The Ultimate Spring Skincare Checklist
Dr. Pimple Popper shares her top tips for a seasonal refresh.
Published:
2 minute read
Spring isn’t just about warmer weather—it’s a season of change, and your skin needs to adapt just as much as your wardrobe. Increased humidity, stronger UV rays, and allergy season all bring new challenges that can impact skin health.
Board-certified dermatologist Sandra Lee, MD (aka Dr. Pimple Popper) shares the ultimate spring skincare checklist to refresh your routine, strengthen your skin’s defenses, and keep your skin balanced all season long.
#1 Refresh your skincare stash
Before you start swapping products, take inventory of what’s in your cabinet. Expired or improperly stored products lose effectiveness — especially sunscreen, vitamin C, and acne treatments.
- Check expiration dates: SPF and certain types of vitamin C degrade faster with heat and air exposure.
- Toss old or contaminated skincare: jars and open packaging can harbor bacteria.
- Keep it simple: swap heavy winter creams for breathable, non-comedogenic hydration to avoid congestion.
Dr. Lee's pro tip: “When your skincare stops working, expired or oxidized ingredients are often to blame. If it looks or smells off, toss it.”
Dr. Pimple Popper's Spring Reset
#2 Adjust your cleansing routine for warmer weather
With higher humidity and more sun exposure, your skin produces more oil and sweats more frequently — meaning your cleansing routine needs an upgrade.
- Wash your face every night to remove sweat, SPF, and pollutants that can clog pores.
- Switch to a clarifying cleanser if you notice more oiliness or breakouts.
- Rinse off immediately after sweating or spending time outdoors to prevent body acne.
SLMD Skincare to try: Salicylic Acid Cleanser, Salicylic Acid Body Spray
#3 Prep for allergy season & skin sensitivities
Spring allergies don’t just affect your sinuses — they can also cause redness, irritation, and puffiness, especially around the eyes and cheeks. Pollen and pollution levels rise in spring, increasing free radical damage and skin barrier stress.
- Cleanse at night to remove allergens like pollen and pollution that stick to skin.
- Hydrate & repair your barrier with hyaluronic acid and calming antioxidants.
- Use soothing, non-irritating formulas to prevent flare-ups if your skin is feeling sensitive.
SLMD Skincare to try: Hyaluronic Acid Serum, Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer
#4 Strengthen your skin’s defenses against the sun
Longer days mean more UV exposure — and spring is when many people forget to be consistent with SPF. But sun protection isn’t just about sunscreen — your skin needs extra support to defend against free radicals and hyperpigmentation.
- Check your SPF's expiration date: an expired sunscreen won’t protect properly.
- Pair vitamin C with SPF: this power duo neutralizes free radicals before they cause sun damage.
- Prevent dark spots early: warmer months trigger melanin production, making post-acne marks and hyperpigmentation worse.
SLMD Skincare to try: Vitamin C Serum, Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15
#5 Hydrate & support your skin from the inside out
Your diet and hydration levels play a big role in how your skin adapts to seasonal changes.
- Increase water & antioxidants to combat dehydration and oxidative stress from environmental shifts.
- Watch for dietary breakouts: some people experience flare-ups from dairy, sugar, or alcohol in warm weather.
- Opt for hydrating skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid to replenish moisture loss from increased sun exposure.
SLMD Skincare to try: Hyaluronic Acid Serum, SA Acne Spot Treatment
Dr. Lee's Last Word
Spring is the perfect time to reassess your skincare. A few small updates — like swapping expired products and adjusting how you cleanse and protect — can go a long way toward keeping skin balanced and healthy through the seasonal shift.
