Not that you asked—but Spring is my absolute favorite time of year. It’s a season of renewal and rejuvenation, not just for nature but for my skincare routine as well. While everyone's skin reacts differently, Spring offers the perfect opportunity to refresh your regimen and discover new solutions tailored to your unique skin needs. You've asked so many great questions about how to adjust your routines and the best products to use for the season ahead, so let’s get into it!

Does my skincare routine have to change with the seasons?

No, your skincare routine does not HAVE to change. If your current regimen is effective and yielding improvements for your current skin concerns, there’s no need to alter it. While certain skin types may require adjustments due to shifts in temperature and humidity, skincare isn’t one-size-fits-all. It's perfectly fine to continue with a routine that suits your individual needs.

How should I adjust my skincare routine for spring?

This question solely relies on your skin type. If you don’t currently know your skin type and are looking for recommended products you can take our Skin Quiz to help you identify. I have a few general recommendations when adjusting your spring skincare regimen:

1. Increase Your Exfoliation - Spring is a great time to introduce gentle exfoliation to remove the buildup of dead skin cells and promote a fresh, glowing complexion. I prefer chemical exfoliants, with glycolic and salicylic acids, like Clarify Pad’s for the face and The One Spray for the body. If you have more sensitive skin a gentle exfoliant like Azelaic10 can be more tailored to your routine.

2. Update Your Sunscreen(s) - Expired sunscreen is not your friend and can cause unwanted irritation. With increased exfoliation, your skin becomes more susceptible to sun damage. Make sure to update all your sun protection to at least SPF 30+.

3. Switch to a Lighter Moisturizer - If you've been using a heavier, emollient-based moisturizer in the colder months, consider switching to a lighter, non-comedogenic formula. Gel-based or water-based moisturizers work well for spring as they hydrate without feeling heavy.

Is vitamin C more beneficial in the spring or in the winter?

Vitamin C is beneficial year round. Whether it’s incorporated into your routine through your cleanser, serum, or moisturizer, it is a prime ingredient to use for your morning routine. Vitamin c (L-ascorbic acid) is a powerful antioxidant that brightens, lightens, and tightens the skin. It’s best used in your morning routine because of its ability to boost your SPF and protect against environmental damage throughout the day. 

Can I stop using moisturizer if my skin feels oily?

I don’t recommend this. Oil is not the same as water. Your skin, regardless of how oily it is, always needs a hydrating moisturizer to support the skin barrier. Skipping your moisturizer can actually lead to your skin producing even more oil as it compensates for the lack of hydration. The key for spring is to choose a lightweight, oil-free, or non-comedogenic moisturizer that won’t clog your pores or cause excess oil production.

How do I protect my skin from allergies in spring?

Skin allergies can be extremely complex. I always tell my patients that treating skin allergies usually requires a combination of lifestyle habits and consistent skincare habits. A few of my top tips for irritation and flare-ups during allergy season are:

1. Wash Your Face Regularly - this removes pollen, dust, and other allergens that may have settle on your skin throughout the day. I prefer a gentle, non-irritating cleanser, like Soothe Cleanser, to avoid stripping the skin of its natural moisture.

2. Avoid Scratching - I know this is a tough one but scratching will only further irritate your skin and can lead to more inflammation and redness. Instead try a soothing or cooling anti-inflammatory cream as a spot treatment to calm the irritation. One of my favorite products for spring/summer skin allergies, such as heat rash, eczema, or bug bites, is Soothe HC. It’s formulated with hydrocortisone 1% and aloe vera to soothe irritated skin.

3. Protect Your Skin From The Sun - this may seem controversial because there are a lot of people out there that say the sun clears acne but that is simply false. While sun exposure may temporarily clear conditions like acne, this is not a long term solution and can even worsen your break outs. If you are already dealing with allergy symptoms, your skin may be more sensitive to UV exposure. Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect your skin.

As always, it’s best to speak directly with your dermatologist about what treatments, procedures, or skincare options are best for you. Skincare is never one-size-fits-all and should be approached with care. 

Still have questions? Leave me a comment below or send me a DM on Instagram (@skinbydrazi). I love to hear from you.