The days are getting longer and the temperatures are rising – and as you trade out your winter boots for summer sandals, it’s important to also remember to adjust your skincare. In winter, you should focus on hydration and heavier products to combat the dryness from both the cold air outside and indoor heating. As the weather turns hot and humid, thick products are no longer needed and can cause clogged pores and breakouts. Even your regular skincare treatments should change with the seasons. As you spend more time outside enjoying the nice weather, it is best to postpone more intense skincare treatments like chemical peels, microneedling, or laser. Sun exposure after such treatments can make your skin worse and more susceptible to damage.

Transitioning your skincare for the spring season ensures your skin remains healthy, clear, and radiant. Here are some simple ways to shift your skincare routine for the changing weather.

1. Lighten p your moisturizer: Swap out heavy creams for lighter moisturizers. This will prevent your skin from feeling overloaded and allow it to breathe better in the humidity.

2. Exfoliate. Clearing away dead skin cells will allow your products to better absorb. Be sure to choose a gentle exfoliant to avoid irritation. Always make sure it was designed for the face (body scrubs are too harsh) and remember, it doesn’t have to be a scrub! Gentle ingredients like lactic acid or gluconolactone can exfoliate without irritation and actually work better for those with sensitive skin or active acne.

3. Don’t skip the sunscreen. Although you should be wearing sunscreen 365 days a year, it is especially important in the spring and summer as we spend more time outside. Sunscreen is the #1 product you can use to prevent premature aging – look for products that are at least SPF 30+.

4. Incorporate vitamin C. Vitamin C is a powerhouse ingredient that not only helps to brighten the skin, it also has antioxidant properties that work to prevent cellular damage and premature aging from the sun. Use a product with vitamin C (ideally a serum or moisturizer) in the morning before your sunscreen for extra protection.

5. Purge products. Go through your products and throw away anything that has expired. Products lose their effectiveness past their expiration date; at best, they aren’t doing much for your skin, and at worst, they can cause irritation as ingredients start to break down.

6. Refresh with a sheet mask. Few things feel better than a cool sheet mask (kept in the fridge for extra chill) on your face after a long day in the sun. Put the mask on after you wash your face and before you put on moisturizer.

7. When in doubt, keep it simple. Your skincare routine doesn’t have to be long and complicated. There are just three basics everyone should be using – cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Just make sure you are choosing quality products that suit your skin type.

Are you confused about what products are best for your skin? Overwhelmed by the number of different products on the market? Book an appointment with a licensed esthetician who is trained to analyze your skin and help you build a routine to achieve your skincare goals