Summer skin care adjustments

It’s been a while since I wrote a post on Summer Skincare.  Since then, we have added new products and I have discovered my favorites that I can’t imagine my life without anymore.   I think I owe you an updated post.

This summer I am still fighting the same problems: extra oil, sweat and outdoor dust/pollution (nothing new here).  As hot weather moves in many people experience more breakouts due to increased perspiration, increased sebum production and more play-time outdoors.   In plain language: our pores get jam-packed with outdoor dust, sweat and oil (a.k.a. gunk).  That is why we recommend that you bump up usage of deep cleansing masques and daily cleansers.   As always adhere to standard three step routine:  cleanse, tone, moisturize.
Oily Skin:  feel free to wash your face on regular basis with our gentle, oat-based Facial Wash, as often as you wish.  Proceed with Iced Tea or Apple Twist toner, which would work as a connecting link between cleansing and moisturizing (find more information on toners and how they work here).  During summer keep your toner in a refrigerator and use it chilled, all over your face and neck, to wipe out the dirt, to replenish and refresh your skin.  In addition to regular cleansing routine you should be doing clay masques on weekly basis, to deep cleanse your pores, to return elasticity and even tone to your skin.  For oily skin type Sea Kelp Detox is a perfect pair.  In summer we recommend you use masques every 3 – 4 days (depending on your personal needs).  And since you don’t really need that much of your favorite moisturizer in summer, you can try the following:
a) skipping it completely;  b) doubling our nourishing toners as your summer moisturizer (our toners are made with gentle floral waters, conditioning aloe juice and slightly astringent witch hazel.  They should provide enough nourishment on a hot day);  c) use Resurfacing Booster as a light-weight summer moisturizer.
Dry or Mature Skin: use our gentle, oat-based Facial Wash in the morning and before bed.  Proceed with Rose or Lavender toner, which would work as a connecting link between cleansing and moisturizing (find more information on toners and how they work here).  During summer keep your toner in a refrigerator and use it chilled, all over your face and neck, to wipe off the dirt and to replenish and refresh your skin.  In addition to regular cleansing routine you should be doing clay masques on weekly basis, to deep cleanse your pores, to return elasticity and even tone to your skin.   For Dry and Mature type use Strawberry Fig Masque.  Try not to skip deep cleansing masques in summer, as your pores are exposed to extra elements.   And last but not least is your moisturizer.  There are a few things that you can try based on your personal needs and preferences:  a) after using your toner, apply thin layer of Resurfacing Booster all over your face, than treat certain spots (dry areas or deep wrinkles) with Glow Rejuvenating Serum – this is my favorite approach;  b) use Resurfacing Booster on its own as your main moisturizer;  c) use Glow Rejuvenating Serum on its own as your main moisturizer;  d) in any case try adjusting frequency of usage (every day or ever other day) and amounts (apply thin or thick, spread less or more).
Normal and/or Combinational Skin: use our gentle, oat-based Facial Wash in the morning and before bed.  Proceed with Apple Twist or Lavender toner, which would work as a connecting link between cleansing and moisturizing (find more information on toners and how they work here).  During summer keep your toner in a refrigerator and use it chilled, all over your face and neck, to wipe off dirt and to replenish and refresh your skin.  In addition to regular cleansing routine you should be doing clay masques on weekly basis, to deep cleanse your pores, to return elasticity and even tone to your skin.  Normal and Combination skin type people can use either one of our masques except for Sea Kelp Detox, as it has more absorbent clays and is made specifically for oily skin type.  Try not to skip deep cleansing masques in summer, as your pores are exposed to extra elements.   And last but not least is your moisturizer.  There are a few things that you can try based on your personal needs and preferences:  a) after using your toner, apply thin layer of Resurfacing Booster all over your face, then treat certain spots (dry areas or deep wrinkles) with Glow Rejuvenating Serum – this is my favorite approach;  b) use Resurfacing Booster on its own as your main moisturizer;  c) use Glow Rejuvenating Serum on its own as your main moisturizer;  d) in any case try adjusting frequency of usage (every day or ever other day) and amounts (apply thin or thick, spread less or more).

In general, adjust your makeup regimen to the summer climate and your outdoor activities as well. Select powder blushes and eye shadows rather than cream products because they are less irritating and more likely to hold up in hot and humid weather. Use mineral foundations that will double you as SPF protection.  Learn how to apply natural-looking, barely there makeup for those outdoor occasions.
Don’t forget to drink lots of liquids!

Cheers!

Till next time,
Liana.

Skin Care Essentials - Exfoliate

As part of our “essential skin care steps” blog series here comes today’s post about second important step on your way to a beautiful and healthy complexion. You can read about first step here.
Exfoliation - a simple and effective beauty treatment which artificially encourages the gentle removal of surface skin cells. Our body sloughs off up to 500,000,000 dead skin cells every day - by actively assisting this process we help cell renewal and regeneration. Exfoliation actually lifts of the top layer of dead skin cells, dirt and sebum, revealing new layer of young looking skin beneath. This stimulates the blood circulation in the dermis, which in turn feeds the newborn skin cells more efficiently and rids the area of waste products. As the skin ages, the production of of new cells slows down, often leading to dull skin tone and uneven texture.
Exfoliation can also assist with some other common problems like flaky or ashy skin or enlarged facial pores. Dermatologist Susan Evans, MD, recommends exfoliation to help fight enlarged facial pores. “Pores appear enlarged when they are clogged, dilated, or infected, and that's why the best way to keep your pores small and less visible is to keep your skin clean all the time. Often the pores get clogged with dead skin cells, dirt, and oil, which makes them appear more prominent. That’s why regular skin exfoliation is essential, in order to remove the dead skin cells and to allow your skin to produce newer, healthier cells”. (WebMD article)
There are many great natural exfoliants that can be found on the natural market today. Most popular of them are sugar and salt. We create our emulsifying body polishes with pure cane sugar and Dead Sea and Epsom salts, with addition of extra conditioning butters and oils. Our double whipped body polishes/scrubs are not messy and not runny - they are always ready whenever you are.
It is recommended to exfoliate at least once a week and even more frequently during summer, to shed off extra dirt that we accumulate from spending more time outside, and to rid of sun-damaged cells. Quick tip: depending on the personal preferences body polishes can be applied on dry skin to achieve more friction and exfoliation, or lightly damp skin, to insure easy glide for sensitive skin.
Note: salt body polishes may sting sensitive skin as well as cuts and bruises.

For facial exfoliation, we recommend using Marmalade Hills clay masques, as clays provide gentle exfoliation and deep cleansing without applying any pressure.


Hope you find this post useful. Take care of your skin and it will thank you!

Till next time,
Liana.