Ready, Set, Glow: How to Spring Clean Your Skincare Regimen

This time of year never fails to rekindle my passionate love affair with spring.

It’s like clockwork, where I somehow manage to forget how incredible sunshine feels when it’s been hiding for months. But when that first weekend of half-decent weather hits, something inside me lights up (or maybe it’s just the thought of an ice-cold pint…).

My birthday aside, spring is the ultimate mood booster with its good vibes, bright blooms and the delight of dining al fresco, sans those pesky, chill-induced perky nips.

Even the birds seem to sing a little louder (??).

But you want to know what really gets my heart racing? Spring cleaning.

I get it; it's not everyone's idea of a good time (my partner included), but for a quintessential Virgo like me, it's akin to pure, unadulterated child-like joy.

Amidst all this decluttering and destressing, there's one thing high on my to-do list: giving my skincare routine a refresh.

Much like we swap out our winter coats for lighter jackets, our skin calls for a trans-seasonal transition.

So, let’s talk about how to refresh our skincare regimen to meet the needs of the new season.

P.S. If my adoration for spring wasn't clear already, I couldn't help but snap my skincare picks amidst the blossoms surrounding my home—a lil' homage to my favourite season.

1. Up The Hydration.

As the seasons shift from the cooler months to the warmth of spring and the sizzle of summer, naturally, our skin gets thirstier.

This means hydrating ingredients will be your best friend (if they weren’t already) to prevent moisture loss.

In particular, look out for products that contain:

• Hyaluronic acid (HA): a humectant that naturally occurs in the body and is responsible for retaining moisture to keep skin plump and flexible. You may also notice sodium hyaluronate listed in the ingredients, which is the salt form of HA.

• Glycerin: another humectant that, like HA, pulls water into the outer layer of the skin to keep it hydrated and comfortable.

• Panthenol (aka provitamin B5): a moisturising ingredient with anti-inflammatory properties that binds water to the skin and helps restore the skin barrier.

These ingredients can be found in a whole host of skincare products, from serums to moisturisers and mists, but my all-time, ride-or-die is the La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum 50ml.

It’s just so deliciously dewy and silky on the skin!

2. Exfoliate More.

Where in winter we went a little lighter on liquid exfoliants, with the summer season approaching, now’s the time to get ~glowing~.

Increased heat and humidity can lead to excess oil production and sweat.

These factors combined with sunscreen and potential exposure to pollutants can create a buildup of debris on the skin’s surface that, if left unchecked, can cause breakouts and an overall blah complexion.

Exfoliating helps combat these issues by sloughing away dead skin cells and unclogging pores.

In turn, this helps to prevent breakouts and actually enhances the effectiveness of your other skincare products.

It also promotes cell turnover, which essentially means fresher, healthier skin cells rise to the surface for a more radiant, youthful-looking complexion.

In terms of which exfoliants to look out for, firstly, you have two options: physical (the scrubbing kind) and chemical (the non-scrubbing kind).

There’s also a variety of products on offer with varying formulas depending on your skin type and sensitivity.

My new fave exfoliant is the SkinCeuticals Glycolic Renewal Cleanser 200ml which I use 1-2 times a week as my second cleanse step to deeply clean and resurface my skin (two birds, one cleanser kinda situation).

We’ve covered all things exfoliants including the difference between AHAs, BHAs and PHAs in a previous Beauty IQ here.

Otherwise, for more on AHAs, tune in to the below video for a quick explainer.

3. Double Down on SPF.

It wouldn't be a Beauty IQ without us mentioning the golden rule of skincare.

While sunscreen is a non-negotiable 365 days of the year, it’s even more critical as temperatures rise and outdoor adventures call.

But instead of sticking with your winter SPF, consider switching to a lighter formula that not only offers broad-spectrum protection but feels weightless on the skin and under makeup.

Sunscreens labelled “non-comedogenic” are a safe bet for oily, acne-prone skin. And anything with “hydrating” in the name is best for my fellow dry skin sufferers as they often contain skin-softening ingredients like vitamin E and hyaluronic acid.

And remember, SPF isn’t just for fair skin. Nor is it exclusive to beach days. It’s a daily commitment for all.

Even when you’re working indoors, those UV rays can penetrate windows, so make a habit of applying (and reapplying) your SPF.

If not to shield your sun from sun damage then at least to prevent premature ageing, ‘cos nobody wants that.

I’m currently rotating between the Ultra Violette Fave Fluid SPF50+ Ultralight SKINSCREEN 75ml, the AB LAB Barely There SPF50+ Facial Sun Cream 75mL and the SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial Defense SPF 50.

4. Boost Your Antioxidants.

Part and parcel of gloriously sunny days is increased exposure to harmful UV rays–which is where antioxidants come in.

Not only are antioxidants serious glow-getters, but they protect the skin from free radical damage from environmental stressors that can cause fine lines and wrinkles, a dull, uneven skin tone and an increase in dark spots.

The most popular antioxidant is vitamin C (a natural anti-inflammatory) which can even prevent SPF-related breakouts by controlling sebum production in the skin.

Other commonly used antioxidants include vitamin E, ferulic acid and niacinamide (vitamin B3) which are found in a host of skincare products from moisturisers to cleansers, lotions, oils and sunscreens.

The key is to find the right antioxidant for your skin type.

My current go-to antioxidant serum is the SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF which contains a potent mix of vitamin C, ferulic acid and phloretin to enhance the luminosity of the skin while fading pigmentation and improving signs of ageing.

I’m also loving the Clinique Even Better Clinical Brightening Moisturizer 50ml for an everyday glowy moisturiser.

Want more seasonal skincare tips and product recommendations? Check out these Beauty IQs:

• The Best Makeup-Skincare Hybrid Products to Add to Cart for an Ultimate Glow

• 5 Multitasking Moisturisers I’m Loving For Glowy, Hydrated Skin

• Gender-Neutral Fragrances Are the Next Big Thing. Here’s 6 to Have On Your Radar