As you start putting your hats, scarves, and down coats back into storage, it’s time to think about making some adjustments to your skincare routine, just as you do with your wardrobe. Spring is here, and with it comes the need to adapt to the warmer, sunnier months ahead. Just like you swap out your winter wardrobe for lighter fabrics, your skincare routine should also shift to meet the needs of the new season.

It's important to pay attention to your skin whenever the weather changes. As your environment shifts, your skin might have different needs. This doesn’t mean you need to completely overhaul your skincare routine but making a few small adjustments can help refresh and support your skin as it recovers from the stress of winter.

Why Should You Change Your Skincare Routine for Spring?

As the seasons shift, so do your skin’s needs. What worked well in winter may no longer be the best fit as spring’s increased humidity and fluctuating temperatures affect your skin’s behavior. While cold weather called for richer, occlusive products to lock in moisture, the shift to spring may lead to increased oil production or sensitivity, making lighter, breathable formulations a better choice for a refreshed, balanced complexion.

That said, always listen to your skin. Not everyone has to change their routine just because the season is shifting. We always let our skin guide us.

If your current regimen is keeping your skin healthy and balanced, there’s no need to force a change. However, if you notice increased oiliness, congestion, or sensitivity, making a few small adjustments can help your skin transition smoothly into spring.

How Do Seasonal Changes Affect Your Skin?

Spring brings higher humidity, longer sun exposure, and an increase in environmental stressors like pollen and pollution. These changes can cause the skin to produce more oil, which may lead to congestion or breakouts. The combination of fluctuating temperatures and allergens can also contribute to heightened sensitivity.

Additionally, as we spend more time outdoors, exposure to UV rays, pollution, and other environmental stressors increases, making sun protection and antioxidant support even more important. A thoughtful transition helps prevent breakouts, dehydration, and irritation while keeping the skin strong and resilient.

What Are the Biggest Differences Between Winter and Spring Skincare?

The biggest changes involve hydration, texture, and sun protection. In winter, the skin benefits from richer, more occlusive moisturizers to combat dryness. But in spring, lightweight hydrators, gel-based products, and antioxidant-rich formulas help maintain a refreshed, balanced complexion.

Sun protection becomes even more crucial as UV exposure intensifies, making daily SPF an essential step in every routine.

What’s the Best Way to Introduce New Products?

Be mindful that seasonal transitions don’t happen overnight, and neither should your skincare adjustments. Instead of making abrupt changes, introduce one new product at a time to assess how your skin reacts.

Whether you’re switching to a lighter moisturizer, increasing exfoliation, or incorporating antioxidants, gradual adjustments will help prevent irritation and ensure a smooth transition. Prioritizing hydration, barrier support, and SPF will maintain balance and keep the skin healthy.

Tips for Transitioning from a Winter to Spring Skincare Routine

Switch to a Lighter Moisturizer

Winter often calls for richer, more occlusive moisturizers to combat dryness, but as the seasons shift, your skin’s needs may change. While not everyone needs to switch their moisturizer, pay attention to the signs your skin is giving you.
If your skin feels oilier or more congested, or if your products seem to be sitting on the surface rather than absorbing, it may be time to transition to a lighter, more water-based option that provides hydration without heaviness.
Reparative Moisture Balance offers deep hydration while maintaining a weightless feel, making it a great option for the seasonal transition. The AVST line from Environ also provides a range of options to suit different skin needs, allowing for a gradual shift in hydration levels.
For daytime, a broad-spectrum SPF can double as your moisturizer, providing hydration, protection, and antioxidant benefits all in one. Both Light Day Sunscreen SPF 37 and Extreme Protect SPF are packed with antioxidants to help defend against environmental stressors while keeping the skin nourished.

These multifunctional formulas offer the perfect balance of moisture and protection, simplifying your routine without compromising on skincare benefits.

Increase Exfoliation for a Fresh Glow

Winter’s dry air often leaves behind a buildup of dead skin cells, leading to dullness and clogged pores — one of the most common skin concerns in spring. This is the perfect time to increase exfoliation to reveal a brighter, more even complexion.

We recommend adding an extra day or two of exfoliation based on what your skin can handle and the type of exfoliation you’re using. There are three different types you can do at home:

Chemical (acid-based)
Physical (scrubs)
Combination exfoliators that use both

If you’re looking to treat sun damage, fine lines, wrinkles, or acne, we recommend an acid-based exfoliator like our favorite Revival Masque. But don’t let the word "acid" scare you. It’s incredibly gentle and effective.

