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As the days grow longer, spring offers the perfect opportunity to reset not just our wardrobes, but our skincare too.
The colder months can leave skin feeling dull, dehydrated, and in need of a little extra care, making this the ideal time to reassess what our skin really needs.
Speaking to Dr Alexis Granite, Consultant Dermatologist & Founder of Joonbyrd, she said ‘winter routines are built around barrier rescue and occlusives. As humidity rises and UV increases, that same routine can start to feel congesting and/or dullin. A spring swap is less about doing more and more about getting the right balance again.’
With environmental factors changing such as a rise in pollen, higher UV levels and even humidity, our skins sensitivity can increase, potential for collagen to breakdown, and pore clogging can occur. ‘The goal is to support your barrier, control inflammation and increase UV protection while lightening texture and reintroducing gentle actives,’ explains Dr Alexis.
From gentle exfoliation to barrier repair and glow-boosting essentials, these nine products will help refresh, rebalance, and prep your skin for the brighter days ahead, so that it looks and feels its best all season long.
Sculpted by Aimee DuoCleanse
Think of this as your all-in-one cleansing power couple: a balm to melt away makeup followed by a gentle gel to leave skin feeling fresh, clean and balanced. Perfect for anyone who wants that just-had-a-facial glow without the multi-step faff.
RANAVAT Brightening Saffron Serum
This feels like a little luxury moment every time you use it. Powered by saffron, it helps boost glow and even out skin tone while giving dull, tired skin a much-needed pick-me-up. Infused with saffron and Ayurvedic-inspired ingredients, this lightweight serum is ideal for skin that’s looking a little lacklustre after winter.
BYOMA Barrier+ Repair Treatment
If your barrier is crying out for help, with signs like redness, itchiness, increased sensitivity, this creamy face mask treatment delivers instant comfort. Packed with ceramides and barrier-loving ingredients, it’s a brilliant pick for stressed, sensitive or over-exfoliated skin to get it prepared for the new season.
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30
Moisturiser and SPF in one? Yes please. This everyday cream helps lock in moisture whilst offering broad-spectrum sun protection, making it ideal for busy mornings and springtime layering. An easy, fuss-free last step in your daily routine.
Garnier Brightening Serum 4% Vitaminc C Niacinamide & Salicylic Acid Anti Dark Spots
A triple-threat formula which consists of Vitamin C, Niacinamide and Saliculic Acid, all ingredients which Dr Alexis recommends for a Spring skin reset. It is specially designed to tackle dullness, dark spots and uneven texture, so expect brighter-looking skin with continued use. It also has a subtle fresh fragrance which promotes endorphins so you also get a mood boost at the same time.
The INKEY List SuperSolutions 10% Azelaic Acid Serum
The change in temperatures can often cause our skin to breakout, which makes this product perfect for breakout-prone or reactive skin, calming redness, smoothing texture and tackling blemishes without further irritation. Think clearer, more even-looking skin with consistent use.
Paula’s Choice 7% Ectoin + Hyaluronic Acid Milky Hydrating Serum
Labelled as seven barrier effects in one drop, think of this as a big drink of water for thirsty skin. With ectoin to protect and hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate, it leaves your complexion feeling plump, soothed and seriously soft – perfect for anyone craving moisture without heaviness.
Avène Gentle Exfoliating Gel for Sensitive Skin
A rare exfoliator that sensitive skin will actually tolerate. It buffs away dead skin cells while staying kind and soothing, leaving your complexion soft, smooth and calm. Dr Alexis recommends exfoliating once or twice a week.
Medicube Zero Pore Pad
These gentle toner pads are ideal if you want smoother skin without overdoing it. They lightly exfoliate, refine pores and refresh the complexion – great for quick, lazy skincare days that still provides excellent results.
If you want to throw in a treatment to help, then Therapie Clinic do Polynucleotide injectables which works wonders. The formula aids in rejuvinating your complexion and promoting healthy restoration around the face, neck and even hands. Compared to other skin boosters, this one in particular works at a deeper level to activate specific cells to aid in firmness and texture.
Speaking further to Dr. Alexis Granite she shared how we should be paying more attention to our eye area due to pollen irritation, rubbing and dryness. Make a lip balm swap to one which has SPF infused, something like Malin + Goetz Spf 30 Lip Balm, as well as our hands, necks, and décolletage.
Further skincare Q+A with Dr. Alexis Granite:
What is the best skincare routine to follow:
Morning
- Gentle cleanser
- Antioxidant serum
- Lightweight moisturiser (barrier-supporting)
- SPF 30–50 (face, neck, chest, hands)
Evening
- Cleanse (double cleanse only if makeup/SPF build-up)
- 2–4 nights/week: retinoid and increase as tolerated
- Moisturiser
Gentle exfoliation 2-3 times per week as needed. And don’t forget body care, gentle cleanser, targeted treatment serum and moisturiser daily.
What and how to carry out a deep skincare reset?
Step 1: Strip back to the essentials and stabilise your barrier for 10-14 days.
- Gentle cleanser
- Basic moisturiser (fragrance-free, ceramide-based)
- SPF
Step 2: Reintroduce gradually (one product at a time)
- Add one active, wait 3–5 days before adding another
- Start low frequency, increase slowly. This prevents potential confusion around products causing irritation or very commonly perioral dermatitis.
If having procedures/ treatments, what are the best, and why?
– Spring is great for preventing summer pigment and improving tone/texture following drier, colder months.
– Laser resurfacing: effective but longer downtime; sun avoidance following treatment is key
– IPL/BBL: targets sun spots and redness; great before summer
– Gentle chemical peels: brightening, smoother texture, less dullness
– Skin boosters (hydrating microinjections): hydration, fine lines, boosts radiance
– Microneedling (± RF): texture, pores, early laxity (needs SPF discipline)
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