Alas, the clouds are beginning to part, the temperatures are beginning to rise, and we can safely accept that spring is coming. Now, before you go throwing on your flip-flops and teeny bikini’s and head to the nearest sand covered vacay spot, take a few ‘get ready for spring’ precautions to ensure that you put your best foot forward.
I am more than certain that many of you have heard of exfoliation, however the question really is, ‘do YOU exfoliate?’ Exfoliation does not have to be an involved and arduous process, it really can be as performed as little as once a week, and your skin will love you for it. Exfoliation is the process that removes stubborn layers of dead skin, to reveal the more supple, glowing, healthy skin underneath.
To start off, you can swing by your local drug store that will offer several exfoliating body creams and scrubs such as St. Ives Moisturizing In-Shower Exfoliating Body Polish in Oatmeal & Shea Butter ($8) or Neutrogena Energizing Sugar Scrub Body Exfoliator in Citrus ($8). These scrubs offer you a gritty, but gentle, body scrub that effectively removes layers of dead skin without irritation.
For the more adventurous shopper, you can stop by any department store. Their selection is often a little pricier, but you will indeed find great effective scrubs such as Origins Modern Friction ($37.50). This scrub is actually made of all natural materials and has a rice based exfoliant that slowly dissolves while exfoliating.
These scrubs can be used with the aide of a loofah, or as many prefer, simply by hand, and you can say bye to dull winter skin and hello to a fresh and glowing dermis!
Along with sloughing the dead skin from the body comes the responsibility to pamper the face in the same manner. We must take into consideration that the skin on the face is much more sensitive than that of the body,with that in mind, a more gentle scrub is recommended for this area. Your local drug store will offer gentle exfoliators such as Olay Definitely Pore Redefining Scrub ($10) or Clean & Clear Deep Action Exfoliating Scrub Oil Free ($6). These scrubs will gently exfoliate your face while also combating whiteheads and blackheads. Department stores will offer scrubs such as Lancome’s Exfoliance Confort ($24.50) for drier skin or Clarin’s One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser ($35) for a one step exfoliator and cleanser. Lancome’s scrub is meant to be used following a cleanser however Clarin’s scrub is a one-stop shop of cleanser and exfoliator. These scrubs will leave your face baby-smooth and supple, restoring a youthful glow, and ready to receive the sun.
If you simply find yourself puzzled by the entire thought of dead skin removal and which product to buy for what, your local spa’s and dermatologist offer ‘spring ready’ skin and body treatments that take all of your worry out of the process, and allow the professionals to do it for you. No matter which approach you use to exfoliation, your skin will definitely thank you for it.
Also, with the beginning of Spring comes the fright of coming out of sunless hibernation. Some would rather stay in hiding than to show an untanned complexion. No need to take the unhealthy approach and bake your skin under man made UV rays, you can apply bronzer to your skin, both face and body, to at least get you through those days until you have gained as much color as you feel comfortable letting the world see.
Many times the bronzer will provide all the color you need, leaving you the option to use it the entire duration of spring and summer and allowing you to skip the torture of over-tanning. Try Jergens Natural Glow Revitalizing Daily Moisturizer ($8.50), this cream is infused with sunless tanners, moisturizers, Vitamin E, and antioxidants that leave skin hydrated and with a hint of color. For the face, try a basic bronzing powder such as L’Oreal Glam Pressed Powder ($13) or Dior Bronze Matte Shine ($42). This light dusting will give you a sun-kissed glow without any UV manipulation.
Last, but definitely most important, after you have exfoliated and revealed your beautiful new glow, picked out a bronzer to add a beautiful hue to your skin, you absolutely cannot forget to protect yourself...do not forget your SPF!
Essentially YOU hold the fountain of youth in your hands and I suggest you drink from it. Sun exposure is the number one cause of all signs of aging and you have control over how much sun your skin will indeed be exposed to. Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer SPF 15 offers great sun protection for the face at a low price of $14 and for the body try Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 55 ($10).
Do not forget your lips, they also need protection from the sun, try Nivea Sun Protection Lip Care SPF 30 ($3). These products will protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays which will eventually lead to a much more youthful and supple appearance as the years continue. Believe me, you will thank yourself for taking this extra measure.
Now that we have fully prepped your skin for the sunny days ahead, you have full permission to run to the nearest beach, cruise, or vacation destination and enjoy!
