Listen, it’s not like winter is totally horrible. There are actually plenty of cozy, snuggly, snowflake-y aspects that we cherish from a wow, our country is so calm and peaceful kind of angle. But with this being said, New Zealand winter is no joke, and this one has felt particularly… crisp, if you will.
And when the sun stays lazy for a few too many months on end, we do start to become sad steadily. But like all non-urgent matters of distress, it’s nothing a good skincare switch up can’t fix. Yes, beauty comes to the rescue again, and again, and there is nothing quite like the euphoria experienced when you find a skincare product that just clicks with you and your skin. It’s the equivalent of turning a mundane task into a beauty triumph. In fact, come to think of it, no matter the time of year, taking care of yourself is a pretty great way to improve your overall mood and outlook on life.
So if you have been struggling a bit with the winter blues as of late, then we have good news for you. We are actually approaching months where there will be a lot more natural light to take perfect selfies in.
So what does this mean for our skin? Well, like all seasons, your skin will undergo some changes as we break free from winter's icy cold grip. This means the steps needed to take care of it and keep it at its absolute peak condition will change slightly, and if that all sounds like a lot of work, don’t worry. Actually, a few small and smart switch outs are all you need to see your skin through to summer.
What happens to our skin in Spring
The thing with summer and winter is that they are drastic. They are drastic in temperature, UV rays, and also in the effect they have on our skin. Because of this, your skin may actually take longer than you think to ‘recover’ from winter. While some people react more strongly to the changes in seasons than others, we can probably all agree to some extent that winter skin is usually characterised by dryness, flakiness, and dullness. And no, this is not your seasonal depression playing cruel tricks on your eyes; there is a reason for this.
The colder months tend to compromise our skin’s barrier, which in turn leads to dryness, dullness and irritation. It’s kind of just that general grey cast that makes you look like you haven’t stepped out of the house in weeks, which, if you are me, would be absolutely true, but we digress. There are a lot of things that factor into these changes, from hot showers, wind exposure, to constant changes from freezing cold temperatures to boiling hot heated rooms. It’s no wonder our skin becomes a little exasperated. So, before you dive into your switch-up make sure you start by giving your skin a little bit of hydrating TLC. Think of it kind of like the skincare version of clearing out the cobwebs before you paint the walls.
Here are a few of our tips to get your Spring back into your step.
Reset your cleanser
You may have clung to a creamy, comforting cleanser all winter (fair) but as we head into spring and summer, the priority shifts to gentle refreshment. You want something that’ll remove the debris of the day, and any lingering winter gunk, without stripping your skin or leaving it tight and irritated.
Enter the Murad Heartleaf Soothing Face Cleanser. It’s non-stripping, non-foaming, and full of good-for-you ingredients like fermented heartleaf extract, ceramides, and microalgae. Basically, it’s like cucumber spa water for your face… soothing, balancing, and a perfect match for sensitive or post-winter skin. If your complexion has been on edge lately, this will help calm it all the way down. It couldn’t be more perfect for this time of year.
Gently reintroduce exfoliation
You want to think of exfoliating in Spring, kind of like flirting after a breakup if you catch our drift. You definitely want to do it, but it’s best to ease back into it, not go wild. While yes, your skin is craving radiance and wants to shed the winter sludge, that doesn’t mean you need to grab the harshest scrub you can find. And actually, that stays true no matter what month we are in.
There are two ways of doing this.
One is by incorporating a resurfacing type treatment like a peel or a serum. If you want to go down this route, then the Murad Heartleaf Gentle Resurfacing Serum is spring in a bottle. With micro-dosed glycolic acid, it delicately polishes the skin without triggering sensitivity. It’s the exfoliating equivalent of a well-placed compliment, subtle but powerful. You’ll notice a smoother texture, less dullness, and a glow that tells the world you take skincare seriously.
If you want something with a bit more of a traditional exfoliating vibe but with some modern flair, look no further than the Skinsmiths Enzyme Polishing Powder. This ultra-fine powder transforms with water into a silky exfoliating paste that uses natural fruit enzymes to break down dead skin cells without the drama. It’s ideal for anyone who wants that fresh-faced feeling without compromising their skin barrier. Use it a few times a week and prepare for your face to feel like it's just emerged from a facial, minus the spa appointment.
Hydration doesn’t have to be heavy
Do you know what will not make you feel chic? Wearing a thick, occlusive winter moisturiser into a room full of springtime humidity and sunshine. You want hydration that still goes deep, but doesn’t sit on your skin like a heavy coat.
The Murad Superactive Moisturiser SPF 50: Brightening is the kind of multitasking overachiever you need to be searching for. It delivers all-day hydration with hyaluronic acid tech, minimises the visible signs of UV damage with a dose of Vitamin C, protects against UV with broad spectrum SPF 50, and gives your skin a dewy bounce without the need for layering ten other products.
Got super oily or breakout-prone skin? You can rotate in the Skinsmiths B12 Ceramide Cream on lighter days, it supports moisture levels and skin barrier health without overloading your face.
Brighten and balance with serums and oils
Once your skin is back to its pre-winter glow, you are going to want it to be centre stage, no longer hidden away behind layers of redness or reactive redness. But that post-winter congestion and dullness won’t disappear on its own, we're afraid, and this is where some smart serums come into play.
For those dealing with breakouts or unpredictable skin post-winter (it’s very common so don’t fret), the Murad Biome-Balancing Clear & Prevent Blemish Treatment Serum is your new best friend. It’s powered by salicylic acid to clear blemishes, mandelic acid to refine texture, and biome-sensing tech that encourages a healthy, balanced microbiome. What all this means is you will experience less congestion, smoother skin, and fewer of those surprise chin spots we know and hate.
Skin just feels a bit meh but can’t put your finger on why? Don’t underestimate the power of a good facial oil, seriously, a lot of you are sleeping on the Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Oil Drops. These little drops of magic smooth fine lines, support firmness, and deliver a nourishing finish that makes your skin look like it’s been on a wellness retreat. They’re the ultimate night-time treat to prep your skin for brighter, longer spring days.
SPF like your skin depends on it (it does)
If you can only be bothered to listen to one piece of advice from this whole spiel, then let it be this. While the Spring sun might feel more chill, the UVA rays are not on holiday. If you have been a bit shy, or shall we say, relaxed, about your SPF application over the winter, now is the time to recommit fully to the cause.
If you haven’t found a sunscreen that ticks all your boxes yet, there are two standout newcomers that offer both protection and perks:
The Skinsmiths Daily Mineral Defence SPF40 is an antioxidant-infused mineral sunscreen that provides physical, broad-spectrum protection with a sheer glow finish. It's tinted with iron oxides to give a soft, flattering radiance and zero white cast… no more ghost face in the group pic.
Or, if you want your sunscreen and moisturiser in one tidy step, go for the Murad Superactive Moisturiser SPF 50 again. It’s lightweight, fast-absorbing, and perfect for layering under makeup or just wearing solo for those no-fuss sunny days.
Bonus points for skin treatments
And it’s not just your product shelf that needs a refresh. Spring is the ideal time to get back into your skin treatment game too.
A Hydradermabrasion is basically a spring clean for your face. It deeply exfoliates, hydrates and improves texture in a single session, leaving you looking like you’ve had eight hours of sleep and remembered to drink water.
If you are suffering from some post-winter pigmentation, stubborn breakouts, or just want to level up then the Sonophoresis Skin Infusion is a gentle but effective way to push active ingredients deeper into the skin.
So go on, this is your sign to do a spring clean of your skincare cabinet. Your best skin season starts now.
