Transition Your Skincare Routine From Winter To Spring

This article originally appeared in the March 10th, 2021 edition of Glam.

It’s finally staying light out past 5 p.m. and temperatures are slowly starting to warm up, which means spring is on the horizon. And just like your thick, wool sweaters, it’s time to retire your heavy, winter-proof creams. “Adjusting your skincare with the transition from winter to spring is fairly simple,” says Dr. Marie Hayag, board-certified dermatologist and Founder of 5th Avenue Aesthetics.

“As the weather warms up, you can begin to use a lightweight moisturizer that is not as heavy or thick as you would use during the winter,” Dr. Hayag says. What she doesn’t recommend is ditching moisturizer altogether—even if you have oily skin. This often means using water or gel-like textures instead of balmy, oil-based ones. As for what to look for beyond texture, Dr. Hayag is a proponent of hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and glycolic acid.

“Hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant that draws moisture to itself, keeping the skin plump and hydrated, without feeling too rich or heavy on the skin,” says Dr. Hayag. When applied topically, it brings moisture to the surface of your skin, giving you a naturally-glowing complexion.

Read More: This Buzzy Skin Care Ingredient Is 4x More Hydrating Than Hyaluronic Acid

“Vitamin C is a good ingredient to look for year round, but even more so during the transition from winter to spring,” she says, noting that its antioxidant properties help protect against sun damage, increase collagen production, and help treat hyperpigmentation.

Finally, ingredients like glycolic acid, a chemical exfoliant, can help “get rid of dull, dead skin that may have accumulated during the colder months,” she adds. Of course, sunscreen is also a must. “It’s also important to keep in mind that the UV index increases during the spring and summer months, so you must be consistent in applying sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 every day,” emphasizes Dr. Hayag.