Spring Clean your Skin
Spring markers like the first winter warm-up days that trigger the start of the tulip bulbs popping through the soil, always make me look out onto my garden and see the dull aftermath of a long winter. The brown and colorless garden will renew itself in a few short weeks will be a burst of color. Our skin is similar to the garden, the dull dead skin that was protecting us from the cold outside (and the indoor forced heat) is just hanging on like a grey sallow mask. That winter face needs a good renewal, refresh, and nourishment to give you that spring glow.
How do we freshen up our skin for that beautiful springtime glow?
The key is a deep pore cleansing and nourishing the skin with active ingredients containing vitamins and minerals.
The outer layer of our skin, the epidermis, is supposed to renew itself every 26-28 days. Post-winter skin looks dull because that top layer of skin takes more abuse than usual from winter's freezing temperatures and low humidity. Skin cells are exposed to this harsh environment making the cells appear ragged and reducing their ability to reflect light pleasingly. The result is the hazy gray look of dead skin and oil. Yuck.
The solution: Exfoliation. When we exfoliate our skin, we can shorten the 26-28 day skin cycle. The renewal process is immediate, and the ragged dull cells are swept away, revealing fresh, plump skin underneath.
- SCRUBS- Only for non-sensitive skin with no redness or active breakouts. Scrubs work by using abrasives to remove dead cells.
- ENZYMES - Ideal for sensitive skin and with blackheads, spots, or pimples. Enzymes work by separating fats from proteins.
Exfoliation at home should ideally be done 1-3 times a week.
After exfoliation, it is crucial to nourish new skin, so make sure you apply your finishing products to lock-in moisture. Don't forget your SPF!