Refresh your skincare routine for spring, with lightweight moisturisers, gentle exfoliants and sunscreen from La Mer, Philip Thomas Roth, Ren and Supergoop!

Mar 15 , 2025

Say goodbye to the winter cold: it’s time to reset your skincare regime for sunny days ahead with lighter products such as Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream. Photo: Handout

The change of season requires a lighter approach to skincare to ensure you let all that lovely vitamin D in – but don’t forget to keep the UV out and always stay moisturised

As the days grow longer and the chill of winter starts to fade, it’s not just our wardrobes that need a refresh – our skin does, too. The spring shift from cold, dry air to warmer, more humid conditions can leave your skin feeling confused, like it’s trying to choose between wearing a trench coat or a denim jacket on a brisk March morning.

But fear not – transitioning into spring isn’t about tossing everything in your vanity; it’s about tweaking what you’ve got and swapping in a few key products to handle the season’s specific demands so your skin glows like a springtime bloom.

Use a lightweight moisturiser

La Mer The Moisturizing Soft Cream. Photo Handout

Dean-Richard Johansson, head skincare scientist at Optaderm, says now is the perfect moment to reach for moisturisers that may have felt too light for winter. “Gel moisturisers, lotions and water-based creams hit the ideal balance, providing hydration without weighing the skin down,” he explains. Think La Mer The Moisturizing Soft Cream or Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream, both formulations that deliver moisture while having an airy, weightless feel.

At the core of these products is hyaluronic acid, the ultimate hydrator that attracts water into the skin, ensuring deep hydration without clogging pores, and leaving the face feeling revived, plump and ready for the new season ahead.

Add antioxidant-rich products

Dr Dennis Gross C+ Collagen Brighten & Firm Vitamin C Serum. Photo: Handout

As the days grow sunnier, antioxidants take centre stage, “acting as vigilant protectors against the free radicals unleashed by UV rays and pollution”, Johansson says. Vitamin C sera are the go-to in this category. Reach for formulas like Dr Dennis Gross 15% Vitamin C Firm & Bright Serum or Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster, both designed to brighten and even out the skin tone and shield against environmental damage, while reviving that coveted post-winter glow for a complexion that’s fresh and luminous.

Use gentle exfoliants

REN Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic. Photo: Handout

No spring refresh is complete without addressing exfoliation, especially after a winter of battling thick creams and dry indoor air. “The build-up of dead skin cells is a real concern, and it’s often the culprit behind any lingering dullness,” explains Dr Ahmad Chaudhry, dermatologist at Danish brand Scandinavian Biolabs.

For those with sensitive or dry skin, Ren’s Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic is a gentle yet effective option that exfoliates without harshness, revealing smoother, more radiant skin sans irritation. For those with oily or acne-prone skin, Sunday Riley’s Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment provides a more intense experience, brightening the skin while tackling texture and congestion and calming down inflammation.