Spring is here, and with the arrival of warmer weather(at least here in the U.S. ) and longer days, it's time to start thinking about refreshing your skin care routine. After a long, harsh winter, your skin may be in need of some extra love and attention. Similar to the way you declutter your wardrobe or deep clean your living space, your skin care needs a refresh and revamp as well!

Here are my top tips to help you "spring clean" your skin care routine:

1) Sort through your skincare products

Start by sorting all of your skin care products into two piles: items you frequently use and those you don't. If a product hasn't been used in a year or more, it's time to place it into the pile of items you don't use. Now for the things you do use, check the label and see when it expires. Just like with any other product, skin care products have expiration dates. 

Check the labels of your products and get rid of anything that’s past its prime. Using expired products can lead to irritation and breakouts, so it’s best to toss them out and start fresh!

2) Adjust your skincare routine for the season

The thick cream that worked well for you during the winter season may not be the best choice for the hot summer weather. Opt for a thinner, lighter lotion that can provide the same level of hydration without feeling heavy on your skin. When it comes to sunscreen, a thicker sunscreen/moisturizer combo may not be the best option for your skin during this season. Instead, look for a lighter formulation that is less likely to clog your pores. For my face and neck, I prefer a lighter sunscreen that doesn't feel too heavy.

3) Streamline your routine

While you're updating your routine, take a moment to go through the products you use and see if there are ways to simplify or streamline your skincare habits. Remember, most people don't need more than a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, and retinol/retinoid. Are there products or steps you can eliminate to make your routine more efficient and effective?

4) Incorporate retinol

The warmer months can also be a great time to start a retinol/retinoid treatment regimen or increase the frequency. One of the side effects of using retinols/retinoids is that it can cause dry skin, but this is less of an issue when the air is humid and warm. If you've been considering incorporating this into your routine, now is the perfect time to do so!

6) Don’t forget your make-up products

Just like with skin care products, make-up products can become old, cakey, and ineffective over time, so it's important to regularly sort through your collection. Discard any old or unused products. Make-up brushes can accumulate dirt, oil, and bacteria over time, so it's important to clean them regularly. Use a gentle cleanser and warm water to clean your brushes, and allow them to dry completely before storing them.

7) Sun protection is a must

You might feel tempted to spend more time in the spring sun so make sure you have sun protective garments like a good summer hat that will keep your face protected from the sun. I swap out my winter hat for a lighter straw hat for the warmer months. It's a good idea to keep your hat by the door or with your keys, so you don't forget it when heading outdoors. You can also find UPF swimwear, which is especially important for protecting your skin when spending time at the beach or pool. 

 What are some of your ways of 'spring cleaning' your skin care routine? Let me know @drminaskin

Check out my podcast episode for more great tips on spring cleaning your skin care routine!

A new episode is released every Monday.