How I’m Transitioning My Routine for Warmer Weather
As the weather warms up, my combination, acne-prone skin starts acting like it just got a new lease on life—more glow, more oil, and more unpredictability. So every spring, I do a gentle reset. Nothing dramatic. Just a quiet shift into what my skin actually needs this time of year: less weight, more balance, and SPF that doesn’t play me.
Here’s how I’m updating my skincare routine for spring (without starting over or breaking the bank).
1. Lighter Moisturizers > Heavy Creams
Look, I love a thick cream in winter. It’s like wrapping your face in a duvet. But come spring? My pores are begging me to let them breathe.
What I’m doing:
- Swapping rich moisturizers for lightweight, non-comedogenic gels or creams.
- Looking for ingredients like glycerin, squalane, and panthenol—they hydrate without feeling suffocating.
My go-tos right now:
1. CeraVe Oil Control Moisturizing Gel-Cream
- Rating: 4.7/5 | Price: ~$18 (3 oz)
2. CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion (Ultra Lightweight)
- Rating: 4.7/5 | Price: ~$14.97 (3 oz)
3. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel (Fragrance-Free)
- Rating: 4.5/5. |. Price: ~$19.99 (1.7 oz)
2. SPF Becomes the Main Character
I wear SPF year-round (because sun damage doesn’t take a season off), but in spring and summer, it becomes the feature.
What I’m doing:
- Making sure I reapply every 2 hours—especially on long walks or balcony/patio lounging.
- Ditching anything greasy or chalky.
- Using stick or fluid formulas that play well under makeup and don’t feel like a mask.
1. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+ PA++++
- Rating: 4.8/5 | Price: Approximately $13–$18 (50ml)
2. Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30
- Rating: 4.7/5 | Price: Approximately $16 (3 oz)
3. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
- Rating: 4.7/5 | Price: Approximately $38 (1.7 oz)
3. Brightening + Barrier Repair > Heavy Exfoliation
Spring is when I stop trying to overcorrect everything. Instead, I focus on glow and balance—with ingredients that support healing, not just exfoliation.
What I’m doing:
- Dialing back on strong exfoliants like glycolic acid or weekly peels
- Prioritizing niacinamide, arbutin, and azelaic acid for brightening and tone correction
- Still using my trusty BHA (Paula’s Choice) once or twice a week to manage breakouts
Brightening Products I’m loving:
1. Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum: Rice + Alpha-Arbutin
- Rating: 4.5/5 | Price: Approximately $16 (30ml)
2. The INKEY List 15% Vitamin C + EGF Serum
- Rating: 4.5/5 | Price: Approximately $16 (30ml)
3. Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum
- Rating: 4.6/5 | Price: Approximately $20 (30ml)
4. Hydration Without Overload
Yes, you still need hydration in the warmer months—just not in the same heavy layers.
What I’m doing:
- Using toner pads or mists with hyaluronic acid or green tea
- I love ‘Innisfree Green Tea Enzyme Vitamin C Toner Pads‘ ($28 USD/60 pads)
- Applying serums on damp skin to seal in moisture
- Occasionally skipping moisturizer at night if my skin already feels quenched
5. Bonus: Skin Habits I’m Keeping Simple
- Face icing when my skin’s feeling puffy
- Tip: buy snack sized ziplock bags, fill with water and place in freezer overnight. You can use them to ice your face in the morning after cleansing and before any serums/moisturizers/SPF.
- Tip: buy snack sized ziplock bags, fill with water and place in freezer overnight. You can use them to ice your face in the morning after cleansing and before any serums/moisturizers/SPF.
- Washing my pillowcases often (especially if I’m sweating at night)
- Switching to breathable silk or cotton headwraps
Final Thoughts: No Drastic Changes, Just Smart Ones
Spring is not about overhauling your skincare—it’s about adapting and simplifying. Let your skin breathe. Let your SPF shine. Let your routine match the season you’re in—inside and out.
Let me know in the comments what you’re switching up this season—or what’s staying the same. Your glow, your rules. ✨
