Spring is nature’s way of saying, “Let’s glow!” And that goes for your skincare routine, too. After months of battling dry air, harsh winds, and heavy creams, your skin is ready for a refresh. Transitioning your skincare for spring isn’t just about swapping products — it’s about tuning into your skin’s seasonal needs and supporting it from the inside out. As a health coach and clean beauty advocate, I’m here to guide you through a glow-up routine that’s clean, powerful, and totally doable.

This season calls for a skincare switch-up that supports hydration, radiance, and renewal. And let’s not forget — glowing skin starts from within. So, we’re taking it beyond the bathroom shelf and diving into what you eat, how you hydrate, and what habits truly support vibrant, age-defying skin. Let’s get glowing.

Why Ingredients Matter for Spring Skincare Routines

We’ve all been there. That moment of panic looking at an ingredient list feels commonplace these days.

Many conventional products out there contain harmful chemicals. Things like parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances might give short-term results, but they can cause long-term damage.

They can strip your and potentially trigger allergies or sensitivities. Think of it like using harsh cleaners in your home—they might get the job done, but they could also leave behind harmful residues that could even be cancerous. Why would we do that – on purpose? We wouldn’t. That’s the short answer, but our world is moving fast and sometimes we skim the surface. Let’s remedy that now!

Clean Skincare

Switching to products can make all the difference, particularly as the seasons change. Clean beauty avoids questionable chemicals in favor of naturally sourced and made products.

Choosing clean options for your skincare routine reduces the risk of adverse reactions. Clean skincare gives you better support for your skin’s natural rejuvenation processes.

Look for products with minimal ingredient lists and with ones you recognize. These will provide the best results.

Transition Your Spring Skincare Routine

Spring is a major shift for your skin, coming off months of battling cold, dry air and indoor heating. Those winter conditions can leave your complexion feeling parched, dull, and flaky. But as the temperatures rise, so does humidity, sun exposure, and even seasonal allergens—all of which impact your skin in different ways.

Now is the time to refresh and rebalance. Your skin’s needs are changing, and your routine should, too! The focus? Hydration, protection, and renewal. By adjusting your products and habits, you can help your skin transition smoothly into the warmer months with a healthy, radiant glow.

1. Lighten Up Your Moisturizer

Heavier creams protected your skin during winter, but as temps rise, they can start to feel greasy or pore-clogging. Swap for lightweight, gel-based moisturizers with humectants like hyaluronic acid. These lock in moisture without weighing your skin down. Pro tip: Apply on damp skin to maximize absorption.

2. Exfoliate Away Dullness

Spring clean your face! Use a gentle exfoliator 2–3 times a week to remove winter buildup. Ingredients like lactic acid, fruit enzymes, or rice powder gently slough off dead skin without irritation. This step helps your serums and moisturizers absorb better and brightens your complexion.

A recent review highlights the incredible potential of natural proteolytic enzymes—like bromelain (from pineapple), ficin (from figs), and papain (from papaya)—as gentle yet effective exfoliants in modern skincare. These fruit-derived enzymes work by breaking down keratin protein bonds, helping to slough off dead skin cells, boost cell turnover, and improve absorption of active ingredients like Vitamin C and collagen.

Even more exciting? Researchers found that fruit by-products—like pineapple peels and papaya skins—are rich sources of these enzymes, offering a sustainable and circular solution for the beauty industry. This aligns beautifully with clean, conscious skincare — offering exfoliation that’s not just effective, but eco-smart too.

3. Hydrate From the Inside Out

Glowing skin doesn’t start at your bathroom sink — it starts in your gut. The connection between digestion, nutrient absorption, and skin health is powerful. When your gut is happy, your skin reflects it with clarity, bounce, and radiance. Spring is the perfect time to load up on water-rich, mineral-packed foods like cucumber, watermelon, celery, and leafy greens — all of which hydrate your body and help flush out toxins that can dull your complexion.

Herbal teas like nettle, chamomile, and peppermint can calm inflammation and support healthy digestion. And don’t forget your daily dose of collagen. Supplementing with a clean, multi-collagen formula gives your skin the amino acids it needs to rebuild from the inside out — think firmer texture, fewer fine lines, and that dewy, lit-from-within glow we all crave. Hydration, gut support, and collagen? That’s your inner beauty trifecta.

4. Incorporate a Vitamin C Serum

When it comes to spring skincare, Vitamin C is your MVP — Most Valuable Protector. After months of battling harsh winter air, your skin may be looking a little dull, uneven, or just blah. Enter Vitamin C: a powerhouse antioxidant that brightens the complexion, stimulates collagen production, and helps fade discoloration from dryness or sun exposure.

