I Revamped My Skincare Routine for Spring—Here’s How
It's time to break out the lightweight products.
I’ve been basking in the glow of all this extra sunshine in New York City as often as humanly possible. Seriously, there is nothing that can boost your mental health like leaving the office while it’s still light out—and arriving back home 40 minutes later, and the sun still hasn’t set. More sunshine, more time spent outside, more forgetting that I’m actually allergic to a ton of trees (but it’s still worth it to go to the park a few times a week because the landscape is so pretty in bloom). Still, I can’t forget that a change in seasons and temperature also means it’s time to take stock of my skincare routine.
Spring is doing her thing, and that means that my skin is craving a whole new set of products and ingredients to feel soft, hydrated, and irritation-free. The heavy creams of the past five months are being relegated to the back of my bathroom cabinet in favor of lighter formulations, my sunscreen application is becoming more diligent, and my double cleansing regimen is back in action since, yes, I’m already starting to sweat on my daily commute. Luckily, a few easy product swaps are enough to maintain clear, glowing skin until summer. Keep scrolling to discover everything I reach for in my spring skincare routine.
Double Cleansing Duo
Between the NYC grime and extra sweat, I return to my double cleaning regimen in the summer to thoroughly reset my skin at the end of the day. A cleansing oil and a gentle face wash are my go-to products to keep my skin healthy and happy.
This formula feels like a hug for your skin. Luxurious botanicals cocoon my face while removing everything from waterproof mascara to pore-clogging debris. It’s also ideal for a pampering face massage.
I adore this gel cleanser for its gentle formula that never leaves my skin stripped or dry, but it still has a bit of that satisfying foam that makes me feel like my skin is really clean. It’s a true staple in my routine.
Mighty Mists
There’s nothing like a refreshing face mist in the morning or even during the afternoon as a mid-day pick me up. It’s a sensorial treat and helps to rehydrate the skin after copious sun exposure.
If you’re new to the hypochlorous acid spray game, allow me to explain: it’s a skin-soothing superstar that calms inflammation and speeds up recovery, whether that’s breakouts or general skin healing. I keep a bottle of this formula at my desk, in my bathroom, and a mini version in my bag at all times.
Barrier repair doesn’t stop just because the temperature is finally above freezing, which is where this strengthening formula comes into play. The ultra-fine mist is such a delight to use, and I really feel like my skin drinks it in for added hydration and soothing benefits.
Breathable Barrier Support
A lightweight moisturizer is a must once spring rolls around to maintain hydration without clogging my pores with extra perspiration and heat.
I adore this formula and have used it in the spring and summer for years. It has the most velvety texture that sinks into the skin like a dream, and it leaves you with the most radiant glow all day long.
This is the GOAT of my moisturizer collection and a true K-beauty staple. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin, super breathable, but it still leaves my dry skin adequately hydrated, even on the day after using my prescription retinol.
Silky Sunscreen
Daily sunscreen doesn’t change with the time of year, but I definitely make sure to reapply throughout the day to maintain adequate protection. Using a formula that feels creamy and comfortable on the skin makes that process so much more enjoyable.
I’ve been obsessed with this SPF since it launched last year, and it’s still a beloved formula in my sun care routine. It’s a mineral formula, so it’s great for anyone struggling with melasma (guilty), leaves zero white cast, and it sinks into the skin like a luxury face moisturizer.
A spray sunscreen makes reapplying throughout the day ridiculously easy, especially if you don’t want to mess with your makeup. This Australian brand makes some of the best SPFs on the market right now, and the face mist option is one of my favorites. A bottle lives on my desk all year long.
Must-Have Masks
I take masking very seriously in the spring when my skin is dealing with any lingering dryness or irritation from the winter and working to stop clogged pores in their tracks. Sunday is face mask day, when I use a duo of deep cleansing or exfoliating masks with something super soothing and hydrating.
Ask a French girl what masks she always keeps stocked in her bathroom, and I guarantee this is on the list. It’s a clay-based formula that sucks out gunk from your pores in ten minutes without ever stripping your skin. I’m obsessed.
Rice water and ceramides are the hero ingredients in this K-Beauty sheet mask, and my skin drinks them up like I just ran a 10K. I apply this after my deep cleansing mask to restore hydration and add radiance and firmness to my skin. Consider this the icing on the cake at the end of an at-home spa day.
Why Trust Marie Claire
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
Don't gatekeep our newsletters from your friends. Subscribe to Face Forward here.
