The Canadian Winter has been rough on skin. Now that it's on its way out, your skin has some adjusting to do. Spring brings unpredictable weather—one day it’s sunny and mild, the next it’s cold and windy. This inconsistency can be tough on sensitive skin, leading to dryness, redness, irritation, and even flare-ups of conditions like rosacea or eczema.
The good news? A few adjustments to your skincare routine can help your skin transition smoothly. Here’s how to keep sensitive skin calm and glow during the seasonal shift.
Hydration is Everything
Cold, dry winter air depletes moisture from the skin, and early spring’s fluctuating temperatures don’t make it any easier. To keep skin calm and comfortable:
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Use a hydrating mist: Swap alcohol-based toners for nutrient-rich hydrosols to replenish topically. This is a game-changing step that we never miss.
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Layer hydration: A hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid ensures skin stays plump and nourished before applying your moisturizer.
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Don't switch up your moisturizer too soon: Even as temperatures rise, your barrier still needs support. If your skin starts feeling congested, consider transitioning to a lighter but still nourishing moisturizer.
We recommend:
Josh Rosebrook Hydration Boost Concentrate
Eminence Apricot Calendula Cream
Blissoma Pure Sensitive Complex
Exfoliation Dos and Don’ts for Sensitive Skin
Exfoliation is key for shedding winter dullness, but it’s easy to overdo it—especially if your skin is already reactive. Here’s how to do it right:
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Do opt for gentle exfoliation: Enzyme-based exfoliants or lactic acid treatments dissolve dead skin cells without causing irritation.
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Don’t over-exfoliate: Harsh scrubs and strong acids can damage your skin’s protective barrier, and so can exfoliating too often. Stick to exfoliating once a week to keep your complexion smooth and irritation-free.
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Do listen to your skin: If your skin feels extra sensitive, skip exfoliation for a couple weeks and focus on calming hydration instead.
We recommend:
Eminence Stone Crop Fizzofoliant
Laurel Almond Rose Exfoliant
Josh Rosebrook Daily Acid Toner
Reconsider Actives Later In the Season
Actives like retinol, vitamin C, glycolic acid and even some peptides can aggravate sensitive skin and should only be introduced once skin is strong and ready. If you're interested in adding these kinds of products into your routine, consider:
- Be patient: If your skin shows signs of irritation, rosacea, or eczema, wait before adding strong actives. The key to radiant skin is keeping inflammation under control first.
- Start with gentle alternatives: Natural retinol alternatives like bakuchiol, niacinamide, and peptides support skin renewal without irritation.
- Stick to one new product at a time: Keep the rest of your routine calming and strengthening when testing new actives.
We recommend:
Calming and Strengthening Formulas:
Natural Alternatives that are sensitive-skin friendly:
Eminence Niacinamide + Bakuchiol Moisturizer
Josh Rosebrook Ultra Peptide Cream
Eminence Superfood Booster Powder
Allergies and Skin Sensitivity in Spring
Seasonal allergies don’t just affect your sinuses—they can also cause redness, puffiness, and irritation in your skin. Here’s how to keep your complexion calm:
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Strengthen your skin barrier: Look for ingredients like oats, honey, and calendula to soothe and protect.
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Rinse your face at night: Pollen and allergens can settle on your skin, so a gentle, but thorough nighttime cleanse is essential.
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Be mindful of new product triggers: If your skin becomes more reactive in the spring, simplify your routine and introduce new products slowly.
- Add lymphatic drainage into your routine: Activate lymphatic flow by using a soft dry brush or gentle facial massage which helps reduce congestion and puffiness.
We recommend:
HUNA Nourish Calendula Healing Oil
Explore our Sensitive Skin Collection