How To Refresh Your Skincare Routine For Spring

Spring is finally here – the clocks spring forward, and the days are getting longer and lighter. If you’ve been hiding indoors and keeping your skin under wraps, then this is your official cue to rise out of hibernation and start afresh with the new season. 

To give you some inspiration, we’ve rounded up some of our Consultant Dermatologist’s best skincare wisdom. Where to start? We’re going back to basics for a spring clean of your routine.

Three things to know before starting any skincare routine

With Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Malvina Cunningham

Understand that everyone’s skin is different

“Everyone’s skin will have slightly different needs. It’s very individual – your best friend’s routine may be perfect for their skin but may be unsuitable for you. When I meet patients for the first time I look at their skin type, age, concerns and their skin condition to decide on an optimal plan.”

An expert-approved routine shouldn’t cost the earth

“Your skincare routine also doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive. You can find effective products that are suitable for your skin at a reasonable price.”

Choose simplicity over multiple single-ingredient products

“The skincare market has lots of well-formulated combination products which I generally prefer to using multiple single-ingredient products.”

Three skincare routine basics

With Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Malvina Cunningham

Make sure you’re using products to support your skin type

“Choose a cleanser that is specific to your skin type or concern if you are starting off and make sure the cleanser doesn’t leave your skin dry or irritated. Follow your cleanse with a moisturiser that is skin type or skin concern specific.”

Your morning routine

“Follow your cleanse with a hydrating sunscreen which should be broad-spectrum with a filter of at least SPF 30 and worn all year round. Sunscreen is a must-have for anyone who would like to maintain healthy skin, tackle skin ageing and treat any medical skin conditions such as acne or rosacea.”

Your evening routine

“In the evening I always encourage a double cleanse if you are wearing makeup, skincare or sunscreen. The first step is to take off your makeup and the second is a deeper cleanse. Follow with moisturiser. I’d also advise you to add products to this routine in the morning and/or the evening that targets specific skin concerns.”

Three things to know about skin types

With Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Malvina Cunningham

There are four main skin types

“Broadly speaking, most people’s skin can be categorised into a ‘skin type’: ‘normal’ (or well-balanced skin), dry, oily and combination. All of these skin types can be sensitive at times.”

Knowing your skin type can inform the best skincare treatment

“Categorising your skin is helpful as it can give dermatologists clues to some of the underlying causes of your skin issues and it can allow us to better predict how your skin will behave and react to different treatments.”

Your skin type can change

“It’s important to note that your skin type can change with age and changes in our environment such as a drop in temperature or humidity can dehydrate your skin and make it appear much drier.”

Three things to know about layering skincare with makeup

Get the order right

Make sure you’re formula-smart. On your freshly cleansed face, start with your serum or active ingredients – as a general use, layer thinner products that need to penetrate the pores, first. Layer your thicker moisturiser next and let it absorb fully before you take your next step.

Don’t forget Sunscreen

Sunscreen goes on as the last product in your morning skincare routine – before makeup. See our Skincare and the Sun Guide for more sunscreen layering wisdom.

Beware makeup pilling

Pilling – when skincare, makeup or sunscreen form tiny balls on your skin – can happen when you mix oil-based products with water-based products on top. See more on how to stop skin pilling here.

Three ways to spring clean your routine 

If your skin is acne-prone, switch to non-comedogenic products 

Make sure you’re not sabotaging your breakout-fighting treatment by layering on additional products that clog your pores. That means avoiding oils like coconut oil, almond oil, avocado oil and olive oil on your skin.

Want to age well? Understand the power of actives

Don’t wait, you can start using active ingredients before your skin shows the signs of ageing. The important point here is matching the active ingredient to your skin type and goals. We can’t turn back the clock, but we can support our skin health to boost its glow and texture.

Keep an eye on expiry dates

Get into the habit of doing regular clear-outs of your skincare – every six months is ideal. Although the PAO symbol is a useful guide, we’d recommend writing the date you opened a new product on the bottom of it in marker, so you know exactly how long you have left.

Final thoughts

There’s nothing quite like a spring clean. So, while you’re putting your winter coats into storage or gearing up to hang your washing outside again, remember to extend your seasonal editing to your skincare shelf for healthy, happy skin.