Leaping into Spring: How to Update Your Skincare Routine

Signs that spring is right around the corner are finally here, fellow skincare junkies! As days get longer and we get more sunlight, many of us are emerging from the freezing clutches of winter with dry, dull, and flaky skin. With the change in seasons, the environmental factors and our skin’s needs change — more sun means more UV, more heat means more sweat and sebum (oil) production, which may mean acne. 

How do we prepare our skin for the sunny days ahead? We asked our board-certified dermatologist and Skincare Junkie creator Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose for her advice on updating our skincare routines for spring. 

Spring Clean Your Skin 

Spring cleaning doesn't have to be just for your living environment! Embrace the changing season and work on simplifying your skincare routine. Less is often more. Sometimes the products we use are contributing to our skincare problems! And too many products can be a culprit. 

Check Your Cleanser 

Make sure to use a gentle cleanser that won't strip skin year-round. Use a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser that effectively removes impurities without disturbing the skin's balance. Try Skincare Junkie Gentle Jelly Facial Cleanser which is suitable for normal, oily, combination and sensitive skin types. 

Exfoliate the Dullness Away 

To get rid of dullness, incorporate exfoliation into your skincare routine. Exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells and keep pores clean brightening your complexion. 

Exfoliate smart, not hard — opt for a gentle chemical exfoliation product such as exfoliation pads. The ingredients and acid concentrations are less potent, and treating the skin with a gentler product every day tends to be safer than using a stronger product less frequently.  

Try Skincare Junkie Pore Therapy Daily Toner Pads, they are gentle and effective. Use them up to three times per week, then increase frequency to daily if tolerated well. 

Nourish and Protect with Antioxidants 

Feed and nourish your skin with nutrient-rich ingredients. Incorporate serums or treatments enriched with vitamins and antioxidants into your skincare routine. 

For example, a serum with Vitamin C can protect against environmental damage, brighten the complexion, and stimulate collagen production for most skin types. If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, watch out for tocopherol in the ingredients if you are acne-prone as it may clog your pores. 

If you are concerned with skin dryness or the first signs of aging, try humectants like hyaluronic acid to hydrate, plump and improve skin texture. As humidity levels rise with the changing season, humectants like hyaluronic acid become more effective because they work by drawing moisture out of the air and attracting it to the skin. 

Hydrate Lightly

Switch to lighter weight moisturizers as we head out of winter. Some of the best ingredients include ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and squalane. 

For dry skin, you may choose to keep using a thicker, richer cream to lock-in moisture and protect the skin barrier. If your skin is acne-prone or oily, opt for lightweight moisturizers that are oil-free and non-comedogenic. Gradually adapt your skincare routine as the weather changes. 

If your skincare routine is overrun with too many products, you can spring clean it by choosing multi-tasking products like Skincare Junkie Megadose Super Antioxidant Face Moisturizer, which combines an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer and a powerful serum packed with antioxidants. 

Enjoy the Sun Safely 

As the sun and UV radiation get stronger, it is even more important for all skin types to remember to use a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 daily. Reapply every 2 hours when outdoors or in direct sunlight. 

Dr. Murphy-Rose recommends mineral (as opposed to chemical) sunscreen. Mineral sunscreen contains zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide and provides broad spectrum coverage while protecting skin from UV-exacerbated inflammatory skin conditions. Wear wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses for additional protection against UV rays and limit time in the sun, especially during peak hours. 

If you already have sun damage, don’t despair. Try Skincare Junkie Discoloration Fade Wand — our magic wand that helps treat a variety of hyperpigmentation issues such as sun spots, post-acne marks, melasma, discoloration, etc.