Although Spring is here and temperatures are getting warmer, your skin might still be feeling the winter blues. Your skin might be dry, dull and rough. Knees, elbows, heels, and toes can also suffer from a winter in boots
What then should you do to get ready for Spring?
To take care of skin, you need to continue moisturizing those sensitive areas such as your feet, knees and elbows. Try applying white petroleum jelly, like Vaseline on all those areas that still feel dry. On your feet in particular, you can put socks on after application of the Vaseline in order for it to soak overnight. This alone will produce wonderful results!
Another time to use the Vaseline is under plastic gloves. While washing the dishes or doing any gardening, do not forget to moisturize!
Exfoliate, exfoliate… For the body you should opt for a brown sugar exfoliator. This is a great and cheap way of removing the dry dead skin cells. Simply mix some brown sugar with your shower gel. 24 – 48 hours prior to hair removal – albeit waxing or chemical hair removal, you should definitely exfoliate to soften the hair follicles. Exfoliating is also a must prior to any faux tanning. Again, remember to do it 24-48 hours prior. Never exfoliate on the same day!
Please do not exfoliate your face with the same product you use on your body, The skin on your face is much more delicate and should be treated as such. Scrubs that contain walnut and apricot are too rough on your skin and could very well damage it by causing microscopic tears on your skin! Ouch! Instead opt for a cleanser or moisturizer containing alpha-hydroxy or beta-hydroxy.
Ok, lets recap. During Spring, your routine should be cleanse, tone, moisturize twice daily and steam at least once a week. Always go for the mildest cleanser for your skin type. If you have dry skin, opt for a non-soap or alcohol cleanser. You should try a creamy cleanser instead. Your toner should also be alcohol free. Look for a moisturizer with an SPF of at least 15-30. If you do not have a steamer at home, turn on the hot water and wrap a towel around your face. Let the steam soak in for about 10-15 minutes and viola!
Here are a couple of wonderful masks you can do at home:
Brown sugar/olive oil/ginger body scrub: Mix 2 cups of brown sugar with 1 cup of olive oil and add a small amount of ground ginger. Mix well into a paste. Using circular motions, rub your entire body, paying special attention to elbows, heels, and knees. Rinse with a body wash and wet washcloth and towel dry. The result: Softer, suppler, and less dry skin.
Milk and honey foot treatment: Pour 2 cups of milk per one cup of honey into a basin large enough to hold both feet. Soak for 15 minutes, lightly massaging the mixture into skin. Results: Softer, smoother skin without harsh exfoliation. You can also use the milk/honey combo to soak elbows or hands, or pat gently onto the face and massage in. Always rinse with tepid water.
Egg white and citrus face masque: (normal to oily skin) — Mix 2 raw egg whites with 1/4 cup of fresh orange juice. Apply to skin and let rest for 15 minutes until dry. Rinse well with warm water. The result: Tighter pores and a brighter, less dull complexion.
Oatmeal face masque: (sensitive skin) — Mix oatmeal with boiling water according to package instructions. Let cool, then apply to skin and let rest for 15 minutes. Rinse well with warm water. The result: A radiant, moisturized glow.
Fashionistas, this Spring make sure your skin is glowing by properly adjusting to the seasonal changes. Your skin is
just as important, if not more, than those cutie outfits you are wearing already! Take care of your skin and get that flawless look you have always wanted.
xoxo
Judy