How to Adapt Your Skincare Regimen for Spring

April 5, 2021 Fani Mari

Just like we change our clothes with the seasons, from warmer to lighter layers, so should we change our skincare routine every season.

Some of the products you use depend on your skin type but there are many changes that we can all make to prepare our skin for spring. We spoke to a board-certified dermatologist, Dr. David Kim, on ways we can shake up the skincare routine for spring. Read to the end for Dr. Kim’s product recommendations!

Let’s start with sunscreen! It might be harder to be diligent with your sunscreen application in wintertime, but “As we approach spring it’s important to start incorporating SPF back to the daily skincare routine,” Dr. Kim advises.

And as you increase your SPF, if you have acne-prone skin, you might want to decrease the use of face oils and sheet masks to prevent pimples and acne flare-ups. “In regard to other products (i.e. cleanser, moisturizer, serum) you don’t have to make any drastic changes until we approach summer.”

SPF is important all year round as UVA rays by-pass clouds, car/home windows and can cause damage 365 days a year; put simply “sunscreen is the best anti-aging cream you can use!”. Dr. Kim recommends a minimum of SPF 30, as it blocks 97% of UVB rays (in comparison, SPF 50 blocks 98% of UVB) and most importantly, the goal is finding an SPF that you love, so you actually use it.

We know spending more time at home has turned us into (almost) skin minimalists, so if you prefer a more minimal routine, this is one necessary change you should make for springtime! Yes really, that’s it.

However, if you’re a bit extra (and why shouldn’t you be) Dr. Kim suggests adding a vitamin C serum to your morning routine. Vitamin C is referred to a lot as the be-all end-all of antioxidants. Not only that, Vitamin C has “UV-protective effects and anti-inflammatory properties. As we approach spring and get more sun exposure, this is a great antioxidant for everyone to add to their morning routine,” Dr. Kim says.

Every skin is different so everyone’s skincare routine is slightly different depending on the skin type and skin concerns you have. If you have dry skin or are prone to eczema, “It’s important to continue to use a thick moisturizer to keep your skin barrier intact, and at times emollients like Vaseline or Aquaphor,” Dr. Kim says. If dryness and flakiness is your main concern, you have to be cautious as spring brings seasonal allergies, which might exacerbate your eczema. Dr. Kim recommends avoiding products with artificial coloring or fragrance.

On the other hand, if you have oily skin you can continue your routine as normal, with a few changes. People with oily skin can often experience breakouts, “If you’re going to be particularly active, I recommend using a body wash with salicylic acid 2% or benzoyl peroxide 4% or 10%, depending on your tolerance, to prevent and treat back, butt, or chest acne.”

Dr. Kim recommends a lotion, instead of a cream for your face, as these tend to be water-based and more lightweight. If you want to add a treatment, azelaic acid is a great ingredient to look out for in your products; “it’s a gentle but effective ingredient for acne, and acne scars, even for pregnant women,” Dr. Kim says.

So there you have it! A few small changes in your skincare routine will seamlessly take you from winter to spring.

Dr. Kim’s Recommendations

Cleansers

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, $21.95

Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser, $8.99

Vitamin C

Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster, $49

Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum, $88

SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic, $166

Moisturizer

Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion, $12.88

CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion, $20.42