Spring is here, and that means warmer temperatures and longer, sunny days. It also means that heavy coats, gloves and scarves are out, and shorts, T-shirts and sandals are in.

When we make the transition from winter to spring in our wardrobes and our mindsets, we also need to make a transition in something else: our skin. While skincare goals in winter are focused on moisturization to prevent cracking, springtime skin care is a little different.

Follow these tips to get your skin in shape for spring and to protect it out in the sun.

Exfoliate

The first step in your springtime skincare routine should be exfoliating. Harsh winter weather probably dried out your skin, causing cracks and flakes, and now it’s time to remove that layer of dead skin to give your skin a fresh start.

You can buy exfoliating scrubs in a store or make some at home using natural ingredients such as eggs, honey, granulated sugar and crushed nuts. Whatever you use, make sure it has a little bit of a texture so it can scrub away dry skin but not cause damage.

You’ll also want to exfoliate your face, but you may want to use a different scrub for your face than you do on your body. The skin on your face can be much more sensitive and temperamental, so you’ll want to choose carefully to avoid causing damage or breakouts.

Moisturize

After you exfoliate, you’ll want to moisturize and let a hydrating formula sink in deep to reinvigorate your dry, winter skin. At first, you may want to use a thick, creamy moisturizer to really lock in moisture. However, as spring moves ahead, you’ll probably want to switch that out for something much lighter, so you don’t feel greasy as you spend time out in the sun. Your skin will do a better job of holding moisture during the warmer months, so using your winter moisturizer can make your skin feel clogged and heavy.

Like with exfoliators, you may want to select a few different moisturizer products for different parts of your body. A specialized facial moisturizer should be top priority, but also consider a specialized foot cream to help soothe cracked heels and a hand cream that won’t feel greasy.

Check makeup

Spring cleaning is not only good for your home, but also for your skincare stash. Your face is extremely delicate, and you need to be wary of that if you wear makeup.

Check each of your products and throw away anything that has expired or that has been open for more than six months. This process ensures that you aren’t applying products that have been collecting bacteria that could potentially cause breakouts or infections in your eyes.

This is also a good time to give all of your makeup brushes a deep clean and throw away any that are very old or damaged. With fresh brushes and recent makeup, your skin will thank you.

Protect

Perhaps one of the most important skincare transitions you should make during spring is the application of SPF. Sunscreen is extremely important in spring, but it is often overlooked because the weather isn’t always warm, or clouds cover the sky. However, sun protection is extremely important, even on cloudy or chillier days.

One of the easiest ways to incorporate SPF into your spring skincare routine is to find a moisturizer or cosmetic product, like a BB cream or foundation, that has SPF included. If you’re going to be out in the sun for a long time, bring extra sunscreen so you can reapply throughout the day.

Protecting your skin from the sun has many benefits. Sun exposure is known to accelerate the appearance of aging, making skin damage, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles more apparent. Additionally, it’s very easy to get a sneaky sunburn in spring, which can not only feel painful but also damage your skin. And, finally, you always want to protect your skin from the sun to prevent more serious problems like skin cancer.

At a minimum, you’ll want to apply SPF 30 to block UV rays and free radical damage. Be sure to apply it around 30 minutes before heading outside, and make sure you reapply every two hours for maximum protection. It’s also a good idea to wear a hat and sunglasses while outdoors for added protection.

Additionally, don’t forget your lips! Wearing a lip balm with SPF both helps rehydrate lips that might be cracked from winter air and protect them from sun damage.

Enjoy!

Springtime is full of new life, and your skin can have a new life of its own with proper care and attention to moisture and protection. Skincare is not only good for appearances, but also for your health, so make sure you don’t neglect it this spring.