Transition Your Skin Care With Four Steps
Spring is finally here, and as you update your wardrobe to reflect the warmer weather, remember to update your skin care routine as well.
“Winter can be a challenge for your skin. When spring arrives it’s a great chance for you to check in with your skin care needs,” said Megan Gerding, LA, an advanced aesthetician at Samaritan Plastic, Reconstructive & Hand Surgery. “Your skin is the largest organ in your body, so what you nourish your skin with is crucial.”
As you come out of hibernation, Gerding recommends these skin care tips to look your best:
Exfoliate Gently
The heat from your car, office and home all keep you cozy, but that dry air can leave you with skin that looks dull. Exfoliation can slough off dead, dry skin and reveal the new, glowing skin underneath. Use a product with salicylic acid for gentle exfoliation, or treat yourself to a facial for professional level results. Try a standard pore-refining facial, or upgrade to an enzyme facial, which adds a gentle clinical exfoliant.
Recommended: SkinMedica GlyPro Cleanser, Epionce Lytic Tx
Moisturize
How much and what type of moisturizer you need depends on your skin type. There are formulas for every skin type, so choose the lotion or cream that works for you and get help from a professional if you haven’t found your perfect fit yet. For light moisture that can be used on its own or added to your existing skin care, Gerding recommends a hyaluronic acid serum, which can boost your skin’s hydration and smooth wrinkles and fine lines. A study published in the “Journal of Drugs in Dermatology” found that those who used a product with hyaluronic acid had improved hydration and skin elasticity over the placebo group.
Recommended: SkinMedica HA5 and Rejuvenative Moisturizer, Epionce Renewal Facial Lotion
Devote to SPF Daily
Gerding touts year-round sunscreen use as one of the single-most important products you can use to combat wrinkles and dark spots. UV rays are the leading cause of the appearance of aging skin, according to Gerding, so use sunscreen every day as a proactive step toward fighting further aging. Makeup with an SPF of 15 or higher is a good backup, but still complete your skin care routine with a quality sunscreen that you can also use on your face, neck, ears, chest and hands. Look for products that contain a physical sunscreen like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which sits on top of the skin to block the sun’s rays.
Recommended: SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield SPF 35, Epionce Ultra Shield Lotion SPF 50
Finish with a Glow
Once your skin is prepped and ready for spring, all you need is a light hand with makeup to complete your youthful glow. Gerding recommends Jane Iredale cosmetics because of the high quality ingredients and additional skin care benefits. A beauty balm (or BB cream) from Jane Iredale is a lightweight cream foundation, while mineral makeup from the line offers fuller coverage without a heavy feel. Top off your look with Jane Iredale creamy highlighter for a dewy summer glow.
Recommended: Jane Iredale Glow Time Full Coverage BB Cream, Jane Iredale PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation.
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