Your best bet is to simply look for any changes in how a product looks or smells. “Color and odor changes signify oxidation, which results in ingredients becoming unstable and less effective,” say Moss and Sundick. If it smells funky or looks strange, pitch it. It’s also important to get rid of anything you haven’t used. (You know, just how you shouldn’t still be holding onto those jeans you last wore in college.) “If you haven’t used a product in over a year, there’s a good chance you’re never going to, so throw it out,” suggests Devika Icecreamwala, MD, a dermatologist in Berkeley, Calif.

Basic Morning Skincare Routine for Spring

  1. Cleanser: There’s no reason to spend the big bucks here, or even choose any kinds of fancy formulas; after all, it’s basically just going to get washed down the drain. “For most people, a simple, gentle cleanser, like Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser ($9; amazon.com) is perfect,” says Moss and Sundick. (You can change this up based on the season—more on that in a minute.)
  2. Antioxidant Serum: More lightweight and with a larger concentration of active ingredients than moisturizers, serums are a great way to get some serious bang for your buck—and reap real benefits for your skin. While there’s no shortage of options to choose from, an antioxidant-rich formula is a great universal pick. Antioxidants help neutralize skin-damaging free radicals, formed by exposure to everything from the sun to pollution to even your cell phone screen, says Moss and Sundick. Those free radicals can lead to things such as spots and wrinkles, making antioxidants essential. Dr. Icecreamwala agrees, and adds that vitamin C is one particularly good antioxidant to seek out. Not only is it potent and well-studied, but it also delivers multiple benefits, helping to fade spots and stimulate collagen production. She likes SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic ($166; dermstore.com).
  3. Moisturizer with Sunscreen: Wearing sunscreen daily—yes, that’s 365 days per year, rain or shine—is an absolute non-negotiable. But you can save yourself time and an extra step by opting for a moisturizer with SPF, points out Dr. Icecreamwala. The only caveat? Make sure it’s a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 or higher (many moisturizers with sunscreen clock in at only SPF15, which won’t cut the mustard). Try: Elta MD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 ($25; amazon.com).

Basic Evening Skincare Routine for Spring

  1. Start by washing your face (you can use the same cleanser as you did the morning).
  2. Retinoid: Retinoids are the gold-standard in the anti-aging world, long proven to actually really work. “They regulate skin cell turnover to remove dead cells, and also work deeper in the skin promoting healthy collagen production to both prevent and treat wrinkles,” explains Moss and Sundick. And if you’re dealing with the double-whammy of both pimples and wrinkles, Dr. Icecreamwala says that retinoids are also a great option for acne-prone skin. Keep in mind, though, that any kind of retinoid can be irritating, so your best bet is to start by using one only a few times per week, gradually increasing the frequency as your skin acclimates. One to try: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel ($30; ulta.com). Moisturizer: You don’t need a super fancy night cream (since your retinoid is delivering plenty of benefits), but you do need to hydrate to both counteract dryness, as well as help minimize the likelihood for some of those irritating retinol side effects. Like with your cleanser, simple is best here; all you need is proven hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and/or glycerin. Moss and Sundick recommend CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion ($11; amazon.com). Your antioxidant serum and sunscreen are still super important, though you may want to go slightly lighter with your moisturizer (per our point about warmer weather and oilier skin). Search for ones labeled as gels or lotions—which are innately lighter than creams—and are housed in tubes rather than jars. (These will also have the added benefit of lasting longer; moisturizers in a jar that opens fully with every use will oxidize more quickly than products in a pump bottle, point out Moss and Sundick.) Still, even if you are going to make a few seasonal skincare changes, that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to get rid of what you were previously using. “If you’re planning on using your skincare product again when the appropriate season arises, it’s OK to keep it, as long as it’s not expired,” says Dr. Icecreamwala. RELATED: How to Spring Clean Your Beauty Bag