Spring has arrived, which means warmer temperatures, longer days and the annual temptation to overhaul your skincare routine.
But before adding another exfoliating serum or high-strength active to your bathroom shelf, dermatologists say it is worth considering what your skin actually needs after winter.
Cold, dry conditions and indoor heating can contribute to moisture loss from the skin, leaving it feeling dry, tight or uncomfortable. US dermatologist Dr Alexandra Coromilas of ColumbiaDoctors has previously noted that winter conditions can deplete the skin’s natural oils and allow water to escape.
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And the seasonal transition does not necessarily mean skin instantly returns to normal.
Consultant dermatologist Dr Hiba Injibar of Dermasurge Clinic says changes in temperature, humidity and sun exposure can all influence how skin behaves as the seasons change.
For some people, increased oil production combined with heavier skincare products can also contribute to a feeling of congestion.
Then there is spring’s pollen count, which can be another consideration for people prone to sensitivity.
That elaborate winter skincare routine might not be the best thing to carry straight into spring.
Why skincare is getting simpler
For years, the beauty industry has encouraged increasingly elaborate routines, with consumers layering exfoliants, serums, masks and treatments in the pursuit of smoother, clearer-looking skin.
Now, the conversation is shifting towards keeping things simple.
K-beauty has long championed hydration-focused routines and layering lightweight products, while trends such as skin cycling have encouraged consumers to think more carefully about how frequently they use intensive skincare products.
St. SAJ
Australian skincare brand ST. SAJ’s range is centred around hydration and maintaining skin’s appearance and comfort.
Founded by beauty expert and media personality Emmylou McCarthy, ST. SAJ was created with a focus on accessible skincare education, ingredient transparency and streamlined routines.
“The biggest misconception we’re seeing is that more actives equals better skin,” she says.
“In reality, winter is when the skin needs support, not stress. We’re seeing more consumers arrive at a point where their skin is over-treated, reactive and dehydrated.”
Emmylou says the growing interest in simpler routines reflects consumers becoming more informed about skincare and taking a closer look at how products fit together.
“The conversation has fundamentally changed,” she says. “It’s no longer about how many steps you’re using; it’s about whether those steps are actually supporting your skin’s health. We’re seeing a real return to fundamentals: hydration, protection and repair.”
For a consumer, that can mean taking a step back before reaching for another treatment product.
The spring skincare reset
A seasonal skincare reset does not need to involve throwing out your entire bathroom cabinet.
Instead, the focus can be on the basics: keeping skin moisturised, choosing products suited to your skin and using sunscreen appropriately during the day.
If your skin feels extra dry, uncomfortable or persistently irritated, it is also worth speaking with a qualified healthcare professional rather than attempting to treat the problem with an increasingly complicated skincare routine.
For those simply looking to streamline their everyday regimen, ST. SAJ offers a hydration-led approach inspired by K-beauty principles and adapted for an Australian beauty market.
The appeal is straightforward: fewer complicated steps, an emphasis on hydration and products designed to fit into an everyday routine.
Shoppers are increasingly interested in understanding what they are putting on their skin, rather than automatically assuming a longer routine is a better routine.
After years of skincare maximalism, the spring reset could be surprisingly simple.
Rather than chasing every new active or adding another product whenever skin looks a little different, spring is a useful reminder to assess your routine, keep the basics covered and give your skin the care it actually needs.
