Spring 2026: what cosmetics to use according to your skin

With the arrival of spring, it's not just the temperatures and daylight hours that change. Your skin also begins to behave differently. You might notice it's oilier than usual, or just the opposite: with small dry patches that weren't there before. Perhaps your foundation no longer applies as smoothly, or your usual moisturizer starts to feel heavy.

And that's where the doubt arises: should I change my routine or continue using the same one?

The truth is, your skin doesn't need more products, but rather better choices depending on the time of year. And spring is that transitional point where adjusting your routine makes all the difference between dull skin… or skin that looks fresh, balanced, and radiant.

Light hydration: how to feel refreshed without sacrificing care?

In spring, skin no longer needs the heavy textures it does in winter. But that doesn't mean you should stop moisturizing. What changes is how you do it .

With rising temperatures, rich textures can feel heavy, even on skin that appreciated them in winter. Therefore, now is the time to make a small adjustment: maintain hydration, but with lighter formulas.

Gel creams , water- based creams, and fast-absorbing moisturizers help balance the skin without overloading it. They provide hydration, freshness, and comfort, without leaving that heavy feeling that often appears at this time of year.

If you've noticed that your skin looks shinier than usual or that your makeup doesn't sit the same, you probably don't need to change your entire routine, but simply lighten it up.

Sometimes, alternating your usual cream at night with a lighter version during the day is all you need to make your skin look balanced and comfortable.

Cerave

FACIAL MOISTURISING LOTION for normal to dry skin

Face moisturizer

From £ 11.47

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Shiseido

Waso Shikulime Color Control Oil-Free Moisturizer

Face moisturizer

From £ 17.38

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Daily sun protection: the art of caring for what you can't see

Sun protection should be part of your routine all year round, but in spring its absence is more noticeable: the days are longer, we spend more time outdoors and our skin is more exposed even when the sky is cloudy.

This exposure can manifest as blemishes , sensitivity , or the first signs of aging . It's not just about using sunscreen, but about finding the right texture for you; because when you love a formula, applying it ceases to be a chore and becomes a pleasure. You just need to identify which texture feels like a second skin for you.

• For skin that doesn't tolerate a greasy feeling, fluids or gels are ideal.
• If you're looking to even out your skin tone, tinted sunscreens can be your ally.
• For sensitive skin, mineral or soothing formulas offer comfort and protection.

La Roche Posay

ANTHELIOS UVMUNE 400 invisible fluid SFP50+

Sunscreen for face

From £ 12.65

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Isdin

FOTO ULTRA age repair fluid SPF50

Sunscreen for face

From £ 22.28

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Antioxidants, the light shield for your mornings

In spring, there's a change that often goes unnoticed: not only is the skin more exposed, but it also has to constantly adapt. We even lead a more active lifestyle, which puts more stress on the skin, although it's not always visible to the naked eye.

Ingredients like vitamin C help brighten, even out skin tone, and protect against environmental damage that isn't always immediately visible. They're ideal if your skin looks dull or you want to maintain a healthy glow without makeup.

Incorporating them in the morning, before sunscreen, enhances their effect and gives the skin a brighter and more even appearance from the start of the day, without complicating things with long routines or extra products.

Sesderma

C-VIT liposomal serum

Anti blemish treatment - Antioxidant treatment cream

From £ 26.88

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Elizabeth Arden

CERAMIDE VITAMIN C capsules

Antioxidant treatment cream Antifatigue facial treatment

From £ 19.80

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A balancing cleanse that makes all the difference

With the heat and outdoor activity, skin produces more sebum and needs proper care. The most common mistake is over-cleansing or not adjusting your routine, and both affect the skin's natural balance.

The solution lies in finding a cleanser that supports your skin through this change. Here are some guidelines to help you choose:

• Combination or oily skin : gentle gels with purifying action work well, helping to control excess sebum without drying.
• Sensitive skin : it is preferable to opt for soothing cleansers , without harsh sulfates, that respect the skin barrier .
• Normal skin : light formulas that cleanse without stripping moisture are usually the most balanced option.

Often the first adjustment isn't in the treatments, but in something as basic as cleaning.

Gentle exfoliation to renew without irritation

After winter, skin can look dull or have an uneven texture. Gentle exfoliation helps restore radiance and prepares the skin so that other products work better.

Gentle chemical exfoliants , such as AHAs or PHAs , smooth the skin's texture and give it a natural glow without irritation. Using them in moderation, once or twice a week, is usually enough to see visible results and maintain the skin's barrier.

This simple gesture makes your skin look fresher and ready to take full advantage of all the benefits of your routine.

Specific treatments: choose according to what your skin needs

Beyond the basics, listen to what your skin is telling you today. It's not about adding more products, but about using each ingredient intelligently. A good way to care for your skin is:

• If you notice your skin looking dull or lifeless, active ingredients like vitamin C or niacinamide help to restore radiance and improve skin tone.
• If you notice increased shine or imbalance, sebum-regulating ingredients can help keep your skin more stable.
• If your skin feels more sensitive or reactive, calming active ingredients like aloe vera or centella asiatica provide comfort and help reduce that feeling.

Springtime skin doesn't need more, it needs to understand itself better.

After refining your routine, what truly matters are the visible effects and the feeling of well-being. Your skin looks fresher, more even, and more comfortable; your complexion appears effortlessly radiant, and your routine becomes simple, consistent, and rewarding.

It's not about accumulating products or following trends: it's about making every choice meaningful, effective, and noticeable. That way, taking care of your skin stops being an automatic gesture and becomes a tangible result you can enjoy every day.