But not all Vitamin C serums are created equal. For real results, reach for a formula like AnnieMak’s Restore Vitamin C Serum, which pairs stabilized Vitamin C with vitamin E and ferulic acid — a proven antioxidant trio shown in studies to boost effectiveness and protect against environmental damage. Apply it every morning, right after cleansing and before moisturizing, to visibly firm, tone, and protect your skin throughout the day. It’s like spring in a bottle — bright, fresh, and full of renewal.

5. Don’t Skip Sunscreen

Spring sunshine may feel soft and gentle, but don’t be fooled — those UV rays are already working overtime. In fact, up to 80% of UV radiation can penetrate clouds, and UVA rays — the ones responsible for aging and collagen breakdown — pass right through windows. That means your skin is vulnerable even on overcast days or while working by a sunny window.

Consistent sun exposure without protection is one of the fastest ways to accelerate fine lines, dark spots, and a breakdown in skin elasticity. The fix? Make a clean, broad-spectrum SPF 30+ your non-negotiable every single morning — rain, shine, or Zoom meetings. If you’re spending time outdoors, reapply every 2 hours to stay protected. Think of sunscreen as your daily defense against premature aging — because no serum in the world can outwork sun damage you didn’t prevent.

6. Spring Clean Your Skincare Cabinet

It’s not just your closet that needs a spring clean — your skincare shelf does too. Expired products can lose their potency or, worse, harbor bacteria that irritate your skin. But it’s not just about dates — take a hard look at those ingredient lists. Many conventional products still sneak in parabens (hormone disruptors), phthalates (linked to reproductive issues), sulfates (skin barrier bullies), and synthetic fragrances (a major trigger for sensitivity and inflammation). These aren’t just outdated — they’re downright disruptive.

This spring, swap the junk for clean, nutrient-rich formulas that actually nourish your skin. Look for products made with plant-based actives, essential oils, and recognizable ingredients that support your skin’s natural renewal cycle. Your skin — and your hormones — will breathe a sigh of relief.

7. Show Your Eyes Some Love

If your eyes are looking tired this season, spring allergies might be the sneaky culprit. As pollen counts rise, your body’s histamine response can cause inflammation, puffiness, and fluid retention — especially around the delicate eye area. This thin, sensitive skin is one of the first places to show signs of fatigue, aging, and irritation, which means it needs extra TLC.

A targeted formula like AnnieMak’s Renew Eye Cream is your go-to here — it’s packed with clean, soothing ingredients designed to reduce puffiness, minimize dark circles, and smooth out fine lines caused by dryness or seasonal stress. Gently apply a small amount using your ring finger (the weakest one, so it won’t tug or stretch) and pat, don’t rub, to protect the collagen and elastin fibers that keep your skin firm and youthful. The result? Brighter, refreshed eyes that say, “I’ve got this,” even when allergy season hits hard.

8. Mask Up (The Fun Kind)

Your skin craves a reset just like you do — and a weekly mask is the perfect ritual to give it exactly that. Think of it as your skin’s version of a deep breath. Clay and charcoal masks help draw out impurities, unclog pores, and balance excess oil, making them ideal for those battling congestion or breakouts as temps rise.

On the flip side, if your skin’s feeling dry, tight, or irritated (hello, post-allergy flare-ups), reach for masks infused with soothing ingredients like aloe vera, manuka honey, or chamomile to calm inflammation and restore hydration. These powerhouse ingredients deliver concentrated benefits in just 10–15 minutes. And beyond the glow-up, there’s something sacred about setting aside a little “me-time” — dim the lights, sip some tea, cue up your favorite playlist, and let your mask do its magic. It’s not just skincare, it’s self-care — and your future face will thank you.

9. Move Your Body Daily

Want skin that truly glows? Get moving — literally. Physical movement is one of the most underrated beauty tools out there. When you get your heart pumping, you increase blood flow, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells while helping flush away toxins and waste through your lymphatic system. It’s like giving your skin a natural filter and fuel system all at once.

Gentle, consistent movement — whether it’s walking, stretching, rebounding, or planting a spring garden — supports collagen production, reduces inflammation, and even helps regulate stress hormones like cortisol, which can wreak havoc on your complexion.

Bonus: sunlight on your skin (just a little, with SPF!) helps boost your mood and vitamin D levels, both of which play a role in skin and immune health. So, use those longer spring days to reconnect with your body — and watch your skin reflect that renewed inner flow.

10. Eat for Beauty

Your skin isn’t just a surface to treat — it’s your largest organ, and like every organ, it thrives when it’s nourished from the inside out. Every bite you take is either feeding inflammation or fueling regeneration.

