Spring Invites Us to Soften: A Holistic Esthetician on Spring Skincare
Holistic esthetician Gabrielle on how the spring affects our skin, her favorite seasonal beauty rituals, & how we can support the body in its natural rhythm of awakening
One of our most deeply held beliefs here at Soulstice is that beauty comes from being connected with the cycles of nature and with our own inherent rhythms. That true beauty is an expression of who we are in our most natural, harmonious state.
Because of that, I look to beauty rituals that are cyclical (because we are cyclical beings), rooted in the earth (rather than in artifice), and crafted to bring out how we are at our brightest, healthiest, and most wildly expressed.
So I turned to my most trusted holistic esthetician, Gabrielle, for insight on how we can align our skincare with the spring.
She shares that spring is a season for movement, circulation, and release — and our skincare rituals should follow. Read on to learn about how the seasonal transition affects our skin, and what you can bring in to support it — from lymphatic drainage and the best natural exfoliants, to honey-tapping and herbs that help you glow from within.
How does the seasonal shift affect our skin?
As spring arrives, everything begins to awaken.
As we transition from winter into spring, I often see skin that feels dull, dry, and congested.
Winter is a slower, more inward season. It’s a time of rest, stillness, and nourishment, but in reality, many of us move through the holidays depleted rather than restored. Hydration often falls to the side, circulation slows, and this can lead to dryness, buildup, and stagnant lymphatic flow beneath the skin.
As spring arrives, everything begins to awaken. With more light and warmth, the body naturally shifts into a more active, outward-moving state. What was held during winter starts to rise to the surface, and the skin reflects this transition. It’s common to see congestion, breakouts, or what feels like a “purging” phase as the body clears and renews.
Spring invites movement, circulation, and release. Supporting the skin during this time often means gently encouraging that flow, through hydration, nourishment, and practices that help the body clear what it no longer needs.
What do we want to keep in mind about our skin’s needs during the spring?
Our skin often mirrors the rhythms of the season, shifting as our bodies adjust to a new environment. As we move into spring, this is a natural time of renewal, making it ideal for both internal and external “spring cleaning.”
Spring invites us to soften, to clear, and to support the body in its natural rhythm of awakening.
During this transition, the focus should be on supporting the skin’s natural processes rather than overwhelming it. Prioritizing hydration is essential, as the body begins to move out of winter’s dryness. Gentle exfoliation can help lift away buildup from the colder months, while facial massage and overall movement support circulation and lymphatic flow, encouraging the skin to clear and regenerate.
Spring invites us to soften, to clear, and to support the body in its natural rhythm of awakening.
Is there anything we should stay away from?
As the weather warms, it’s important to avoid overly heavy, occlusive products that may contribute to congestion. It’s a good time to put away the balms and opt for lighter oils and water based formulations. We should really lean into lighter, breathable formulations that allow the skin to function and release more freely.
Okay, let’s get into the specifics. What are the rituals, ingredients, and practices we can turn to this season?
In the spring, I really love leaning into practices that support movement, circulation, and gentle clearing.
I’m often bringing in facial massage and lymphatic drainage to help move any stagnation and bring life back into the skin. I also love herbal-infused honey tapping (apply honey to clean skin and gently pat or tap your fingers to create a suction effect), it’s such a beautiful way to nourish while gently stimulating the skin. Alongside that, I’ll incorporate gentle exfoliation to help lift away that winter buildup without overdoing it.
For exfoliation, I always lean toward things that feel soft and supportive rather than harsh. Goat’s or sheep’s milk yogurt is one of my favorites for that gentle lactic acid exfoliation, helping to smooth and brighten without stripping the skin. I also love working with herbal-based exfoliants that use things like honey and plants (like powdered calendula or rose flowers) to gently renew the skin while keeping it nourished.
Hydrosols feel especially aligned in the spring. They’re light, fresh, and really supportive as the skin adjusts. My favorites are rose, chamomile, tulsi, and lemon balm. They’re all so soothing and help bring the skin back into balance.
I also love herbal steams this time of year, not just for the skin, but for the whole system. They can help open the pores, encourage release, and they’re amazing for seasonal allergies too, helping to gently open and calm the respiratory system.
When it comes to oils, I tend to reach for lighter, more breathable ones that nourish without feeling heavy. Rosehip seed oil is a staple for me, and I also love things like jojoba, grapeseed, and hemp seed oil. They absorb beautifully into the skin, support the barrier, and feel really aligned with the more active, awakening energy of spring.
And of course, internal support is just as important. Spring is such a powerful time to work with herbs and foods that support the body’s natural detox pathways. Things like nettle, burdock, dandelion, and bitter greens (think: arugula, kale, chard) can be really supportive for the liver, lymph, and overall skin health. And if someone is feeling particularly dry, I love bringing in demulcent herbs like marshmallow root, which help deeply hydrate and soothe the skin tissues from within.
And something I always like to come back to… skin is not one-size-fits-all. Each person’s skin is so unique, and it really deserves to be approached that way. It’s less about following a set routine and more about listening, observing, and supporting what’s in front of you.
Your Spring Skincare Cheat-Sheet:
⟡ Move stagnant lymph and congestion with facial massage or gua sha
⟡ Stimulate and nourish the skin with honey tapping (apply honey to clean skin and gently pat or tap your fingers to create a suction effect)
⟡ Bring in gentle exfoliants like goat’s milk yogurt, raw honey, and powdered herbs
⟡ Spritz your face with hydrating hydrosols like rose, lemon balm, tulsi, & chamomile
⟡ Moisturize with light, nourishing oils like rosehip, jojoba, grapeseed, & hemp seed oil
⟡ Glow from within by drinking nettle, burdock, dandelion, & marshmallow root teas
Gabrielle is a holistic esthetician, doula, and a healer weaving beauty, ritual, and collective care.
Through all aspects of her work, she tends, supports, and creates environments where people can soften, feel safe, and return to themselves.
Keep up with her on instagram @giamoondoula
