Just like we switch up our wardrobe for spring, swapping chunky sweaters and heavy boots for airy sundresses and light sandals, we should do the very same with our skin care. The weather changes bring about different requirements for our regimen, as the hydration and oil content of skin fluctuates. "If the air is dry in the winter. for instance, your skin is moister than the air, so the water evaporates more from your skin into the air," explains Lily Talakoub, MD, dermatologist at McLean Dermatology and Skincare Center. "In the summer, however, the humidity is greater outside than on your skin surface, so more water stays on your skin."

To keep up with these varying levels of hydration, we need to switch products every few months to adjust to the dryness and oil levels of our skin. While everyone's needs are different, there are a few housekeeping rules dermatologists recommend all people follow as they prep their skin for summer. Here's how to make the transition as smooth as can be.

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If you use the same rich moisturizer that took care of your skin during winter, it may leave you feeling heavy or greasy in the warm, humid air of summer, warns Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Instead, he recommends looking for a light lotion during the warmer months. "Many of the latest generation lotions, like Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair Unscented Lotion, use the same traditional moisturizing ingredients but in a light, easy to spread formula that's great to use during spring and summer," he says.

During the hotter and more humid summer months, more oil tends to accumulate on the surface of the skin, which means your winter hydrating cleanser may no longer suffice. Instead, Zeichner suggests opting for a lathering cleanser that more effectively removes oil from the face and body. "Look for products that still respect the skin barrier and maintain skin hydration while cleansing, like the Dove Shower Foam Sensitive Skin Foaming Body Wash," he says. "Glycinate-based surfactants are gentle on the skin, plus this product contains the same stearic acid-based moisturizing ingredients."

Sunscreen is a must no matter the season or the weather. In fact, your skin needs SPF protection from the sun's harmful rays even on cloudy or rainy days in the dead of winter. But, as the weather warms up, sun protection becomes even more paramount. Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip, MD, director of cosmetic dermatology at South Shore Medical Center, recommends using a sunscreen separate from your lotion and makeup that has an SPF of at least 50. "When enjoying the sun for a prolonged period of time (e.g. beach, hikes, pool), sunscreen needs to be applied every two hours, since it's no longer affected after 120 minutes," she says. Her personal sunscreen favorite is HydroPeptide Solar Defense - Tinted. "This broad spectrum sunscreen blocks UVA, UVB and infrared rays and contains antioxidants and hyaluronic acid," she explains. For those with darker skin, she recommends Avene Hydrating Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ (Face & Body), a lightweight sunblock that doesn't leave a white residue on the skin.

If you're worried about ruining your makeup during the reapplication process, consider a product that does both, like Colorescience Natural Finish Pressed Foundation SPF 20. "This brand makes several SPF 50 mineral powders that will allow you to freshen up your makeup and get your sunscreen," says Imahiyerobo-Ip.

After months of exposing your skin to harsh winter weather that's both cold and dry, dead cells accumulate on the surface. That's why it's a good idea to enlist the help of an exfoliant to unveil youthful, bright skin cells that lie underneath. "The spring is a great time to exfoliate the skin with either a physical or chemical exfoliating wash with alpha hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, etc.," says Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, MD, board-certified NYC dermatologist and clinical instructor at NYU Langone and Mount Sinai. "I love Cetaphil Extra Gentle Daily Scrub for a physical exfoliating scrub since it uses micro-fine particles from bamboo extract to gently buff the skin." Aim to exfoliate once a week during the summer to keep your skin glowing.