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De-Winterize Your Skincare Routine In 5 Easy Steps

After months of snow and bitterly cold weather, the new season is finally here!

Spring is a splendid reminder of how beautiful change can truly be. With the warmer days ahead it is time to say goodbye to winter and commit to a much-needed spring cleaning. No, we are not here to tell you how to “Marie Kondo” your entire house. We are talking about spring-cleaning your beauty routine.

Each season comes with distinct skincare requirements. And while you may be ready to run right into sunny days, your skin needs a little time to adapt. The weather and the environment directly affect the health, and complexion of your skin. During the winter your skin has become used to the dry and cold climate, and when the temperature and humidity increase, it may act up. This doesn’t mean you have to overhaul your skincare routine each season.

The key is to pick products that target seasonal concerns. To transition your skincare routine from winter to spring, replace primarily moisturizing and hydrating formulas with products containing more active ingredients like antioxidants and retinoids.

It is important to remember that it takes two to eight weeks for the skin to become accustomed to new products. At first, you may notice a reaction, such as dryness, redness, and spots. This is completely normal, especially when dealing with potent ingredients like vitamin C or A. To make the transition as smooth as possible, start with this simple plan:

Week 1: Use new products every other day, once a day.

Week 2: Use new products every other day, morning, and evening.

Week 3: Use new products every day, morning, and evening.

And now, let’s find out what changes you can apply to your routine to help your skin to be at its best this spring.


1. Go for lighter cleansers.

The cold dry winter air strips the skin of its natural moisture. It calls for creamy cleansers and moisture-locking. When the temperatures and humidity begin to rise, your skin doesn’t need as much help in that department. A warmer climate allows your skin to produce more of its natural oils.

Instead of using a thick, hydrating cleanser, reach for something lightweight like gel or foam formulas. These options will still give your skin a deep clean and keep it hydrated without adding excess oil in these already oil-inducing months.

On the contrary, an oil cleanser can be an excellent option for dry and sensitive skin. Oil cleansers seal all cracks in the skin and trap moisture making the skin more resilient and less reactive.

TIP: use our Rad Face Oil as a gentle cleanser. It is rich in antioxidants, including papaya, which has an enzymatic exfoliating effect.

AKT Therapy After Sun Botanical Toner and Rad Face Oil

AKT Therapy After Sun Botanical Toner and Rad Face Oil


2. Don’t skip exfoliation.

Spring is a prime time to exfoliate, brighten dull skin, and leave you super glowy. Dermatologists generally recommend chemical exfoliants as a less harmful and more effective solution. Chemical exfoliants remove skin debris and promote cell turnover. If you have sensitive skin opt for gentler exfoliants with fruit enzyme ingredients, such as papain and bromelain.

If you prefer a physical exfoliant - keep it gentle. Choose a product with smaller abrasives. Avoid exfoliators containing microbeads, as they are harmful to the environment.

And remember, over-exfoliation can make your skin sensitive to the sun, so don’t overdo it. Exfoliating weekly, generally, is enough.

TIP: Dermatologists recommend getting a facial every time the season changes. This will help your skin to adjust to the new environment.

Woman getting a facial


3. Switch to a lightweight moisturizer.

Our skin naturally tends to hold more water in the spring and summer. So when the weather is heating up, thicker creams cause sebum overproduction, which leads to clogged pores, shiny complections, and even acne flare-ups. The trick to keeping your skin nourished and glowy this spring is switching to a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer that works with your skin type. Look for the formulas with humectants and emollients, which absorb instantly while protecting the skin barrier.

TIP: To achieve even better results and streamline your routine, ditch heavy foundations for lightweight BB creams and tinted moisturizers with UV protection.


4. Don’t slack on your UV protection.

Sunscreen is imperative all year round. However, in the springtime, it’s extra important to be vigilant about UV protection. When long sunnier days arrive, we spend more time outside. Use sunscreen even if it’s cloudy and keep in mind that pale winter skin is more sensitive to UV rays.

Chrystal from Harlow Atelier wearing AKT skincare

How Chrystal from @harlowatelier does Spring makeup! 

A broad-spectrum physical sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is perfect for springtime. Put it on every morning, whether it’s already in your moisturizer or you apply it on top of it. It is an extra step to your routine, but it will save you a lot of skin-related grief in the long run.

TIP: You can use a body sunscreen on your face if you are on the beach since you’ll be applying it more often anyway.

AKT Therapy Elemental Sun Balm

AKT Therapy tinted Elemental Sun Balm with SPF 30


5. Purge your skincare products and sanitize makeup tools.

Old products can host a bacterial buildup, leading to clogged pores and dull skin. So go through everything you own and throw out anything over six months old, anything that doesn’t look right, anything you don’t use anymore. Get familiar with your inventory to prevent repeat buys and reduce waste. This will make room for the items you love and use regularly.

Makeup brushes
Makeup tools are often overlooked and can store unwanted germs and viruses. Researchers found that 70% to 90% of all of the cosmetic products and tools they tested had been contaminated with fungus and bacteria, including E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Ewww! So do yourself a favor and wash your makeup brushes and sponges at least once a week with regular hand soap and dry them with a blow-dryer.

Something so simple can have a colossal impact on overall skin health!


Written by Elena Popkova

AKT Therapy