Spring is on the way! The first green bulb leaves are poking out through the ground and buds on the trees are starting to get plump. Spring makes us feel brighter, more hopeful, energetic, and open to life! So, this is the perfect time to renew your skincare routine, reveal your inner beauty, and unlock a more radiant complexion.
With that in mind, we gathered together some of our fantastic skincare experts at Apex Skin to spill the tea about their favorite skin-brightening products to usher in the spring. These seven expert dermatology providers from across our Apex Skin locations in Northeast Ohio will share their secrets about the best skin-brightening treatment options from retinol serum to lactic acid and everything in between!
Apex Skin’s Skin Brightening Experts
Before we get started, let’s introduce the Northeast Ohio dermatology providers we’ll be chatting with today:
Maggie McKernan, a nationally board-certified and Ohio-licensed physician assistant who works in our Lorain dermatology office
Dr. Alexa Stecker, one of our board-certified dermatologists who works in our Concord dermatology office
Eva Mahoney, an Ohio-licensed, nationally board-certified aesthetic physician associate who also works in our Concord dermatology office
Gia DiLoreto is an Ohio-licensed, nationally board-certified dermatology physician assistant working in our Canton dermatology office
Alyssa Holzinger, a nationally board-certified physician assistant who works in our Parma dermatology office
Ringaile Sirvaitis, a nationally board-certified dermatology nurse practitioner who also works in our Concord dermatology office
Cassandra McKernan, a nationally board-certified and Ohio-licensed physician assistant who works in our Concord dermatology office too
They’re giving major star power energy and expertise when it comes to getting science-based, healthy, radiant skin any time of the year. But since it’s spring, today they are focused on helping you shed your winter layers and shine on with glowing, smooth spring skin.
What is Skin Brightening?
First, a little clarification: skin brightening and skin lightening are two entirely different things. Skin brightening is not about changing your pigmentation like skin lightening is. Skin brightening is all about revitalizing dull, flaky, rough, dry skin—winter skin problems many people struggle with. Skin brightening treatment options include exfoliation, serums, and more to bring out smooth, fresh, radiant skin for the spring.
Since our skin is the only organ exposed to the air to any degree on a regular basis, it is particularly susceptible to seasonal changes. During the winter, skincare regimens focus on protecting and hydrating the skin’s barrier function to shield it from cold, dry air, often with thicker, more protective creams. As spring emerges from winter, the temperature, sunlight, and humidity levels change, and we expose more of our skin to the outside world. This is why changing up your skincare routine for the spring (or for any seasonal changes) is so important—it’s about helping your skin adjust to those changes in the air to make the most of the skin you’ve got so you feel confident, healthy, and glowing as you welcome the spring.
Apex Skin’s Brightening Arsenal
Although we may still get the odd snowstorm or polar vortex here and there this time of year, now is a good time to prepare your skin for a brilliant spring outing with our dermatology experts’ favorite skin-brightening products:
1. Retinol Serums
Retinol serum products are an important skin-brightening component to include in your skincare routine. Retinol does two important things to brighten the skin: it kick-starts collagen production inside the skin and improves cell turnover.
“Retinols are vitamin-A derivatives that act on receptors found within the skin to increase cell turnover and help build collagen within the dermis to increase the skin’s firmness, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and help even out skin pigmentation,” explains Dr. Alexa Stecker, who recommends the Perfect Retinol Serum.
“I recommend it to anyone who struggles with acne breakouts as well as anyone who wants a tried-and-true product to help with all visible signs of aging,” she says.
Maggie McKernan is a big fan of Retinol + Bakuchiol Serum 5x. “It provides hydration, improves skin elasticity, and promotes a more radiant complexion,” she says. “Bakuchiol, a plant-derived alternative, is a great addition as it is gentler and less irritating to the skin, making it suitable for sensitive skin types while still offering the same great benefits.”
Incorporating either of these lightweight retinol serums into your spring skincare routine can help resurface, plump, smooth, and refine the skin while also helping against acne.
