How can you prepare your skin for spring?

Often overprotected during the winter by rich creams and covering clothing, the skin can tend to accumulate dead cells on its surface. Cellular renewal may also slow down during the cold season, due to lower exposure to light and less favorable climatic conditions. As a result, the complexion may appear duller and the skin texture less even. As spring approaches, it can therefore be beneficial to help the epidermis eliminate these accumulated cells in order to regain a more uniform and more radiant skin.

To do this, you can exfoliate your skin once or twice a week.

Several types of exfoliants can be used depending on personal preference and skin sensitivity. Chemical exfoliants, containing for example alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), work by dissolving the bonds between dead cells. Mechanical exfoliants, also known as scrubs, function differently and remove corneocytes thanks to the particles they contain. If you use this type of exfoliants, we recommend choosing very fine particles to avoid irritating your skin.

In addition to helping refine skin texture and restore the complexion’s natural radiance, exfoliation optimizes the penetration and effectiveness of skincare products applied afterward. As spring approaches, this simple step can help reset the skin on a healthy foundation.

With the arrival of spring, changes in temperature and sunlight exposure can alter the skin’s balance. Several studies have shown that sebum production varies according to the seasons. A study carried out on several hundred participants notably observed an increase in sebaceous secretion in spring and in summer. This change can be partly explained by higher temperature and humidity levels, but also by increased activity of the sebaceous glands under the influence of environmental factors. The skin may then appear shinier, particularly in the T-zone, which includes the forehead, nose, and chin, and the pores may appear more visible.

Several approaches can help reduce this excess without dehydrating your skin.

Everything starts with thoroughly cleansing the face. To do this, you can use a cleansing gel that contains mattifying active ingredients, such as zinc or bamboo extract, to effectively remove accumulated sebum. If you have oily skin, this type of cleanser can be used daily. Otherwise, it may be useful to apply it once or twice a week, depending on how your skin feels and what it needs. Be sure, however, to choose a gentle formula so as not to disrupt the skin barrier and to avoid causing skin dehydration. In fact, overly harsh cleansers can paradoxically stimulate sebum production in response to the drying out of the epidermis. At the same time, if you feel the need or notice shiny areas, you can also turn to mattifying serums or sticks.

With the return of milder temperatures, it can be tempting to simplify your skincare routine. However, hydration remains essential, even when the skin seems less dry than in winter. More frequent sun exposure and sometimes persistent wind can continue to disrupt the epidermis. To maintain soft, comfortable skin, using a hydrating serum can be a good option. These lightweight formulas, rich in humectants, help draw water into and retain it within the stratum corneum. Among the most commonly used active ingredients are, of course, hyaluronic acid, but also glycerin, polyglutamic acid, and aloe vera.

Hydrating your skin with a serum does not eliminate the need to use a moisturizing cream.

Essential all year round, it helps to limit water evaporation at the surface of the epidermis. Moisturizing creams contain a variety of ingredients that help restore the hydrolipidic film and maintain the skin’s hydration and comfort throughout the day, with the most important thing being to choose a product suited to your skin type.

With the arrival of spring, exposure to environmental aggressors tends to increase. UV rays become more intense, outdoor activities multiply, and the skin is more frequently confronted with atmospheric pollutants. These factors promote the production of free radicals, unstable molecules capable of damaging the lipids, proteins, and DNA of skin cells. This phenomenon, known as oxidative stress, contributes in particular to premature skin aging and to the breakdown of certain proteins, such as collagen.

To strengthen the skin’s natural defenses against these stressors, it can be useful to incorporate antioxidants into one’s skincare routine. Among the best-known are vitamin C, which helps neutralize free radicals and restore the skin’s radiance, vitamin E, which protects cell membranes, as well as plant polyphenols, found for example in green tea extract and resveratrol. Other antioxidants, such as ferulic acid or coenzyme Q10, are also highly effective in helping the skin better resist external aggressions.

When used regularly, antioxidants support the skin’s defense mechanisms as the warmer, sunnier days approach.

As temperatures progressively rise, the skin may tend to produce more sebum and tolerate very rich textures used during winter less well. Spring is therefore often the ideal time to adjust the galenic form of one’s skincare products. Without necessarily changing every product in your routine, it can be useful to opt for lighter textures, such as gel-creams and fluid emulsions. These formulations provide the skin with the necessary active ingredients while avoiding the sensation of an overly occlusive film.

The most important thing is to listen to your skin: if the texture of the skincare products you used in winter still suits you in spring, there is no need to change.

With the arrival of spring, the intensity of UV radiation gradually increases. Even if temperatures remain moderate, sunlight becomes stronger and the days get longer. In addition, outdoor activities often resume at this time of year: walks, sports, outdoor dining, or walking commutes. This cumulative exposure can lead to skin damage, including premature aging of the skin, the appearance of dark spots, or even sunburn. While SPF 30 may sometimes be sufficient during the winter, except in the mountains, it can become a bit insufficient in spring. It is therefore better to opt for an SPF 50, and then keep using it throughout the summer.

For sunscreen protection to be truly effective, it is also important to apply a sufficient amount of product. In practice, about two to three finger lengths are recommended for the face and neck, to be reapplied during the day in case of prolonged exposure. Today, sunscreens are available in many forms: very light fluids, gels, mists, sticks, or mattifying creams. Formulations have evolved greatly in recent years, particularly for oily skin.

The argument that sunscreens are too thick and greasy is no longer really relevant. Today, every skin type can find a texture that suits it.

After winter, the complexion can sometimes appear a bit duller. Spring is therefore an ideal time to restore radiance to the skin. Tinted skincare products are an interesting option: they add a touch of color while continuing to care for the skin. For example, you can opt for glow drops, formulated with pearlescent particles or light-reflecting pigments to revive the skin’s glow, or for bronzing drops that subtly warm the skin tone without a masking effect. These products are often enriched with moisturizing or antioxidant active ingredients, allowing you to combine a healthy glow with effective skincare.

Other simple actions can also help to brighten the face. Applying a tinted concealer can help reduce visible signs of fatigue, while brow gels make it possible to shape the face in a natural way. For the lips, tinted oils offer an interesting alternative to more full-coverage lipsticks: they provide shine, comfort, and a subtle hint of color at the same time.

These lightweight, easy-to-use products fit seamlessly into a springtime routine, where the goal is to enhance the skin while maintaining a natural, radiant finish.

• DIFFEY B. Factors that influence the quality and quantity of terrestrial solar UV radiation. Sun Protection, a risk management approach (2017).

• VELEBNY V. & al. Seasonal variations in the skin parameters of Caucasian women from Central Europe. Skin Research & Technology (2020).