerine, these ingredients can attract and retain moisture in the skin. If you skin is feeling too greasy, try avoiding butters, thick creams or balms as our skin naturally increases sebum production in spring and thicker products will lead to congestion and breakouts.

Sunscreen. Always.

Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring - SPF is an essential step in your everyday skincare routine. With longer and sunnier days, it's crucial to use sunscreen to protect our skin from harmful UV rays. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and apply it every morning, even on cloudy days.

Weekly Purifying Face Mask.

Clay masks have the ability to draw out impurities, toxins and excess oil from the skin, making them an excellent addition to our springtime routine when our skin can feel congested and dull after winter. The deep cleansing action can help to unclog pores, remove dead skin cells, and leave the skin feeling fresh and revitalised. While clay masks are known for their ability to absorb excess oil, some also contain ingredients that can hydrate and nourish the skin. Look for clay masks that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid or aloe vera to help maintain the skin's moisture balance. If you’re looking to give your skin a boost and brighten things up, opt for a face mask containing Vitamin C or Niacinamide to help brighten and even out the skin tone.

Don’t Skip the Antioxidant Serum.

On top of increased sun exposure and UV damage, springtime allergies and pollutants can cause oxidative stress on the skin, leading to premature aging, fine lines, dark spots and hyperpigmentation. To protect the skin from environmental stressors, try adding a serum, that is packed with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin E, rosehip oil or jojoba oil.

Transitioning your skincare routine from winter to spring is all about adapting to the changes in our skin and the environment around us so we can keep our skin healthy and glowing throughout the spring season. Let's illuminate your skin together!