9 ways to transition your skincare routine into spring

Just like you, your skin breathes a sigh of relief when spring is on the horizon. Warmer temperatures, a softer wind chill, and the absence of harsh heaters equal all-round happier skin.

That said, there are still things you can do to make the transition from winter skin to summer skin as smooth and glowy as possible!

Here are 9 top tips from Dr. Maha Shariff, an expert Aesthetic Doctor and General Practitioner in the NHS.

You’ll also spot some standout products from our natural beauty and vegan beauty ranges…

Spring skincare for your face

1. Spring-clean your skincare

Got an old, crusty mascara lurking around in your makeup bag?

It’s in the name: now is the perfect time to give your skincare products a spring clean.

First, look for that little jar symbol on your product packaging – that’s how many months you can safely keep your product after opening it.

This would also be a good time to wash your makeup brushes, too. Weekly is best, as bacteria can build up and cause sensitivity and breakouts.

But if you’ve missed a week (or a few…) now’s the time. Simply soak your brushes in warm, soapy water.

Allow to air dry or use a hair dryer. Avoid placing them on a towel as this can encourage microbial growth.

2. Double-check your sun care

You should be using an SPF of at least 30 every day – even during the winter.

It might not seem like you need it, but daily SPF application is one of the best defenses we have to protect our skin cell DNA from damage and potentially skin cancers.

UVA – the rays most associated with skin thinning and wrinkle formation – can even pass through glass, so you need to be vigilant all year round:

• Grab a good SPF and use it daily, if you’re not already
• Make sure your factor is high enough for the weather – at least 30 all year round, while 50 is best for sunnier seasons
• Check your bottles to make sure they’re in date and at their most effective

3. Exfoliate (gently)

You don’t need to be afraid to exfoliate, even if your skin is dry: it’s one of the best ways to get rid of waste, dirt, and dead skin cells on the surface.

Exfoliation helps to clear your skin’s top layer (epidermis), leading to less bacteria, less blemishes, and better absorption of your other skincare products.

Over-exfoliation can disrupt your skin, so watch out: 1-2 times per week is ideal. You might be used to scrubs, but chemical exfoliators are the way to go if possible. Find one that caters to your skin type:

• Lactic acid for drier skin
• Mandelic acid for oily skin
• Salicylic acid for blemish-prone skin

Here are a few exfoliators we recommend:

4. 4. Choose a lighter moisturiser

During the winter months, we all naturally gravitate to thick, heavy creams in the hopes of locking moisture in.

Moisturisers don’t actually hydrate your skin – they prevent it from losing moisture.

So, you’ll need to hydrate your skin in other ways (by drinking plenty of water and using serums) before moisturiser can do its job.

But when spring comes around, it’s time to swap to something a little lighter:

5. Get the SPF back out

Face mists are a great way to moisturise and refresh your face on the go now it’s getting warmer.

They also stop you from using your hands to wipe away sweat, which can pass on dirt and other nasties to your skin.

Use a face mist between your toner and serum, or even to replace your toner. Always remember to apply SPF after, too.

We like:

6. Lighten up!

Been hiding your skin beneath thick foundations and concealers? Spring can feel like a natural moment to switch to something a little lighter.

All skin products have what we call a “comedogenic level”, which goes from 0 to 5. This tells how you likely it is to clog up your pores (0 being the least likely and 5 being the most).

A heavier product doesn’t necessarily mean it’s more comedogenic, but this is sometimes the case. Ditching comedogenic makeup can help keep your pores clear and prevent breakouts.

Spring skincare for your hair, skin, and body

1. 1. Give your lips some love

Our lips really go through it during the winter months! So it’s no surprise we all reach for the lip balms and moisturisers.

But, when spring comes around, our lips often get overlooked.

Rather than leaving them to fend for themselves, consider using a lighter, SPF-enriched lip balm after your usual SPF:

2. Awaken your skin in the shower

There’s nothing like a nice shower to wake you up in the morning and help you start your day fresh.

You don’t have to go freezing cold, but be aware that extra-hot showers can dry your skin out (especially if it’s sensitive).

Take your scrub-down one step further with some revitalising scents:

3. Nourish your skin from within

While it’s important to look after your skin from the outside, it’s just as important to ensure you are looking after it from the inside.

Most of the time, it means drinking enough water and eating fresh and nutrient-rich foods.

But you can also add a helping hand in the form of supplements.

Staying topped up on your essential vitamins and minerals can help you get daily support for your skin.

If you’re not confident you’re getting them all from a healthy, balanced diet, then you may want to supplement with a multivitamin.

Here are some of the best supplements for skin, hair, and nail health:

The final say…

And you’ve made it into spring!

Understanding how your face, hair, and body change with the seasons can help you stay smooth and nourished all year round.

Curious about collagen, or got any more questions about maintaining a year-round glow? Check out our Hair, Skin & Nails Hub:

The advice in this article is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP or healthcare professional before trying any supplements, treatments or remedies. Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Before taking any supplements or minerals, it’s best to make sure you’re getting all the nutrients through your diet first.

Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

If you have sensitive skin, eczema, psoriasis, acne or rosacea, consult a dermatologist before trying any treatments.

It is important to always check with your doctor or midwife before taking any supplements while pregnant.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking any medications or under medical supervision, please consult a doctor or healthcare professional before use.

Take caution when using essential oils with sensitive or reactive skin types. Essential oils must never be used neat on the skin; always dilute before applying to the skin. Always perform a patch test 24 hours before use.

Last updated: 7th February 2023