As we make our way from winter to spring, our skin might need some extra help. So we gathered our best seasonal beauty tips by skin type so that you can help your skin transition from winter to spring, whether you have oily, dry, or combination skin.

What happens to your skin in spring?

• Cold and heat fluctuations can trigger skin concerns, like increased dryness and redness

• Oiliness may ramp up as it gets warmer

• Allergies can be an environmental skin trigger

Between yo-yo temperatures and seasonal allergies, your skin in spring may be as unpredictable as the weather. Spring allergies combined with winter skin woes like dryness and windburn means your skin may be more sensitive this time of year. Warm temperatures make us sweat (and can ramp up our skin’s oil production) and coax us out into sunlight, meaning you might be exposed to more damaging UV rays.

3 skincare tips for spring 

1. Keep your routine as simple as possible.

2. Protect your skin from the elements with sunscreen and occlusive moisturizers. 

3. If you’re prone to oily skin, transition to a lightweight moisturizer as the temperature increases. 

How to update your skincare routine for spring

If you don’t already have a basic skincare routine, spring is the perfect time for new beginnings! If your current skincare routine isn’t cutting it, make some tweaks. Here’s how to update your spring skincare routine in three steps:

Step 1: Identify your skin type.There are four broad skin types: normal, oily, dry, and combination. Of course, skin type is a spectrum, but knowing where you fall can help you pick the right products.Step 2: Pinpoint your seasonal triggers. If you’re having a seasonal skin problem, investigate its cause. For example, red and irritated skin might result from windburn, while seasonal allergies may cause puffy eye bags. Step 3: Adjust your routine. Now that you have all the info on your skin’s new situation, you can look for products to help. 

Let’s talk more about different spring skincare routines by skin type.

What to do if your skin is dry

Chilly days and exposure to allergens can mean you experience skin dryness and flaking. And if you’re prone to allergies, you may also be prone to irritation and have a higher tendency towards atopic dermatitis (a type of eczema). Whatever the source of your dry skin, it’s important to use a gentle moisturizer that soothes and protects.

What to do if your skin type is dry

Is your skin dry? Dry skin tends to…

• Feel tight

• Have rough patches

• Worsen in cold weather

Chilly days and exposure to allergens can mean you experience skin dryness and flaking. And if you’re prone to allergies, you may also be prone to irritation and have a higher tendency towards atopic dermatitis (aka eczema). Whatever the source of your dry skin, it’s important to use a gentle moisturizer that soothes and protects.

Whether you have seasonally dry skin or dry skin year-round, look for a good facial moisturizer to add to your daily skincare routine. And, of course, dry skin on the body can benefit from moisturizing too! If you’re prone to eczema or simply have sensitive skin, we like Gold Bond Ultimate Eczema Relief.

Here are three skincare products to help dry skin in spring:

1. The rich moisturizer by Curology: Our creamy moisturizer locks hydration into the skin with six key moisturizing ingredients, handpicked by our dermatologists.

2. Desert Essence Pure Jojoba Oil: Add a couple of drops to your moisturizer to help bring out your inner glow. 

3. Cerave AM Moisturizer with SPF30: This daily facial sunscreen with ceramides helps skin retain moisture while protecting against UV rays. 

What to do if your skin is oily

Is your skin oily? Oily skin tends to…

• Look shiny 

• Have larger pores

• Get even oilier in warm weather

Spring brings warmer weather…eventually. When it gets hot and humid, our skin’s oil (aka sebum) production ramps up. Oily skin can also be caused by other factors like hormones, diet, and stress. For a quick (but temporary) fix, blotting papers and clay masks can help.

Niacinamide is an antioxidant that may help reduce oil production, so look for skincare products that feature it as a key ingredient—you can ask your Curology provider if adding it to your Custom Formula is right for you.

You may also want to switch to a lighter gel moisturizer, like the original Curology moisturizer. And reach for oil-free sunscreens with mattifying effects to help keep your skin protected without feeling greasy.

Here are three skincare products to help oily skin in spring:

1. The moisturizer by Curology: Our original moisturizer has a gel consistency that won’t weigh you down. 

2. Honest Beauty Invisible Loose Blurring Powder: Top your skin off with a translucent setting powder to absorb excess shine. 

3. Olay Regenerist Cream Moisturizer SPF 30: This daily facial sunscreen with niacinamide has a smooth, matte finish. 

What to do if your skin is combination

Do you have combination skin? Combo skin tends to… 

• Have an oily “T-zone” (nose, forehead, and chin)

• Be dry everywhere else

• Oiliness can occur elsewhere, but you should notice two different “textures” on your skin

If your skin is as unpredictable as rain in March, you might have combination skin. Most people have a mix of oily and dry skin—and you may also experience a mix of seasonal skin changes in spring. 

Even though combo skin is totally common, your skin still has unique needs, so it can be tricky to figure out good treatments for skin concerns like acne, fine lines, or dark spots.

Start with a simple skincare routine with just the essentials: a gentle cleanser, a moisturizer, and a sunscreen. Your Curology provider can also review your skin and help mix a Custom Formula that’s right for you.

Here are three skincare products to help combination skin in spring:

1. The cleanser by Curology: Our gentle cleanser cleans skin while plant sugars help reinforce your moisture barrier. 

2. NYX Matte Blotting Paper: Quickly de-shine the oily parts of your face with a blotting sheet. (Your makeup won’t budge!)

3. Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Mask: This mask has a mix of oil-absorbing and lightly moisturizing ingredients, so it’s a perfect companion to your skincare routine.

When in doubt, custom skincare is what it’s about

Our ever-changing skin is with us from day one — that’s why we all do our best to take great care of it, But if you’re tired of trying to Google your way out of skin woes like acne, hyperpigmentation, and uneven texture, then put yourself in the hands of experts and give Curology a try.

Get your personalized skincare routine with Curology

Get your personalized skincare routine with Curology

Start your skin quiz

Just snap a few selfies and take a quick skin quiz to be matched with one of our in-house medical providers who will review your unique situation. If we can help, we’ll prescribe you a Custom Formula with a mix of three active ingredients for your skin concerns. Add on your choice of moisturizer and any other Curology product at no extra cost — you’ll just pay $4.95 (plus tax) to cover shipping and handling on your first box. Subject to consultation. Subscription is required. Trial is 30 days + $4.95 shipping and handling.

This article was originally published on April 22, 2021, and updated on February 3, 2022.

Written by

Curology Team

Medically reviewed by

Nicole Hangsterfer, PA-C