It’s finally staying light out past 5 p.m. and temperatures are slowly starting to warm up, which means spring is on the horizon. And just like your thick, wool sweaters, it’s time to retire your heavy, winter-proof creams. “Adjusting your skincare with the transition from winter to spring is fairly simple,” says Dr. Marie Hayag, board-certified dermatologist and Founder of 5th Avenue Aesthetics.
“As the weather warms up, you can begin to use a lightweight moisturizer that is not as heavy or thick as you would use during the winter,” Dr. Hayag says. What she doesn’t recommend is ditching moisturizer altogether—even if you have oily skin. This often means using water or gel-like textures instead of balmy, oil-based ones. As for what to look for beyond texture, Dr. Hayag is a proponent of hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and glycolic acid.
“Hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant that draws moisture to itself, keeping the skin plump and hydrated, without feeling too rich or heavy on the skin,” says Dr. Hayag. When applied topically, it brings moisture to the surface of your skin, giving you a naturally-glowing complexion.
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“Vitamin C is a good ingredient to look for year round, but even more so during the transition from winter to spring,” she says, noting that its antioxidant properties help protect against sun damage, increase collagen production, and help treat hyperpigmentation.
Finally, ingredients like glycolic acid, a chemical exfoliant, can help “get rid of dull, dead skin that may have accumulated during the colder months,” she adds. Of course, sunscreen is also a must. “It’s also important to keep in mind that the UV index increases during the spring and summer months, so you must be consistent in applying sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 every day,” emphasizes Dr. Hayag.
You see, making the seasonal skincare swap is super simple. But to make it an even easier transition, we’ve rounded up some of the best lightweight moisturizers that meet these standards below.
The Best Lightweight Moisturizers For Spring & Summer
Korres Greek Yoghurt Nourishing Probiotic Gel-Cream ($36; sephora.com)
This probiotic-enriched gel moisturizer is cool to the touch, which makes it the perfect product for a hot day. Beyond the sensorial delight, Greek yoghurt has some legit skincare benefits—it delivers pre and probiotics that help support a healthy skin barrier and keep your complexion balanced. Inside, you’ll also find hyaluronic acid, ascorbic acid (vitamin c), exfoliating salicylic acid, and a host of plant extracts.
StriVectin Super-C Spf 30 Vitamin C Moisturizer ($69; ulta.com)
Packing just about every recommended ingredient for a morning routine into one product, including multiple forms of vitamin C, this new StriVectin launch blends your daily antioxidants with sun protection (SPF 30) for an all-in-one treatment. Plus, the silky cream absorbs instantly, leaving skin dewy not greasy.
Exuviance Glycolic Expert Daily Moisturizer ($46; ulta.com)
This multitasker hydrates while providing gentle skin resurfacing, thanks to derm-approved glycolic acid at a 10 percent concentration. Also nice: The formula is pH-optimized and contains plant extracts, such as aloe, to prevent irritation. Use it in the morning and your skin will get brighter as the day goes on.
Paula’s Choice Water-Infusing Electrolyte Moisturizer ($35; sephora.com)
This internet-favorite brand recently launched at Sephora, making it that much easier to pick up. Great for all skin types, this formula is both super-lightweight and super-hydrating thanks to electrolytes, which also help support the skin barrier as the seasons change. The gel-like texture sinks into skin like water, providing a dewy, visible glow.
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Glow Serum ($68; dermstore.com)
Looking for something even lighter than a gel? This supercharged serum drenches skin in hydration, thanks to a 75-percent hyaluronic acid complex. It also contains smoothing ceramides and brightening vitamin C to perk up dulled complexions.
Origins Mega-Mushroom Relief & Resilience Weightless Moisturizer ($34; ulta.com)
This lightweight moisturizer blends mushrooms (soothing reishi and anti-inflammatory fermented chaga) with hyaluronic acid for a redness-relieving, barrier-boosting treatment that’s ideal for sensitive skin types. What’s more, according to the brand, the formula delivers 48-hour continuous hydration.
Fenty Skin Instant Reset Overnight Recovery Gel-Crea ($40; sephora.com)
For a Rihanna-esque glow turn to the star’s night cream: a light, fluffy hydrator packed with hyaluronic acid, soothing aloe, vitamin- and antioxidant-rich kalahari melon oil, and multitasking niacinamide, which helps with skin tone and oiliness.
Bliss Drench & Quench Moisturize ($22; ulta.com)
For a cream as light as air (okay, almost), this one packs in a lot of nourishing ingredients. There’s antioxidant-rich micro algae, which also helps skin retain moisture, brightening vitamin C, and soothing chamomile. Plus, it just feels really nice as it bursts into what feels like cool water on the skin.
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion ($14; target.com)
Coming in at under $15, this product is the ultimate reminder that sometimes classics are classics for good reason. This daily formula contains the brand’s signature ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and SPF 30. It’s also non-comedogenic and oil-free, meaning it won’t clog your pores, and absorbs easily into skin.
Image Skincare VITAL C Hydrating Water Burst ($48; dermstore.com)
When it comes to lightweight moisturizers, this one has everything you need. Even better: The unique formula is packed with active ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and anti-aging peptides, that literally break into water droplets when rubbed into the skin. It’s a refreshing experience that provides lasting hydration and radiance.
Skin Inc Custom Recovery Sleep Mask
You may be familiar with Skin Inc’s customizable serums. The same DIY mixology concept applies to their new sleep mask. If you’re looking for something lightweight for bedtime, choose the gel base and target your specific concerns with the mix-in serum booster shots to create a totally personalized overnight treatment.
Alder Everyday Face Moisturizer ($32; amazon.com)
Aside from how chic it will look in your next shelfie, this lightweight good-for-every-single-day moisturizer has vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to protect and hydrate skin. Organic Sunflower Oil, oatmeal, and aloe vera extracts all nourish skin.