Whether you’re going into winter or summer, a change in season can wreak havoc on your skin. However, it’s also the perfect time to assess your current regime along with heal what’s amiss, so you can put your best face forward in the coming months. With spring having officially sprung in Aotearoa, we’ve put together a few of our favourite ways to freshen up your skin and your routine well in time for summer…

Make friends with a clean sunblock

Whenever we’ve quizzed beauty experts – be they dermatologists, makeup artists or cosmetic surgeons – for their pick when it comes to anti-ageing skincare, they all agree that the most important thing you can do to keep your skin looking good well into old age is wear a sunscreen. Daily. No arguments, no forgetting on a cloudy day. Add to that the fact that an estimated 90 percent of all melanomas in Australasia are caused by direct sunlight, making daily sunscreen use an absolute no brainer. Most sunscreens last twelve months max after being opened too, so if you’re still got some sitting around in your beach bag or glove box from this time last year then chuck it – ASAP!

One formula we can’t get enough of is NUORI’s Mineral Defence Sunscreen, which is an all-natural formula that delivers broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

A new generation of transparent, non-nano zinc oxide ensures high protection with a soft sensory feel and sheer, non-sticky finish, so there’s no ghostly cast and this plays well under makeup.

Lighten up when it comes to moisturiser

And no, by that we don’t mean skip one altogether! This is all about finding a lighter formula than what you may have been using during the cooler months, especially if your skin is on the oily side and your surroundings high on humidity. Tailor Skincare Moisture is a great option as it takes the form of a lightweight and non-greasy lotion. Formulated with pure plant nutrients to nourish and protect the skin, it provides 24-hour hydration without clogging pores and contains plant oils that form an invisible barrier to protect and lock in moisture without letting things get too shiny.

Tone up

Nothing feels better than a spritz of cooling mist or swipe of toner straight from the fridge on a hot summer’s day, and many deliver multiple benefits. Essentially, toners clean your skin and prepare it for moisturisation, whereas face mists instantly and effortlessly freshen you up at any time of the day, but some formulas take care of both elements as they put the spring back in your step. One of our top picks is Plant Apothecary RE:FRESH Toning Spray, which hydrates and nourishes your skin with soothing cucumber, rosewater, and aloe vera, while toning and refreshing it with witch hazel and antibacterial lemongrass. It’s the perfect pick-me-up for whenever you need a little boost, and an excellent toner for between cleansing and moisturising. And it’s great for setting makeup, too!

Consider an alternative to foundation

As the days get longer and the temperature warmer, we think it’s a great idea to ditch the heavy foundation you’ve been using all winter  – however lush! – and replace it with a BB or CC cream, or a tinted moisturiser that does double duty. One formula that does all that and more is Suntegrity’s Impeccable Skin Moisturizing Face Tinted Sunscreen, which delivers a medium matte coverage along with sun protection and the benefits of great skincare. Formulated without silicones, the formula’s antioxidant and peptide-rich technology visibly reduces the signs of ageing, while non-nano zinc oxide provides Broad Spectrum SPF30 and blue light protection to help prevent future damage. It’s also vegan and reef-friendly, for when we’re hitting the balmy South Pacific islands once again!

Spring clean your skincare shelf

Ah, we all have those products. The ones at the back of the shelf collecting dust – and growing bacteria! We so often forget to spring clean our bathroom and sometimes these products can be well beyond their best before dates, which can cause skin irritation and worse. It’s also a great time to give your makeup brushes a good deep clean, and you don’t need a fancy brush cleaner to do so. Use a little gentle shampoo or body wash to lather them up, then rinse and allow to dry flat. Trust us, your skin will thank you for it!