How to transition from winter to spring with your skincare by Board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Roger Kapoor, MD, who has built a successful medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology practice using advanced techniques to help patients live happier, healthier lives
Just like our wardrobes change with the seasons, so should our skincare regimen. Here are some tips I recommend to all my clients to help you not only streamline your skincare routine but also seamlessly transition it from winter to spring.
Tip 1: Delayer!
When it’s cold outside, it’s not unusual to where a shirt, followed by a sweater and even a jacket. Those layers are needed! The same is true on our skin, during those winter months, thick creams are often needed and layered on to our skin in order to trap in hydration. But just as we store away sweaters when spring arrives, so should we transition away from occlusive and thick products on our skin. Here are a few steps to take:
- Focus on lightweight serums and a single moisturizer
- Use exfoliants such as a retinoid, lactic acid or polyhydroxy acids
- Hydrate often with lightweight ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin
Tip 2: Use lightweight moisturizers
As the humidity increases and temperatures rise, those thick creams that got your skin through the winter can be too heavy and feel greasy on your skin in the spring. Here are a few steps to take:
- Switch from ointments to gels, creams and lotions as they absorb into the skin more quickly
- Since we sweat more in the spring, use products that are “non-comedogenic” so that your pores wont clog as easily
- Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or aloe vera can help bring in moisture from the environment and help keep your skin hydrated
Tip 3: Remember your sunscreen
As outdoor activities increase, our exposure to UVA and UVB rays can intensify and accelerate aging and unwanted pigmentation changes. Protecting yourself from the sun becomes even more important and here are a few steps to take:
- Consider a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen and apply every two hours if spending continuous time outdoors
- Consider SPF protective clothing
- Wear a wide brim hat
Tip 4: Exfoliate
Flaky skin can build up during the winter months. As spring arrives, it’s important to usher out the old skin and bring in the new by exfoliating. When done right, exfoliation can unclog pores, correct skin tone and improve the absorption of other serums. Here are a few steps to take:
- I suggest chemical exfoliants, such as AHAs or BHAs, over more harsh scrubs as they are gentler on the skin
- Consider ingredients such as chamomile, centella asiatica or allantoin to prevent irritations
- Go slow and be patient with exfoliants as results are cumulative
Tip 5: Be flexible
Pay attention to how your skin responds to different actions you may take and adjust accordingly. Just because something has worked for you in the past doesn’t always mean it will continue to work for you now or in the future. Here are a few steps to take:
- Inspect anything that touches your skin such as makeup brushes to make sure they are clean and look at the expiration dates for products that you have
- Introduce only one new product at a time so you can better gage how your skin reacts to it
- Eat your fruits and vegies, which are packed with water and can help support skin health from within
Spring certainly is a time of renewal and with the tips above I hope you see that your skin will thank you with the happy and healthy glow you deserve.
Board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Roger Kapoor, MD, who has built a successful medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology practice using advanced techniques to help patients live happier, healthier lives
