For Allure, by Lauren Hubbard.
Photo: Leslie Kirchhoff/Allure (Photographed At The Nina Ricci Fall 2016 Show)
If you're a dedicated Allure reader, it won't come as a shock that you need to switch up your skin-care products with the seasons: lighter, more sheer for summer; pile on the moisture in winter. But what about the in-between seasons, like now-upon-us spring, when the temperature and humidity start to rise but you're still pulling on a jacket instead of sweating literally everywhere? Here are the changes to make to stave off the great weather-changing skin freakout.
Lighten up. The low humidity levels and bracing winds of winter call for a heavy-duty moisturizer, even for oilier skin types. But as warmer weather rolls in with those famous April showers, December-appropriate lotions start to feel pore-smothering. Try switching to a lighter gel-cream formula, like Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel or Philosophy Take a Deep Breath Oil-Free Energizing Oxygen Gel Cream Moisturizer. The magic combo of lightweight hyaluronic acid and occlusive glycerin pulls in water from the air and locks it into skin so you stay hydrated without feeling like you're wearing a blanket on your face.
Scrub down. The sudden influx of moisture out in the world can also mean a sudden excess of moisture on your skin, which can in turn lead to totally unspringy dullness and clogged pores. While you have to be careful with overexfoliating delicate winter skin, spring is the perfect time to step up your regimen slightly. Since you're not in full-on summer mode yet, try an exfoliator that uses salicylic acid, like Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid, instead of a harsh scrub. "Salicylic acid is excellent at removing pore-clogging oil, and it doesn't traumatize the skin like a physical exfoliant," says Joshua Zeichner, a dermatologist in New York City.
Do some spring cleaning. As with your moisturizer, you need to tone it down when it comes to your daily cleanser. If you've been favoring a skin-coddling cleansing balm or cream cleanser for the harsh winter months, swapping it out for a foaming gel will help clear away any excess oil from the naturally shine-prone T-zone. We like Eau Thermale Avene Cleanance Gel Cleanser, which cleans thoroughly without stripping skin and also has oil-controlling monolaurin to help your skin stay balanced.
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