This post was reviewed and updated by Sarah Otto, Dermatology Nurse Practitioner and Founder of Otto Skin Goods on September 2, 2026.
As the weather warms up each year, it's natural to feel the urge to deep clean and reset—sorting out closets, swapping heavy winter clothes for lighter layers, clearing out the pantry, even tackling the garage.
One area worth including in that reset: the bathroom.
Spring is a good time to clear out skincare, soap, and other bathroom products that are expired or simply no longer in use, and replace them with something more minimal and multitasking. As temperatures rise, skin doesn't need as many products to stay healthy, so this is a natural opportunity to pare down to less-but-better formulas.
Here are five ways to update your skincare routine for the season.
1. Sort and Simplify
Start with expiration dates: anything past its prime, or older than a year, should go. Then be honest about what you actually use. If a product hasn't made it into your regular routine, it's worth tossing or giving away.
Once you've pared down, sanitize your makeup brushes and consolidate everything into one drawer or bin. Take stock of what isn't working and consider replacing several underperforming products with one or two that do more. Check ingredient lists too; layering similar actives across multiple products can lead to irritation. Finally, ask whether extras like toners, mists, eye creams, or spot treatments are truly necessary, or whether one to three multitasking products could do the same job.
2. Reintroduce Exfoliation
A light exfoliator can help revive skin after the winter months. Look for a gentle exfoliating serum or scrub—something formulated with mild acids that resurface skin without over-stripping it. The goal is a brighter, more even complexion, not an aggressive reset.
3. Lighten Your Makeup
With more daylight and warmer skin comes an opportunity to simplify. A tinted moisturizer with SPF or a lip-and-cheek tint can stand in for heavier foundation and eye makeup. Subtler, brighter tones tend to suit the season better than a full face of product.
4. Swap Heavy Moisturizers for Lighter Formulas
Rich, heavy moisturizers aren't always necessary once temperatures climb. A water-based hydrating serum or a lightweight facial oil can carry the same benefits without the weight. Sunscreen remains essential. SPF 30 is generally sufficient for the face, and pairing it with a tinted moisturizer or powder sunscreen can help cut down on the number of products in your routine.
5. Spend Time Outdoors
Movement and fresh air benefit skin as much as they benefit everything else. A hike, a game of soccer, or an afternoon of yard work all count. As the weather turns, a simpler routine paired with more time outside tends to be its own reward.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean out my skincare products?
A seasonal refresh, roughly every three to four months, is a good rhythm. It gives you a natural checkpoint to toss expired products and reassess what's actually working.
How do I know when a skincare product has expired?
Check the label for an expiration date or a small jar icon with a number (like "12M"), which indicates months of use after opening. As a general rule, if a product is over a year old and hasn't been finished, it's worth reconsidering.
Do I really need a different routine for spring and summer?
Not a complete overhaul, but some adjustment helps. Warmer weather and higher humidity typically mean skin needs fewer heavy, occlusive products and can shift toward lighter textures.
What's the benefit of "multitasking" products?
Fewer products means fewer chances for ingredient overlap or irritation, less clutter, and often a simpler routine that's easier to stick with. A tinted moisturizer with SPF or a hydrating serum can replace two or three separate steps.
Should I start exfoliating more in spring?
A light exfoliant can help remove built-up dullness from winter, but "more" isn't always better; gentle, consistent exfoliation (a couple times a week) is usually sufficient. Over-exfoliating can compromise the skin barrier.
Is heavier moisturizer bad for my skin in warmer months?
Not bad, just often unnecessary. Skin tends to retain more moisture naturally when it's warmer, so a lighter, water-based formula can keep skin hydrated without feeling heavy.
Is SPF 30 really enough?
Yes, SPF 30 is generally considered sufficient for daily facial protection, provided it's applied generously and reapplied as needed, especially with extended sun exposure.
Does spending time outdoors actually help my skin?
Fresh air and movement support overall circulation and stress reduction, which can indirectly benefit skin health. Just remember sun protection applies here too.