But both Dr. Stecker and Maggie McKernan also bring up an important point about using retinol: it can be a little harsh on the skin and make it more sensitive to sun exposure. So, it’s important to work with your dermatology provider on choosing the right serum for your skin and learning the right amount to use to reduce irritation. And because of the accelerated skin cell turnover, “it is important to use sunscreen as part of your everyday routine while using any vitamin A products,” insists Dr. Stecker.
2. Lactic Acid Serum
Lactic acid skin brightening products gently exfoliate dead skin cells away, revealing softer, fresher, more evenly-toned skin. Lactic acid can erase fine lines and improve skin hydration too. Apex’s Lactic Acid Resurfacing Serum is one of Eva Mahoney’s favorite skin brightening products.
“It gives the skin a natural glow and makes the texture feel smoother over time,” Mahoney says. “It’s a great way to enhance overall radiance while promoting healthier skin. I have been using lactic acid in my routine for years and have seen a significant improvement in my skin quality!” She likes that it’s a lightweight serum that goes on seamlessly as part of any skincare routine and that it’s milder than other alpha hydroxy acid products, which makes it good for many people with sensitive skin.
“I recommend it for people dealing with hyperpigmentation, dark spots, or fine lines,” says Mahoney. “It also helps improve skin texture, unclogs pores, and can stimulate collagen production over time. It’s a great treatment option for those looking to target signs of aging, and sun damage, or just achieve a more radiant skin tone.”
Mahoney has only one caution about the Lactic Acid Resurfacing Serum: “It’s always best to use the lactic acid serum in the evening after cleansing and before applying a moisturizer. Because it exfoliates, your skin can become more sensitive to the sun, so it’s important to use it at night and wear sunscreen during the day.”
If you follow these instructions, the lactic acid serum is an excellent, lightweight product that gets beautiful results. “In spring, people often look to brighten their skin after the dullness that can come from winter’s dry air,” Mahoney adds. “Brightening products like lactic acid help refresh the skin, giving it that fresh, dewy look that feels perfect for the warmer weather. Spring also tends to bring more sun exposure, so brightening products can help even out skin tone and address any hyperpigmentation from previous seasons.”
3. Brighten Up Pads
Spring can dial up our energy levels and pack our schedules with new activities that shorten the amount of time people have for a skincare routine. This is where quick, convenient daily exfoliation and skin brightening Brighten Up Pads come in.
They’re Gia DiLoreto’s must-have spring skin brightening product. “The combination of Kojic Acid, Arbutin, and Bearberry works wonders for brightening my skin,” she says. “I’ve noticed a more even complexion, and my skin just looks healthier and more radiant. It’s my favorite because of the convenience factor. I’m always on the go, whether it’s work, the gym, or traveling and these pre-soaked pads make skincare effortless. There’s no messy serum or complicated steps, just a quick swipe.”
For folks who are super busy and like a lightweight, well-balanced, refreshing way to brighten their skin in a compact, portable jar that fits right into your bag, DiLoreto says this is the one. It brightens and evens the skin tone, provides antioxidant protection, gently exfoliates, soothes, and refreshes the skin with anti-inflammatory properties. She explains that she typically uses it at night and alternates the Brighten Up Pads nights with retinol serums.
“Our post-winter skin needs a refresh,” says DiLoreto. “After months of dry, dull winter skin, brightening ingredients like kojic acid, arbutin, and vitamin C help restore radiance and even out skin tone. We must also begin to prepare for increased sun exposure by using a brightening product alongside daily SPF. Spring weddings, vacations, and outdoor events will be coming up, and starting a brightening routine now is crucial to help your skin look its best.”
4. Vitamin C+ Serum
As you boost your diet of fresh fruits and veggies full of vitamin C in the spring, it’s also a good idea to include the Vitamin C+ Serum into your skin brightening treatment routine. It gets top grades for protecting your skin from free-radical damage, reducing hyperpigmentation, and as a partner to your daily sunscreen.
Alyssa Holzinger is a big fan: “I love this product because it has so many clinically proven benefits,” she says. “Vitamin C has been shown to brighten complexion, stimulate collagen production, and protect the skin from free radical damage caused by UV radiation, pollution, and even smoking. It is also very easy to incorporate into your skincare regimen; I recommend using it once daily in the morning.”
This is a lightweight serum that absorbs easily into the skin and layers well with other products and makeup without leaving any sticky residue or weight.
