SPRING FORWARD TO GLOWING SKIN

At this time of year, all skin types experience surface dehydration leading to a lack-luster complexion. Are you suffering with skin that feels tight, dry, even itchy? Do your pores look enlarged and congested? Are you looking for rejuvenation?

With the tail end of Winter upon us, here are some tips to heal stressed skin and enter the new season with fresh, glowing skin.

STEP 1

• When washing your face, water should be tepid and not too hot.
• Wash with a gentle cleansing milk, not a foaming cleanser. Your face should feel clean and NOT tight.

STEP 2

• Exfoliation is a MUST! Sweep away dead, lack-luster skin cells and decongest clogged pores with regular exfoliation. I recommend three times a week with a gentle product. Avoid sharp particle exfoliants.
  
• Papaya and pineapple enzymes are great exfoliators. Alpha hydroxy cleansers are also wonderful for exfoliation and for their anti-aging properties.

STEP 3

• After months of cold, windy weather and indoor heating, your skin needs hydration in a big way. I love serums containing super hydrating hyaluronic acid to plump up skin cells.
• Use your serums day and night under a moisturizer.
• Choose your moisturizer according to your skin type. Avoid mineral oil based creams. Organic and natural skin care is preferred.
  
• Normal to dry skin can benefit from ingredients such as shea butter, peptides, olive and jojoba oils. Hyalurante and anti-oxidants such as green tea and alpha lipoic acid help with environmental stresses on the skin.
  
• Even oily skin needs light hydration to keep skin cells healthy and to avoid clogged pores. For oily skin types look for oil-free products.
• For all skin types, choose a moisturizer that absorbs into the skin easily.

STEP 4

• To avoid hyperpigmentation, brown spots, premature aging, not to mention skin cancer, always use sunblock with a 25 SPF or higher. Sunblock isn't an option and you should be wearing one rain or shine.
• If it is not dark out, ultra-violet rays are present and your skin should be protected.
  
• Use a broad spectrum sunblock with UVA and UVB protection.

To insure a glowing complexion this is a great time of year for Microdermabrasion Rejuvenating Facials and Ultrasonic Cleansing of the skin. Check out my website for more details on these treatments www.dianehiggins.com