Spring Into Skincare: Light Moisturizers, Gentle Exfoliants, and Sunscreens From La Mer, Philip B, Ren, and Supergoop!
As the days become longer and the frosty grip of winter begins to loosen, both our clothing choices and our skincare routines require an update. Transitioning from chilly, arid weather to milder, moister environments can make your skin feel uncertain, much as you might hesitate between donning a heavy overcoat or a light jacket on a cool early-spring day.
However, do not worry — moving to spring doesn’t mean discarding all the items from your makeup collection. It’s more about adjusting what you have and introducing just a handful of essential products tailored for the season’s particular needs, ensuring your skin radiates as brightly as flowers in full bloom during spring.
Use a lightweight moisturiser
Dean-Richard Johansson, the lead skincare scientist at Optaderm, suggests that this is the right time to opt for moisturizers that might previously have seemed too lightweight for the colder months. He elaborates, “Gels, lotions, and water-based creams strike just the right chord; they offer hydration without making your skin feel heavy.” Consider products like La Mer’s The Moisturizing Soft Cream or Peter Thomas Roth’s Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream—both of these formulas provide moisture with a feather-light texture.
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At the heart of these products lies hyaluronic acid , the supreme moisturizer that draws moisture into the skin, providing intense hydration without blocking pores, and giving your face a refreshed, supple look, perfectly prepared for the upcoming season.
Add antioxidant-rich products
As the days become brighter, antioxidants come into focus, "serving as diligent defenders against the free radicals released by sunlight and pollutants," according to Johansson. Vitamin C Sera stand out in this category. Opt for products such as Dr Dennis Gross 15% Vitamin C Firm & Bright Serum or Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster, which are formulated to enhance skin brightness and uniformity, offering protection from environmental harm. These serums help restore the desired radiant look after winter, leaving your skin looking refreshed and glowing.
Use gentle exfoliants
No spring update is comprehensive without tackling exfoliation , particularly following a winter spent fighting with heavy moisturizers and dry indoor conditions. "Accumulation of dead skin cells is indeed an issue and frequently responsible for persistent dullness," notes Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry, a dermatologist from the Danish company Scandinavian Biolabs.
If you have sensitive or dry skin, Ren’s Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic offers a mild but potent solution for exfoliation without causing discomfort, resulting in softer, brighter skin free from irritation. On the other hand, individuals with oily or acne-prone complexions might find Sunday Riley's Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment more suitable as it delivers a stronger effect through skin brightening, improving overall texture and reducing clogged pores along with soothing redness and swelling.
Update your cleanser
The rich cleansing lotions that provided comfort during colder months may now fall short of meeting your skin’s requirements. According to Chaudhry, opting for a mild foam cleanser would be more appropriate as it effectively clears away everyday dirt without stripping moisture from your face. If you're looking for something that thoroughly cleanses yet keeps the skin hydrated, consider using the Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm; this product not only removes toxins but also nourishes the complexion with minerals found in healing water.
Should your aim be to softly scrub away dead skin cells as you clean, Tatcha's The Rice Polish Gentle Powder offers a mild exfoliation that smoothes out your complexion. This leaves your skin feeling silky, revitalized, and ideally prepared for the upcoming warmer season.
Prioritise sunscreen application
No spring skincare update is really finished without tackling the one item that should stay non-negotiable throughout the entire year: sunscreen Although it remains an essential step even during winter, this is the ideal moment to address any skipped applications," Johansson states. "It’s not only about avoiding sunburn; it’s also vital for protecting your skin from early aging and other undesirable issues.
If you're not keen on the usual sensation of sunscreens, Caudalie Vinosun Protect Lightweight Cream SPF50+ provides robust protection with a silky-smooth consistency that feels nearly nonexistent on your skin. For those who prefer a matte, primer-type texture, Supergoop!'s Unseen Sunscreen presents an undetectable protective barrier that glides effortlessly onto the skin, ideal for a quick and easy application process.
Adjust your nighttime routine
"Spring provides an ideal time to revisit your nightly regimen, and for numerous people, this involves reintroducing retinol," Johansson states. Esteemed for its capacity to boost cellular renewal and address any lingering dullness from winter, retinol is essential for rejuvenating the complexion. "However, like with every strong ingredient, balance is crucial since it may lead to sensitization if applied too intensely," Chaudhry advises.
For a gentle start, choose milder formulations such as Dr Dennis Gross' Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum or Sunday Riley's Luna Sleeping Night Oil — these offer potent but calming retinol benefits. Begin by applying them only two to three evenings per week to help your skin acclimate slowly.
Maintain hydration and ensure your diet is well-balanced.
Although treatments are vital, an inside-out strategy for skincare is just as important. Spring provides an ideal time to improve your diet with moisture-filled foods such as cucumbers, berries, and citrus fruits. As noted by Chaudhry, these items do more than just hydrate; they're rich in antioxidants that help maintain glowing skin. Despite sounding common, it’s critical always to have water nearby during the day. Hydration forms the basis of achieving that natural radiance, which shines through visibly on your skin.
Mask on up
For an even more significant impact, incorporating a weekly facial mask routine can yield impressive results. Opt for a product that’s both moisturizing and lightweight, such as Laneige's Water Sleeping Mask—a truly refreshing choice that operates overnight to leave your skin supple and revitalized come morning. Should you require a spring cleanse, consider using Origins' Retexturizing Mask featuring Rose Clay, which effectively draws out toxins while also evening out and enhancing the complexion’s smoothness.
Sheet masks for hydrating purposes are particularly popular, especially following exposure to sunlight. The SK-II's Pitera Facial Treatment Mask provides deep moisture and luminosity, serving as an efficient method to revitalize the complexion and reinstate its shine.