So let’s feed the glow. Prioritize antioxidant-rich foods like blueberries, raspberries, spinach, and kale to help combat free radicals that break down collagen and accelerate aging. Add in healthy fats from avocados, nuts, and seeds to strengthen your skin barrier and lock in moisture. And don’t underestimate the power of anti-inflammatory herbs like turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon — they help calm internal inflammation that often shows up on your face as redness, puffiness, or acne.

Food is foundational, and glowing skin is a side effect of a well-fed, well-loved body. Want a simple, delicious win? Whip up the glow-boosting smoothie below — it’s like skincare you can sip.

Healthy Recipes, Healthier You

If there’s one universal truth that holds up across seasons, skin types, and life chapters, it’s this: when we care deeply for ourselves, that love spills out into everything and everyone around us. Your energy shifts. Your relationships soften. Your creativity expands. Because when you feel nourished — body, mind, and spirit — you naturally become a source of light for your family, your community, and the world.

That’s why we’ll never stop saying it: feed yourself well — with good food, kind thoughts, and daily rituals that fill your cup. Choose recipes that delight you, meals that fuel you, and ingredients that love your body back. The side benefit? They also love your skin. When you align what you put in your body with how you want to feel and look on the outside, the results follow — gracefully, beautifully, and in full bloom.

And to support all that clean, gentle, spring-refresh magic you’ve been cultivating? Here’s a fun, skin-loving recipe to match your glow goals and honor the season of renewal. Let’s raise a glass to feeling good in your own skin — from the inside out.

Vitamin C & Collagen Boost Smoothie

Try this fun idea, a twist on “beauty starts from within”. This refreshing spring smoothie nourishes from within and complements your refreshed skincare regimen. With its mix of key nutrients it adds skin, hair, and nail nutrition with minimal time.

Yields: 2 servings

Prep time: 7 minutes

Ingredients:
• 1 cup frozen mixed berries (like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries – rich in Vitamin C.)
• 1/2 cup chopped mango (extra vitamin C + antioxidants)
• 1/2 cup spinach or kale (for added vitamins and minerals)
• 1 scoop Collagens
• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or other milk alternative)
• Optional: a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and honey to taste.

Instructions:
1. Combine ingredients into your blender.
2. Blend on high speed for at least 60 seconds. Blend until nice and smooth, getting all the lumps and dry ingredient mixed well.
3. Taste-test it and add a little honey or lemon juice to taste.
4. Drink immediately to have the freshest taste, nutrition boost, with the highest level of flavor and nutrients intact.

Keep Your Skin Thriving This Spring

Seasonal change is nature’s way of saying, “Let’s reset.” And your skin is no exception. While spring invites us to lighten up, refresh, and re-energize, it’s also a powerful time to make small, intentional shifts that truly nourish your skin — inside and out. Here’s your spring cheat sheet for a radiant, resilient complexion:

1. Wash those makeup brushes (yes, weekly!)

Bacteria, oils, and product buildup love to hide in your brushes. A weekly cleanse keeps your tools — and your skin — fresh, clear, and breakout-free.

2. Hydrate like it’s your job

Your cells need water to function, detox, and repair. Drink more H₂O, sip on herbal teas, and fill your plate with water-rich produce like cucumber, celery, and leafy greens. Hydration = glow.

3. Eat like your skin depends on it — because it does

Nutrient-dense, fiber-rich whole foods support digestion, balance inflammation, and help your skin regenerate. Think colorful veggies, healthy fats, collagen-boosting foods, and gut-loving herbs. Beauty starts in the belly.

4. Declutter your beauty stash

Expired products can harbor bacteria or lose effectiveness. Toss what’s old, toxic, or no longer serving you. Replace it with clean, consciously crafted skincare that works with your body — not against it.

5. Make SPF your daily ritual

Even on cool or cloudy days, UV rays are out doing their thing — breaking down collagen and triggering pigmentation. Shield your skin with a clean, broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every morning, no matter what’s on your calendar.

6. Mask for the moment

Once a week, gift your skin a 15-minute reset with a targeted face mask. Detoxifying clays, hydrating honeys, or soothing botanicals can help boost circulation, calm irritation, and bring dull skin back to life.

Remember, it’s not about a 10-step routine or perfection — it’s about intentional, consistent care. Little shifts add up to powerful results. So follow nature’s lead this season: soften, shed, and let your skin bloom.

Wrapping It Up!

Just like spring cleaning your home, now is the perfect time to refresh your self-care routine. Transitioning to clean, nourishing products gives you that full “fresh start” experience—inside and out. Ditch the mystery ingredients and opt for skincare that truly supports your skin’s health.

By making small, thoughtful adjustments to your daily routine, your spring skincare ritual becomes an exciting, feel-good experience. With the right products and habits, you’ll enjoy lasting radiance, hydration, and that gorgeous, healthy glow all season long!

FAQs about Spring Skincare Routine Tips