After a winter that’s brought snow, extreme winds and frigid temperatures, spring is finally on the horizon. Whilst we’ve spent the first part of 2021 layering creams, serums and balms, warmer weather and increased humidity mean that our skin may be in for a shock as we enter a new season. The skin undergoes several key transitions throughout the year, and each new season provides the perfect opportunity to optimise its function and hydration with a specific skincare plan.

The skin likes consistency, so when factors like the weather suddenly start to change, it can be a shock to the system as it adjusts. This doesn’t mean that you need to change your entire skincare routine every time we enter a new season, it’s just about introducing one or two key products into your regime to help your skin transition seamlessly.

Lighten the load

One of your skin’s biggest challenges as the days get warmer is hydration, but you’ll find that it doesn’t need rich or heavy products in the spring. The air becomes a bit moister as we start to move into the new season, and the drying effects of central heating and the cold winter air diminish. Our skin tends to hold more water in the spring and summer, so you can slow down on the heavy products and instead opt for something a little lighter.

For a plump, hydrated and dewy complexion, Hyaluronic acid serums that can be layered with ingredients such as Vitamin C and Ferulic Acid to pack a nutrient-rich punch while brightening and protecting. Try the SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier, which helps amplify the skin’s hyaluronic acid levels for a plumper, more refined complexion.

Stay protected

Hopefully, you’ve been wearing SPF throughout winter, but sun protection becomes even more critical once the sun is actually shining. The fact that the heat is mild in the spring can lull you into a false sense of security and increase your risk of skin damage. Our springs have become so much warmer and sunnier in recent years, so you must apply broad-spectrum sun protection with an SPF factor of at least 30 every day. If you’re prone to breakouts, choose your products carefully, as warmer days can wreak havoc on oily skin. Look for oil-free or non-comedogenic products like Heliocare Gel Oil Free SPF 50.

Ramp up the exfoliation

During the winter, cold days, drops in humidity, bitter winds and artificial heat are skin stressors that call for extra nourishing and hydrating skincare. But as we head into spring, it’s time to exfoliate away the old and nourish the new. Kickstart your spring skincare with exfoliating products that contain fruit, glycolic or salicylic acids. Glycolic acid is ideal for sloughing off dead skin and brightening pigmentation, while salicylic acid breaks down excess oil.

Chemical exfoliation removes redundant skin cells and blocked pores, revealing a brighter complexion, and allows for deeper penetration of your products. Exfoliate every evening with the SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Peel Pads.

Introduce an eye cream

If your eyes are still in hibernation mode, you can put it down to the fact that the skin in this area is much thinner than the rest of your face and gets dehydrated more quickly. Products with a high concentration of antioxidants and peptides revive under-eye skin and ward off the collagen-destroying effects of UVA rays. The SkinCeuticals AOX eye gel, is a must for this time of year.