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Spring Skincare Tips to Clean Your Routine 

May 2025


Products and Treatments to Add, Swap, or Skip in the Spring Season

Your skincare routine should change throughout the year – in the colder months, you’re exposed to harsh winds and dry air, while in the spring and summer, you’re exposed to more direct sunlight and increased humidity.  

Seasonally appropriate products can keep your skin feeling rejuvenated, balanced, and glowing, and ensure it stays protected and healthy whether you’re on a beach or a ski slope.  

These spring skincare tips for products to add, swap, or skip will help you freshen up your skin after the long, cold winter, and prepare it for the warmer weather ahead.  

What to Add to Your Skincare Routine in the Spring 

Antioxidant Serums (Like Vitamin C): Warmer weather gets everyone outside more, and with increased sun exposure, spring is the perfect time to add an antioxidant serum like Vitamin C to your skincare routine. Antioxidants help protect the skin from environmental damage, brighten your complexion, and support collagen production for healthier skin. 

Tinted SPF with Broad-Spectrum Protection: If you’ve been using a heavier foundation in the winter, it can take a back seat in the spring; opt for a tinted SPF with broad-spectrum coverage instead! This multitasking product evens skin tone hydrates the skin and protects against UVA/UVB rays in one easy step. Plus, using only one makeup product helps prevent clogged pores and keeps your skin feeling lighter. A few favorites you can typically find at Optima Dermatology are Alastin’s HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen and Revision Skincare’s Intellishade. 

Lightweight Moisturizers: As humidity levels rise, your skin craves lighter hydration. Swap out heavy occlusive moisturizers for a gel-based or oil-free moisturizer that keeps skin hydrated without feeling greasy. Alastin’s HA (Hyaluronic Acid) IMMERSE Serum™ is a favorite amongst our team. 

Make a Product Swap: Try These Trending Spring Skincare Options 

Niacinamide: A must-have for calming redness and improving skin texture. Perfect for post-winter sensitivity and seasonal breakouts. 

Peptides: Peptides pack powerful support for the skin barrier, boost hydration, and promote collagen production for a smoother, plumper complexion. 

Mineral Sunscreens: If you have sensitive skin, opt for mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These products provide broad-spectrum protection without irritation. 

Skincare Products to Skip This Spring 

Harsh Exfoliants: Your skin is already adjusting to the change in weather, so ease up on chemical peels or gritty scrubs. Over-exfoliating can lead to redness, irritation, and increased skin sensitivity. Instead, gentle exfoliation once or twice weekly will keep your skin fresh. 

Heavy Moisturizing Creams: Lathering on thick moisturizing creams in the winter is a must to combat that dry air but come spring you can toss those to the side and grab a lighter product that works better with higher humidity levels. 

Creamy, Thick Cleansers: If you use a cream-based cleanser in winter, spring is a great time to switch to a foaming or gel-based cleanser that removes excess oil and sweat without stripping your skin of necessary oils. 

Spring Clean Your Skincare Products 

Spring cleaning is a great way to shake off the winter chill and start the new season fresher and cleaner. You can spring clean your skincare products like you would clean your home.  

Here are a few tips for refreshing your products, and unlike scrubbing your baseboards, it only takes a few minutes: 

  • Check expiration dates. Expired products lose effectiveness and can even irritate the skin. Toss anything that’s past its prime! 
  • Streamline your routine Stick to a few essential products that work best for your skin and part ways with all those half-empty bottles. 
  • Sanitize your applicators and tools. Clean your makeup brushes, beauty sponges, and facial rollers to prevent breakouts and bacteria buildup. 

These spring skincare tips are meant to help you swap your heavier winter products for lighter, seasonal essentials, and declutter your shelf to make room for the essentials.  

As we head into spring, consider meeting with one of our board-certified dermatologists to identify your unique skincare needs and help freshen up your routine for spring. Request an appointment at one of our many locations in Maine, New Hampshire, Indiana, and Ohio!