SUMMER SKIN CARE RITUALS
The summer is just weeks away, time to change your skin care rituals. Here are my suggestions.

• You are slathering on sunblock ( I hope) and sweating more, time to use a cleanser that deep cleans the skin. Use a wash cloth for a light exfoliation when cleansing. Oily skins should look for a cleanser with salicylic acid. Never forget your toner for extra cleansing.
  
• Exfoliation is really important this time of year. Twice a week use an exfoliating product to sweep away dead skin build up and loosen clogged pores. A papaya or pumpkin based mask is great or a cleanser with alpha hydroxy acids and cleansing beads works very well. No walnut shells though!!
• This is a good time of year to really consider using Anti-Oxidants. They protect and fortify the skin against free radical damage. (Pollution, the sun.) Vitamin C, Alpha-lipoic acid, Green Tea, all of these ingredients help to protect the collagen layer.
  
• Daytime Moisturizing could include an Anti-Oxidant Serum followed by your SunBlock.
• Evening Moisturizing could include a peptide serum and peptide cream to build up the collagen and plump up the skin cells.
• Block, Block, Block. Up your SPF number to at least a 30. Apply 30 minutes before exposure. Daily applications should cover the face, neck, decollete, back of the neck, ears, forearms and hands. Beach/Outdoor Activity Days Cover every part of the skin that might be exposed. I coat my face twice everyday regardless of how long I might be out in the sun. Find a block you like and use it!
• Eye Creams are great to use day and night in the summer. Use a gel based one to combat dark circles in the day, and one with alpha-hydroxy's to fight crow's feet at night. Apply a little eye cream over make up for evenings out for a glow.

Okay, I hope that was helpful. Have a great time this summer with friends and family. Make sure you laugh a lot and relax.

Diane Higgins.