How to Spring Clean Your Skin Care Routine

Just like the seasons change so should our skin care regimens. Today marks the first day of spring and even though it may not feel that much warmer in your neck of the woods, you should start planning your transition from winter skin care to a more spring-minded strategy. That means swapping heavy moisturizers for lighter serums, favoring exfoliating cleansers instead of gel versions and switching out your sunscreen so it’s season-appropriate. There are also a few things you need to add to your skin care schedule. Pencil in a detoxifying clarifying shampoo sesh once a month to help get rid of any buildup and soothe your scalp. And make sure you pamper your feet after months tucked away in socks and boots. Spring is also a great time to go through all your makeup and toss anything over six to nine months old. Here’s everything you need to spring clean your skin care regimen.

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Spring Clean Your Skin Care Routine

Swap Your Heavy Moisturizer for a Water-Based Serum

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydrating Serum, $25.20 at Ulta Beauty

Since our skin retains more moisture in spring, we can skip those heavy moisturizing creams that were skin saviors in winter. Look for a serum that’s water-based and boasts hyaluronic acid. Our favorite? First Aid Beauty’s hydrating serum that includes colloidal oatmeal plus aloe leaf juice to soothe irritated complexions, which, unfortunately, can happen year-round.
Swap Your Daily Cleanser for a Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser

Tatcha The Deep Cleanse Exfoliating Cleanser, $38 at Sephora

Your dry winter skin definitely needs a little exfoliation to get spring-ready. Instead of opting for a harsh scrub, favor a gentle cleanser that relies on more natural exfoliators, like the fruit-based ones in Tatcha’s daily gel cleanser.
Swap Your Foundation for Tinted Moisturizer

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20, $46 at Sephora

With all the upcoming humidity and sweat, your go-to foundation just won’t cut it this season. That’s where tinted moisturizer comes in. Lightweight with a hint of color, Laura Mercier’s version is perfect for spring and comes in a wide variety of shades.
Swap Your Body Lotion for Body Milk

Korres White Tea Bergamot Freesia Body Milk, $19 at Korres

Instead of a thick body lotion, try a lightweight alternative. Body milk soaks into skin quicker and doesn’t leave any stickiness or greasiness behind. Korres’ body milk is ideal for spring and only leaves behind a subtle floral scent, allowing you to skip perfume.
Swap Your Eye Cream for Eye Oil

KORA Organics Noni Radiant Eye Oil, $38 at KORA Organics

In winter, we need all the hydrating help we can get. But once spring rolls around, we’re not as strapped. So an eye oil is a good bet as the weather gets warmer. Look for one with organic ingredients that comes in rollerball form since eye oils can be a bit messier to apply than traditional creams.
Swap Your Winter Sunscreen for Spring Sunscreen

Kiehl's Super Fluid Daily UV Defense SPF 50+, $38 at Kiehl's

Winter calls for a more moisturizing sunscreen, while spring demands a lightweight option. We’re partial to Kiehl's because it boasts SPF 50+, is noncomedogenic and absorbs quickly. Plus, it protects your complexion from pollution and free radicals.
Use a Clarifying Shampoo

Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo, $26 at Nordstrom

Don’t ditch your go-to shampoo, just work in a clarifying version once a month to tackle buildup and cleanse your scalp. Moroccanoil’s version includes nourishing argan and avocado oils and really delivers on shine.
Treat Your Feet

Patchology PoshPeel Pedi Cure, $20 at Patchology

After months of covering up our feet in layers of socks and boots, they’re probably not sandal-ready. Dissolve all that dead skin and exfoliate any rough areas with this 60-minute treatment. Then go flaunt your feet.