As temperatures rise and humidity shifts, your skin needs a different approach. Here's exactly how to adjust your routine for the seasonal change without breaking out or drying out.
The calendar says spring, but your skin is still stuck in winter mode. Heavy creams, rich oils, maybe even a slugging habit you picked up in January. If you keep using your winter routine into March and April, you are setting yourself up for clogged pores, breakouts, and that frustrating "my skin feels greasy but also tight" combination.
Seasonal skincare transitions are not about overhauling everything overnight. They are about making gradual, intentional swaps that match what your skin actually needs as temperature and humidity change.
Why Your Skin Behaves Differently in Spring
Understanding the science helps you make better decisions. Here is what changes when winter ends:
Humidity rises. Winter air holds less moisture, which is why your skin felt dry and tight. As spring humidity increases, your skin's transepidermal water loss (TEWL) decreases naturally. Translation: your skin loses less water on its own, so it needs less heavy-duty moisture from products.
Sebum production increases. Warmer temperatures stimulate your sebaceous glands. If you are already layering heavy moisturiser on top of increased natural oil production, you are creating the perfect environment for clogged pores.
UV index climbs. Even on cloudy spring days, UV radiation is significantly higher than in winter. This is the time most people get caught off guard because "it doesn't feel sunny."
Pollen and allergens appear. Spring brings environmental irritants that can trigger sensitivity, redness, and inflammation — even in skin that was calm all winter.
Step 1: Lighten Your Moisturiser
This is the single most impactful swap you can make. Your winter moisturiser is likely an occlusive cream designed to prevent water loss in dry, cold air. In spring, that same cream can feel suffocating.
What to do:
- Switch from heavy cream to a lightweight gel-cream or lotion-weight moisturiser
- Look for humectant-forward formulas (hyaluronic acid, glycerin) rather than occlusive-heavy ones (petroleum, shea butter)
- If you have oily skin, you may find a hydrating serum alone is enough as your daytime moisturiser
When to swap: Do not switch overnight. Start by using the lighter moisturiser during the day and keeping your heavier one for night. After a week, if your skin feels comfortable, transition fully.
What to keep: If you have dry or sensitive skin, keep your richer moisturiser for nighttime throughout spring. Night is when your skin does most of its repair work, and a slightly richer product supports that.
Step 2: Reassess Your Cleanser
Winter skin often tolerates cream and oil cleansers well because they do not strip already-dry skin. But as oil production increases in spring, you may need something with slightly more cleansing power.
Oily or combination skin: Switch to a gentle foaming or gel cleanser. Look for one with a pH between 4.5 and 6.5 to maintain your acid mantle.
Dry or sensitive skin: You can likely stick with your winter cleanser. If it feels too heavy, try micellar water as a first cleanse followed by your regular cleanser.
All skin types: Double cleansing in the evening becomes more important in spring. Sunscreen, increased oil, and pollen all accumulate on your skin throughout the day. A single cleanse may not remove everything effectively.
Step 3: Upgrade Your Sun Protection
This is non-negotiable. Spring UV radiation is strong enough to cause damage even when it does not feel hot outside. Most people underestimate spring sun exposure because they associate UV damage with summer heat.
Key changes:
- Move from SPF as an afterthought to SPF as the cornerstone of your routine
- If you were using a moisturiser with SPF 15 in winter, switch to a dedicated SPF 30-50 sunscreen
- Reapply every 2 hours if you are outdoors, regardless of cloud cover
- Look for lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas that layer well under makeup
Common mistake: Skipping sunscreen on cloudy days. Up to 80% of UV rays penetrate clouds. If you can see daylight, you need protection.
Step 4: Introduce Gentle Exfoliation
Winter skin accumulates more dead cells because cell turnover slows in cold temperatures. As spring arrives, this buildup can make skin look dull and prevent your lighter products from absorbing properly.
Chemical exfoliation options:
- AHAs (glycolic, lactic acid): Best for dry or sun-damaged skin. Start with a low concentration (5-8%) used 2-3 times per week
- BHAs (salicylic acid): Best for oily or acne-prone skin. Oil-soluble, so it penetrates pores to clear congestion. Start with 2% concentration, 2-3 times per week
- PHAs (gluconolactone): Best for sensitive skin. Larger molecule size means gentler exfoliation with less irritation
What NOT to do: Do not start daily exfoliation just because it is spring. Over-exfoliation damages your barrier, causes inflammation, and can trigger the exact breakouts you are trying to prevent. Two to three times per week is the sweet spot for most people.
Step 5: Address Spring-Specific Concerns
Seasonal Breakouts
The combination of increased oil, heavier product residue, and pollen exposure creates a perfect storm for spring breakouts. If you are breaking out mainly along your jawline, cheeks, or forehead in spring, look at these culprits first:
- Moisturiser that is too heavy for the season
- Inadequate cleansing (sunscreen and pollen residue)
- Touching your face more (allergies cause itching)
- Pillowcase and phone screen cleanliness
Redness and Sensitivity
Pollen is an inflammatory trigger. If your skin becomes red and reactive in spring:
- Add a product with centella asiatica (cica) or niacinamide to calm inflammation
- Avoid introducing new active ingredients during peak allergy season
- Keep your routine minimal — fewer products means fewer potential irritants
Dullness and Uneven Tone
Winter dullness responds well to:
- Regular gentle exfoliation (see Step 4)
- Vitamin C serum in the morning (antioxidant protection plus brightening)
- Consistent hydration (dehydrated skin always looks dull regardless of season)
The Spring Routine Template
Morning:
- Gentle gel or foaming cleanser
- Vitamin C serum or niacinamide serum
- Lightweight gel-cream moisturiser
- SPF 30-50 sunscreen (dedicated product, not moisturiser with SPF)
Evening:
- Oil cleanser or micellar water (first cleanse to remove sunscreen and debris)
- Gentle gel or foaming cleanser (second cleanse)
- Exfoliating acid 2-3x per week (AHA, BHA, or PHA based on skin type)
- Hydrating serum (hyaluronic acid)
- Moisturiser (can be slightly richer than daytime version)
Common Mistakes During Seasonal Transitions
Changing everything at once. Your skin needs time to adapt. Swap one product per week, not your entire routine overnight.
Dropping moisturiser entirely. Some people swing from heavy cream to no moisturiser. Even oily skin needs hydration. The key is the weight of the product, not whether you use one at all.
Forgetting about lips and neck. These areas are often neglected in routine transitions. Your lips need SPF too, and your neck should receive the same care as your face.
Assuming last year's sunscreen is fine. Sunscreen expires. Check the date. Expired sunscreen provides significantly reduced protection.
When to See a Dermatologist
If you have made these seasonal adjustments and are still experiencing persistent breakouts, unusual sensitivity, or skin changes that do not improve after 4-6 weeks, consult a dermatologist. Seasonal changes can sometimes unmask underlying conditions like rosacea, eczema, or hormonal acne that benefit from professional treatment.
Make the Transition Simple
Seasonal skincare does not need to be complicated. The core principle is simple: as the environment gives your skin more moisture and warmth, your products should do less heavy lifting. Lighten up, protect from UV, and let your skin adapt naturally. Your routine should work with the season, not against it.