“The Vitamin C+ Serum contains pure and stabilized tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate and ascorbic acid, two components that protect our skin from damage,” says Holzinger. “It also contains brightening ingredients such as arbutin and bearberry extract which give the skin a more youthful appearance. I would recommend this product to patients with mature skin who want their complexion to look younger, healthier, and more refreshed. Vitamin C can diminish fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots from previous sun exposure.”
5. Eye Rehab
As you boost your diet of fresh fruits and veggies full of vitamin C in the spring, it’s also a good idea to include the Vitamin C+ Serum into your skin brightening treatment routine. It gets top grades for protecting your skin from free-radical damage, reducing hyperpigmentation, and as a partner to your daily sunscreen.
It’s one of Ringaile Sirvaitis’ favorite products for the spring. “I have used numerous eye creams and this is by far my favorite product,” she says. “I love how effective the eye cream is on dark circles and fine lines. It contains all-trans-retinol, green tea, arnica, and peptides. It not only brightens the eye area instantly but also rejuvenates the skin around the eyes long-term.”
Sirvaitis adds that it’s great for anyone who wants to erase years from around their eyes because it improves hydration and skin elasticity while reducing fine lines and hyperpigmentation for a more radiant, youthful appearance. “It feels so soothing and hydrating,” says Sirvaitis “This product could be used once or twice a day. For maximum effect, I personally use it twice a day. It should be applied before moisturizer, SPF, and makeup. Using a brightening product like Eye Rehab cream helps to combat dullness after months of winter, promoting a fresh, glowing complexion. Seasonal allergies during Spring may sometimes increase puffiness and dark circles, and may make skin look dull. This product will not only brighten the under-eye area but revive the skin as well.”
6. Daily Hydrating Boost
Skin hydration is a cornerstone of skin-brightening products and overall skin health. It’s impossible to get vibrant, smooth skin without it. So, Cassie McKernan recommends the lightweight Daily Hydrating Boost serum to all of her patients.
“Patients with all skin types can benefit from the Daily Hydrating Boost,” McKernan says. “It is especially great for people with dry or aging skin as it helps deeply hydrate the skin. Even if you have oily or combination skin, this Daily Hydrating Boost can help balance your skin’s moisture levels without feeling greasy.”
The Daily Hydrating Boost serum contains fractionated hyaluronic acid that locks moisture deep into the skin all day long. “It provides deep hydration that reduces fine lines and wrinkles so you maintain a fresh, dewy, glowing, radiant look,” says McKernan.
“Plus, it feels super refreshing! It’s ideal for daily use, especially in the spring. Changing weather can often lead to fluctuations in skin moisture levels. As temperatures rise and humidity increases, your skin can become dehydrated more easily. Using the Daily Hydrating Boost helps maintain optimal hydration, ensuring your skin stays plump and healthy despite the environmental changes. This can be especially beneficial if you experience seasonal dryness or sensitivity.”
Spring Skincare Tips
In addition to adding the right skin-brightening products to your spring skincare routine, it’s important to nourish from within to complete that picture of health you’re striving to achieve.
- Focus on getting enough sleep to recharge your body, mind, and skin every night.
- Do all you can to reduce stress levels during the day.
- Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Pile your plate with plenty of fresh fruits and veggies, as well as healthy, clean sources of protein and fiber. Nutrition has a big impact on skin health!
Healthy lifestyle choices like these can improve your skin health from the inside out. Generally, as winter gives way to spring, it’s a good idea to switch to lightweight skincare products that allow your skin to breathe and to make sure you’re slathering on sunscreen every day to protect yourself from increased daily sun exposure.
Personalized Skin Brightening Treatment with Your Dermatologist
Revitalize your spring skincare routine with the right skin-brightening products for your needs by scheduling a consultation with your dermatologist at the Apex Skin location nearest you today. We can help you navigate our dermatologist-tested and approved skin care products, and set you up for showing off your most radiant, confident self this spring. We can help you revamp your routine to meet your skin’s changing needs as the seasons change, and help you address every aspect of skin health that you have questions about! We can even get you in for same-day appointments, so don’t hesitate! Jump into spring with us today!
