Acne in Spring: Why They Appear and How to Treat Them

Breakouts and seasonal changes often go hand in hand, yet they still catch us off guard every time. Skin that was under control during winter starts producing more sebum again between March and April, the face looks shinier, blemishes pop up, and pores appear more noticeable than usual. So many of you have reached out to us about this during this time, and it’s one of the most frequent questions we receive. The good news is that this isn’t random: it has specific causes, and it can be treated. Here, we’ll explain why this happens and how to address it with the right skincare routine and active ingredients.

How and why does your Skin change in spring?

In spring, the Skin adapts to a different environment than it did in winter: higher temperatures, thermal fluctuations, and more intense UV rays. We discussed this here in depth in our spring skincare guide. Here, we focus on one specific effect: breakouts and impurities.

The causes of seasonal breakouts

Warmer weather brings more sebum production: as temperatures rise, sebaceous glands reactivate. Excess sebum mixes with dead cells on the surface of the Skin and can clog pores. This leads to comedones, blackheads, and pimples.

Dead winter skin cells are still present: during the cold months, cell turnover slows and dead skin cells build up. When sebum production resumes and encounters already clogged pores, the situation worsens.

The skin barrier is still compromised: temperature fluctuations, pollen, pollution. After a winter of cold, dry air, the skin barrier struggles to handle new irritants. A less intact skin barrier regulates sebum less effectively and provides less protection against bacteria.

Hormones shift with the seasons: as daylight hours increase, cortisol and melatonin levels change. For some people, this translates to excess sebum and increased inflammation.

Your winter cream may not work as well anymore: an overly rich formula for this time of year can weigh down the Skin and contribute to clogged pores. It is not a bad product—it is simply no longer the right time to use it.

How to treat spring breakouts: active ingredients and skincare routine

How to get rid of breakouts? There is no single product that fixes everything. What works is a breakout-focused skincare routine tailored to the root causes: gentle cleansing, exfoliation to unclog pores, and active ingredients that regulate sebum production.

☀️ Morning Skincare Routine

1. Cleansing: When you have active blemishes, you need a cleanser that rebalances sebum without damaging the skin barrier. Salicylic Acid is the most suitable active ingredient: it is lipid-soluble, penetrates pores and clears them of excess sebum. The Purifying Cleansing Mousse combines this ingredient with Polylysine, a prebiotic that fights bacterial overgrowth.

2. Booster: Niacinamide regulates sebum production, evens out skin tone, and has a soothing effect that helps reduce redness in inflamed pimples. Azeloglycine minimizes pores, fights impurities, and fades the marks left by pimples once they clear. Together, they address both the active breakout phase and the post-acne recovery period. The Niacinamide + Azeloglycine Booster combines both ingredients into one single formula. Apply it before your moisturizer.

3. Face Moisturizer: cleansing should never mean drying out: dehydrated Skin can produce even more sebum to compensate. You need a cream that rebalances sebum while delivering reliable hydration. The Purifying Face Cream is formulated with this exact principle: it purifies and refines pores, while also containing Hyaluronic Acid and Panthenol to keep Skin hydrated and comfortable.

4. SPF: UV rays can worsen post-acne marks and slow the Skin's repair process. You need a lightweight protection that will not clog pores.

🌙 Evening Skincare Routine

1. Double Cleansing: If you wear SPF or makeup during the day, you need to double-cleanse in the evening. Use a cleansing oil to dissolve leftover residue, then Purifying Cleansing Mousse to complete your routine.

2. Exfoliation: Dead skin cells that clog pores must be removed with regular exfoliation. For skin with active impurities, use a specialized exfoliant that purifies and lightens post-inflammatory marks. The Purifying Toner does exactly this. Only use in the evening.

3. Booster: niacinamide + azelaic acid if excess sebum is the main concern. Retinol if you are targeting dark spots and skin texture. Use one in the morning and one in the evening.

4. Face Moisturizer: Purifying Face Cream can also be used in the evening.

In conclusion

Seasonal transition breakouts are not permanent. With proper cleansing, the right active ingredients, and a little consistency, the Skin rebalances itself. You just need to understand what is happening and intervene where needed.