Sister Save My Skin

Summertime is upon us... kinda (I'm writing this in an old man sweater. Thanks, Global Warming). The change of season is a good time to reset your routine and reinvigorate your commitment to being better to your skin. Maybe your old routine isn't doing it for you anymore. Maybe you'd describe your skin care routine as less "routine" and more "a thing I kind of do when I'm in the shower". Maybe moving to a new city or state has blown up all over your face while you're in the midst of your Second Adolescence. Whatever your situation, I am here to help. The road to healthy skin is chocked full of seductive detours that can derail your journey but do not despair. Here's a quick guide to get you back on track.   

1. Cleanliness is Next to Goddess-ness: Any good skincare regime begins with a solid cleansing routine. Cleanse both morning and evening with a cleanser that's appropriate for your skin type and devoid of harsh ingredients that may strip or irritate your skin. Most importantly, never go to bed with a dirty face! While we're sleeping our skin goes into repair mode and it's imperative your skin is clear of makeup, oil, & impurities during that process. But you already know this... I done told y'all.  
2. Buff Yo'self: In order for your skin to flourish properly it needs exfoliation. No matter what the skin type, old cells can collect on the skin's surface making it appear dull and lifeless. Excessive build up of old skin cells also contribute to clogged pores and breakouts, particularly in the Summer when our skin cell turnover is sluggish. Regular exfoliation encourages healthy skin cell reproduction, increases the clarity & tone of your skin, and improves the effectiveness of your products. When fresh skin is available, active ingredients can penetrate into the deeper levels of the skin and do the most good. Whether it's an enzyme mask, a liquid exfoliant using Alpha or Beta Hydroxy Acids, or a good old fashioned scrub, regular exfoliation is a necessary part of your glow-up. For best results, exfoliate at night before using your favorite serum and night cream. 
3. The Dynamic Duo of Antioxidants & SPF: Antioxidants and sun protection are like chicken and biscuits; good apart but magical together. Antioxidant vitamins A, C, & E have multiple benefits like protection against free radical damage and brightening the skin but they also boost your skin's natural SPF. It bears repeating that wearing SPF daily not only prevents skin cancer but also prevents hyperpigmentation from worsening. Regular SPF usage goes a long way to prevent premature aging of the skin from harmful UVA rays year-round. Pairing antioxidants with broad spectrum sun protection helps everyone guard against the harmful effects of UVA, UVB, & infrared rays. Yes... everyone. 
4. Beauty Rest: 21st Century life is a nonstop cavalcade of mayhem, foolishness, & stress that directly effect our skin. Between work, love, friends, and our Twitter feeds we are overexcited and overstimulated. Since our skin repairs itself during sleep, when we miss out on proper beauty rest the skin is the first place it shows. Remember those naps you hated taking when you were in kindergarten? You need them now. I encourage all of my facial clients to nap during their services. The rest & relaxation helps boost the effectiveness of your treatment! Shoot for 6-8 hours of sleep every night to maintain a fresh, rested glow. If you miss out on a full night's rest and can't nap, try taking a few moments of meditation or relaxation during your day to refresh your mind, body, & soul. 
5. Water, Water Everyday: Good water intake is the easiest & most beneficial part of your skin care regimen. Our bodies are mostly water & need the stuff to survive (No, whiskey doesn't count. Whisky & water gets half a point). Whatever your concerns are, proper hydration aids in maintaining the body's moisture levels, hormone levels, and helps the body eliminate toxins that could lead to breakouts. There are a few schools of thought on exactly how much water we all need to drink every day. I like to go by the rule of drinking enough water to feel energized and not thirsty as the day goes on. To make drinking more water easier, try infusing your water with berries & citrus fruits or herbs like rosemary, mint or basil. They jazz up your water so that you don't get too bored. After a few weeks, you'll notice your complexion is brighter, smoother, & looks more refreshed.       

Revamping your entire skin care regimen can seem like a daunting & expensive task. Making small changes and upgrades to your routine can go a long way to help improve the look of your skin from face to toe. Hopefully, these handy tips can serve as a map to get you on the road to more radiant skin and a super sexy Summer. 

Once Summer actually gets here. Excuse me while I grab a scarf because I'm friggin' freezing.