What Your Skin Actually Needs as the Weather Warms Up
Spring is the season of renewal.
The windows open, the days get longer, the sandals and dresses come out and suddenly we're noticing the dry legs, rough elbows and dull-looking skin that winter left behind.
But in Australia, skin has a few more things to contend with than simply warmer weather. As temperatures rise, we tend to spend more time outdoors, sweat more, shower more frequently and get more UV exposure. At the same time, your skin may still be recovering from months of cooler, drier conditions.
Rather than completely changing your skincare routine, spring is a good time to check in with your skin and give it what it actually needs.
What Happens to Your Skin in Spring?
The transition into spring can be a little unpredictable. One day might be warm and humid, while the next is cool and dry.
Your skin is adjusting to changes in:
- Temperature and humidity
- Increased sweating
- More time outdoors
- Higher UV exposure
- More frequent showers
- Seasonal environmental changes
You may notice that your skin feels less comfortable than it did a few months ago, even a little rough, dull, tight or congested. That doesn’t mean you need to add a whole cabinet of new products, usually it's just about getting the basics right and being a little more intentional about what your skin needs.
1. Gently Buff Away Winter Skin
Let's start with the one we're all thinking about when the weather warms up: body exfoliation.
After months of cool, dry weather, it's common for the skin on your body to feel rough or look a little lacklustre. Gentle exfoliation can help remove built-up dead skin cells, leaving your skin feeling smoother and softer and looking more radiant.
But scrubbing your skin every day, using excessive pressure or choosing an exfoliant that's too abrasive for your skin can leave skin feeling irritated and uncomfortable.
Instead, aim for gentle, exfoliation 1-2 times per week and pay particular attention to areas that tend to become rough like elbows, knees, heels and legs.
Choose a body scrub that matches your skins needs
Everyone’s skin is different so choosing a scrub that meets your skin's needs is important to avoid over stripping and damaging your skin's natural barrier. This is why we’ve created our scrub range to suit different skin types and preferences.
For a softer, more indulgent exfoliation, our Rose + Hibiscus Body Polish combines fine sugar with botanical powders in a creamy formula designed to leave skin feeling polished and nourished.
If you love the feel of a traditional salt scrub, our Litsea + Lavender Himalayan Salt Scrub offers a mineral-rich exfoliation with a fresh, calming aroma for glowing skin.
And for areas that need a little more attention, or for those that prefer a deeper scrub, our Coffee + Cacao Exfoliating Sugar Scrub provides a more intensive exfoliation that's especially suited to rougher areas such as elbows, knees and heels.
2. Don't Forget to Nourish After Exfoliating
Exfoliation is only one part of the ritual. What you do afterwards matters too.
Once you've removed those surface skin cells, follow with a nourishing moisturiser or balm over damp skin to keep your skin feeling soft and comfortable. This is especially important if your skin still feels dry after winter.
A little extra nourishment for dry areas
Our Calendula Soothing Skin Balm is one of our most popular products and a beautiful addition to your spring routine when certain areas of your skin need a little extra attention.
Made with nourishing mango butter, beeswax and a blend of botanical oils including olive, avocado and camellia, it's designed as a rich balm that acts as a protective barrier to lock in moisture for areas that feel dry and irritated.
3. Dry or Dehydrated? There is a Difference!
If your skin feels tight, dull or uncomfortable as the weather changes, it may be dry, dehydrated or both.
Understanding the difference can help you choose what your skin actually needs rather than simply adding more products to your routine.
Not sure which one you're dealing with? Read our guide to Dry vs Dehydrated Skin to learn how to tell the difference and adjust your routine accordingly.
4. Make Sun Protection Non-Negotiable
If there's one thing we don't want to leave behind with winter, it's good sun protection habits.
Spring means more time outside: walking, gardening, heading to the markets, sitting at the park or simply enjoying the sunshine. And in Australia, UV exposure can be significant even when the temperature doesn't feel particularly hot.
Your spring skincare routine should therefore include broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, along with other sun protection measures such as protective clothing, hats, shade and avoiding prolonged exposure when UV levels are high.
And just a reminder: your skincare and cosmetic products aren't a substitute for sunscreen.
Balms, oils and cosmetic products can help keep your skin feeling nourished and looking great, but they don't provide adequate UV protection unless they are specifically formulated and tested as sunscreen. Sunscreen should always be applied after the last step in your skincare routine and before any makeup is applied.
5. Give Your Lips Some Love Too
Your lips don't suddenly stop needing attention because winter is over.
More time outdoors means your lips can be exposed to sun, wind and the elements, all of which can leave them feeling dry, chapped and uncomfortable.
Keep a nourishing lip balm somewhere you'll actually remember to use it: in your handbag, beside the bed, in the bathroom or tucked into your desk drawer.
Our Herbal Lip Butter is an easy everyday companion for keeping dry lips feeling soft and nourished.
And just like the rest of your skin, remember that a regular lip balm isn't a replacement for sun protection. If you're spending extended periods outdoors, consider adding an SPF lip product to your routine.
6. Resist the Urge to Over-Cleanse
Warmer weather can mean more sweat, more showers and the temptation to scrub everything a little harder. But your skin doesn't need to feel squeaky clean to be clean.
Long, hot showers and harsh cleansing can leave skin feeling dry and uncomfortable, particularly if it's already recovering from winter.
Try keeping showers comfortably warm rather than very hot, avoid unnecessary scrubbing and choose gentle cleansing products that don't leave your skin feeling stripped afterwards such as our Botanical Cleansing Bars.
Your skin barrier doesn't need a spring clean, save that for the house!
Your Simple Spring Skin Ritual
You don't need an entirely new bathroom cabinet for spring. A few simple habits can make a noticeable difference.
In the morning
☀️ Hydrate and moisturise your skin
☀️ Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+
☀️ Protect exposed skin with clothing, a hat and shade when appropriate
☀️ Keep your lips nourished
In the shower
🚿 Keep the water warm rather than very hot
🚿 Cleanse gently
🚿 Exfoliate your body 1–2 times a week, depending on your skin and the product you're using
🚿 Follow with moisturiser or a nourishing balm
In the evening
🌙 Cleanse gently
🌙 Moisturise
🌙 Give particularly dry areas some extra attention with Calendula Calm Balm
🌙 Keep your Herbal Lip Repair Balm nearby
Spring Skin Doesn't Mean Starting Over
Your skin doesn't follow the calendar perfectly.
Some days it may need hydration. Others, a little exfoliation. Some areas might be perfectly happy while your elbows and heels are begging for help.
Instead of completely changing your routine every time the season changes, listen to your skin and adjust accordingly.
Spring is simply an opportunity to move from repairing winter dryness towards maintaining skin that feels comfortable, smooth and well cared for as you spend more time outside.
A little spring self-care from The Wilde Magnolia
Take a warm shower. Put on your favourite music. Gently polish your skin. Apply something nourishing. Step outside and enjoy the sunshine, with your SPF on, of course.
Enjoy the season you're in. Shop our range to create your own spring skin ritual →
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