If your main concern is dryness and dullness, a combination exfoliator that includes both chemical and physical methods, like Tri-Active Exfoliating Mask, would be a great choice to refresh the skin.

Give Your Skin an Antioxidant Boost

We believe an antioxidant serum should be part of any solid routine year-round, but come spring, it’s time to step it up. As we start spending more time outdoors, increasing exposure to environmental elements, it’s important to boost the protection your skin gets topically. Vitamin C is one of the most essential antioxidants, and if it’s not already in your routine, now is the perfect time to start. It helps protect against environmental stressors, boosts collagen production, and enhances the effectiveness of SPF.

For a well-rounded routine, we love adding antioxidants at night too. Spring is an ideal time to introduce retinol like Retinol + Emulsion 3, a powerhouse for smoothing fine lines, fading discoloration, refining pores, and reviving dull skin.

Since retinol is an active ingredient, it’s not always well tolerated when the skin’s moisture barrier is compromised. If you need a gentler alternative, Avance Elixir is a peptide-rich formula that promotes radiance, even skin tone, and long-term skin resilience.

For those with blemish-prone skin who also want anti-aging benefits, Active Serum is a fast-acting, results-driven option that visibly reduces fine lines, evens skin tone, and helps with breakouts.

Prevent Excess Oil and Breakouts

As temperatures rise in spring, many people notice an increase in oil production due to warmer weather and higher humidity. The shift in climate stimulates sebaceous glands, leading to excess shine, clogged pores, and a higher chance of breakouts. Seasonal allergies can also contribute by triggering inflammation, which disrupts the skin’s balance and leads to increased oil production.

Additionally, lingering winter habits like using heavier, occlusive moisturizers may no longer suit your skin’s changing needs and can lead to congestion and breakouts. Switching to lighter, oil-balancing products and maintaining regular exfoliation can help keep skin fresh, clear, and balanced throughout the season.

Incorporating cleansers with gentle yet active ingredients like salicylic acid can help remove excess oil and impurities without stripping the skin’s natural moisture. Sebu-Wash Gel Cleanser is a great option to cleanse deeply while keeping the skin balanced and refreshed.

Spring Allergies and Your Skin

Spring allergens can trigger histamine release, leading to redness, swelling, and irritation. This can worsen skin conditions such as:

Eczema: Flare-ups lead to dryness and irritation. Keep skin hydrated with ceramides, avoid harsh exfoliants, and cleanse gently after outdoor exposure.
Allergic contact dermatitis: Pollen, fragrances, and skincare ingredients can trigger rashes and itching. Avoid known triggers, use soothing ingredients like aloe and niacinamide, and wash off allergens after being outside.
Rosacea flare-ups: Pollen, wind, and sun exposure can increase redness. Stick to soothing, anti-inflammatory products, and always wear SPF.
Puffy eyes and dark circles: Histamine widens blood vessels, causing fluid buildup and inflammation. Reduce puffiness with cold compresses and hydrating eye creams and avoid rubbing the area.

To keep your skin healthy and resilient, focus on hydration, barrier repair, and soothing inflammation. Reparative Moisture Balance provides deep hydration, Post Peel Balm strengthens the skin barrier, and the Hydra-Intense Cooling Mask is a rich, luxurious cooling treatment designed to calm irritation and refresh the skin.

Get a Seasonal Skincare Reset at JE’DERM

Getting your at-home routine right is essential, but spring is also the perfect time for a deep-cleansing, pore-refining facial with an expert esthetician. While regular skin treatments should be part of your routine, a seasonal skin reset helps refresh your complexion and ensure your skincare is aligned with your skin’s changing needs.

Plus, it gives you access to a professional who can answer any questions you have about adjusting your routine for spring. Come visit us for a facial and let’s get your skin glowing for the season ahead!

Transitioning From Winter to Spring Skincare

Why Should You Change Your Skincare Routine for Spring?

How Do Seasonal Changes Affect Your Skin?

What Are the Biggest Differences Between Winter and Spring Skincare?

What’s the Best Way to Introduce New Products?

Tips for Transitioning from a Winter to Spring Skincare Routine