This year, the first day of spring is on Thursday, March 20. Spring is the season of renewal—the perfect time to shed the weight of winter and embrace a fresh, vibrant approach to self-care. Just like you swap out heavy coats for lighter layers, your beauty routine and wellness practices should also transition with the season. From nurturing your skin and hair to refreshing your mindset and relationships, here’s how to spring clean your self-care and bloom into a new season of wellness.

1. Understand How Seasonal Changes Affect Skin & Hair Health

As temperatures rise and humidity increases, your skin and hair react in different ways.

• Skin: Warmer weather leads to increased sweat and oil production, which can result in clogged pores and breakouts. Dry winter skin may suddenly feel greasy, and your usual moisturizer might feel too heavy.

• Hair: Spring humidity can bring frizz, while lingering cold snaps may cause dryness. Protective styles that worked for winter may need to be adjusted to keep strands healthy as the weather warms up.

What to do:

• Switch to lightweight, breathable skincare products.

• Hydrate your hair with lighter leave-in conditioners.

• Use SPF daily (yes, even on cloudy days).

2. Lighten Up Your Beauty Routine for Warmer Weather

With longer, sunnier days, it’s time to embrace a low-maintenance beauty routine that enhances your natural glow. Heavy foundations and intense styling routines? Leave those in the winter. This season is all about effortless beauty.

Spring Beauty Routine Refresh

• For Skin: Opt for a tinted moisturizer or BB cream with SPF for a fresh-faced look.

• For Hair: Protective styles like braids, twists, or silk presses help minimize daily styling and keep hair healthy.

• For Makeup: Swap dark winter tones for soft, dewy blushes, light lip glosses, and pastel eyeshadows.

3. Spring Clean Your Mind: Cultivate Mental Clarity & a Positive Mindset

Your space isn’t the only thing that needs a deep clean—your mind does too. Spring is a great time to let go of negativity, reset your intentions, and make space for joy and peace.

Ways to Refresh Your Mind

• Meditate for 5-10 minutes daily to clear mental clutter.

• Journal your intentions for the new season.

• Declutter your space—clean home, clear mind!

Pro Tip: A study from Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that people with cluttered homes have higher levels of stress. So, tidy up your space to create a more peaceful environment.

4. Refresh Your Relationships—Starting With Yourself

As the flowers bloom, let your relationships do the same. Start by reconnecting with yourself—because how you treat yourself sets the tone for how others treat you.

Ways to Refresh Your Relationships

• Schedule solo dates. Take yourself to a new café or museum.

• Have an “energy audit.” Which relationships feel uplifting, and which ones feel draining?

• Water your friendships. Send a “just thinking of you” text to a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while.

Also try:

• "Set Boundaries, Find Peace" by Nedra Glover Tawwab 

• The "IMO" Podcast with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson

• A gratitude jar: write down one thing you love about yourself every day

5. Get Outside & Rejuvenate Your Spirit

There’s something about fresh air, sunshine, and being in nature that instantly lifts the spirit. Research shows that spending time outside can lower stress, boost mood, and improve overall well-being.

• Take a daily walk. Just 10 minutes outside can boost your mood.

• Plan a picnic with fresh fruit and your favorite book.

• Try “grounding." Walk barefoot on grass to feel more connected to nature.