Gardens are finally popping with blooms, the leaves are on the trees, and we’ve had temperatures above 80 degrees. Not only is it finally spring, now I am already thinking about summertime… Clothing that is light and cool… Going out spontaneously… Knowing that I am ready for anything.
I also want to look as good as I feel, in a flash, so now is the time to get serious with my skin, my diet, and the gym. Where do I start?
Taking care of my skin is number one, and I can start today. I set a schedule to do a mask or a peel twice per week. I get my regime back on track with my diet and hydration. Water. Water. Water. Do you know what my rule of thumb is for water? Drink half your weight in ounces every day.
I also set up my schedule at the gym, making sure that three times per week I am doing something that pushes my limits. Then I am walking the days I take off. My skin will respond to the water, good food, and the oxygen from the increased heart rates of exercise.
When I look in the mirror I want be sure that I have done my best to look my best. Here are some things you can incorporate into your daily routine to have the best summer skin ever:
- Get into the habit of washing your face every morning and evening before bed. Wash with a gently soap or cleansing cream, rinse well and pat dry.
- Use a toner that balances your pH before you apply your next step, a serum to get the result you desire. Eye cream should moisten and tone the very delicate eye area.
- At night, your moisturizer should give you that repair that you only get while you sleep. Morning moisture should have at least a 25 SPF, give you a bright glow and maybe even a hint of color.
- Have set days that you apply a mask twice per week. I do this while I am packing my lunch and getting my outfit together for work on Mondays and Thursdays, then I jump into the shower.
- Always apply a body lotion or oil daily. An oil is faster and you can apply to damp skin before you towel dry. A lotion is easy to and less greasy, and all you need is a quick slather and you’re done.
- Add a little lavender or rose and you will smell and feel great all day in your beautiful skin.
Here is a little recipe you can use to make your own morning moisturizer:
Ingredients:
- 1 ounce of Jojoba oil
- 2 ounces grapeseed oil
- 10 drops of lavender oil
- 4 drops of rose oil
Shake everything up well in a small glass or plastic bottle, then apply to wet, warm skin after you shower. Use sparingly. If desired, lightly towel dry.
Of course, there are great commercial products out there. I think we have some of the best at Medicine World. Come in and check them out, feel free to ask me what may work for you, check your budget, and use the best you can afford. You will find that this daily effort will pay off and your skin will be the best it can be for the rest of your life.