Spring Cleaning Your Skincare: Refresh & Revamp Your Skincare Routine

As the flowers bloom and the days get longer, spring brings a fresh start—and that applies to your skincare routine too! Just like your home, your beauty cabinet needs a seasonal reset. Over time, skincare products expire, skin needs change, and clutter builds up. Spring is the perfect time to declutter, refresh, and update your skincare essentials to match the new season. Not sure where to start? This guide will walk you through spring cleaning your skincare, from tossing expired products to revamping your routine for glowing, healthy skin.

Step 1: Declutter Your Skincare Stash

Before diving into new products, take a moment to clean out your existing collection. Expired or ineffective skincare can do more harm than good, so it’s important to check your products regularly.

How to Tell If a Skincare Product Has Expired

Check the PAO (Period After Opening) symbol – This is the little jar icon on the packaging with a number (e.g., “6M” means it’s good for six months after opening).

Look for changes in color, texture, or smell – If a cream has separated, a serum smells off, or a gel has changed color, it’s time to toss it.

SPF loses effectiveness over time – Sunscreens should be replaced at least every 12 months, even if they look fine.

Mascara and eye products expire fastest – Anything used near the eyes should be replaced every 3 to 6 months to prevent infections.

Organizing Your Skincare Shelf

Once you’ve decluttered, organize your skincare by category or usage order (e.g., cleansers, serums, moisturizers). Store products in a cool, dry place and avoid exposing them to direct sunlight, which can degrade active ingredients.

Step 2: Clean Your Skincare Tools & Accessories

Your skincare tools—like brushes, sponges, and jade rollers—can collect bacteria over time, leading to breakouts and irritation. Spring is the perfect time to deep clean your tools.

How to Clean Your Beauty Tools Properly

Makeup Brushes & Sponges – Wash them weekly with a gentle cleanser or brush soap to remove makeup, oil, and bacteria.

Jade Rollers & Gua Sha Tools – Wipe them down with a damp cloth and mild soap after each use.

Reusable Cotton Pads & Towels – Toss them in the wash regularly to keep them fresh.

Skincare Fridges & Storage Containers – If you store skincare in a mini-fridge, wipe down the inside with a disinfecting cloth.

Step 3: Transition Your Skincare for Spring

As the weather warms up, your skin’s needs change. Spring brings higher humidity, increased sun exposure, and a shift from dry winter air to a more balanced climate.

1. Switch to a Lighter Moisturizer

Why? Heavy creams that worked in winter can feel too thick in spring, leading to clogged pores.

Best Swap: Use a lightweight gel or water-based moisturizer with ingredients like hyaluronic acid to keep skin hydrated without feeling greasy.

2. Update Your Cleanser

Why? Spring weather means more sweat and oil buildup, so your cleanser should be able to remove impurities without stripping the skin.

Best Swap: Switch to a gentle foaming cleanser if you have oily skin or a light gel cleanser if you have combination skin.

3. Exfoliate for a Fresh Glow

Why? Skin can feel dull after winter, and a good exfoliation routine helps remove dead skin cells and brighten your complexion.

Best Swap: Use a gentle chemical exfoliant (like AHAs or BHAs) 2-3 times a week to reveal fresh, glowing skin.

4. Upgrade Your Sunscreen Game

Why? With more time spent outdoors, daily SPF is non-negotiable.

Best Swap: Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher with added antioxidants for extra protection. If you wear makeup, try a lightweight sunscreen that layers well under foundation.

5. Introduce Antioxidants for Protection

Why? Antioxidants help protect against pollution and UV damage, both of which increase in the spring.

Best Swap: Add a vitamin C serum to your morning routine to brighten and protect against free radicals.

Step 4: Refresh Your Makeup & Beauty Products

Spring is a time to embrace lighter, fresher beauty looks. Swap out heavy winter foundations for tinted moisturizers or BB creams. Choose peachy, rosy blushes and glowy highlighters for a radiant, natural finish.

Makeup Refresh Checklist:

✅ Swap dark, matte lipsticks for soft, glossy shades
✅ Opt for lighter foundation or tinted moisturizer
✅ Switch to waterproof mascara for humid days
✅ Try cream-based blush and highlighter for a dewy look

Step 5: Adopt a Self-Care Ritual for the New Season

Spring cleaning your skincare isn’t just about products—it’s about refreshing your routine and mindset. Take time to focus on self-care habits that make you feel your best.

Spring Self-Care Ideas:

💆 Face masks – Use hydrating masks with aloe or honey for a skin refresh.
🧖‍♀️ Facial steaming – Open up pores and promote circulation.
🥗 Healthy diet – Eat antioxidant-rich foods like berries, leafy greens, and nuts.
💦 Hydration – Drink more water to keep your skin plump and glowing.

Spring is the perfect time to reset your skincare routine, clear out expired products, and transition to lighter, more hydrating formulas. By decluttering, cleaning your tools, and updating your products, you’ll set yourself up for a season of glowing, healthy skin. So, grab your beauty bag, do a little spring cleaning, and give your skincare routine the refresh it deserves! 

For more hair, skin and beauty insights, look no further than Beautyvice.com!