New Year...Beautiful Skin Resolutions

Natural Seasonal Skincare

Like every year, this year I made my resolutions to proactively BE healthier.  What that means to me is to eat healthier, be more active and continue to make healthier decisions on the products my family and I use.  As, I cleaned out my "beauty" drawer this weekend throwing out the old cosmetics and cleansers I noticed that I've been using the same products day in and day out for years; regardless of the season.

When we moved to the Foothills at a higher elevation, I really struggled with the impacts the changing environment had on my skin; particularly the dryness. As summer turned to winter, I found that the products that had worked in the summer didn't particularly work well in the winter.  This got me to thinking...Each season represents not only changes in the weather but the cyclical patterns of the earth's renewal and regeneration.  Since our bodies are in tune (some better than others) with these changes, our body's needs change with the seasons.  Our seasons may look different depending on where we live and some may be more subtle than others (Florida winter vs. Fargo winter), but the changes occur all the same.

Your skincare regime needs to change with the changing seasons. The processes tend to stay the same, however the products will differ. 

1.  Winter skin will require increased hydration and moisturizing to replenish moisture lost from dryer inside temperatures, damaging cold and reduced water intake.  Remember to exfoliate to remove dry dead skin.
2. Spring skin will require additional nutrients to prepare for new cells to regenerate after the dormant winter.  In some places, this is also the time to begin upping the sunscreen to protect those new skin cells.  Now is a good time to detoxify as well. 
3. Summer skin will require cleansing more often due to the increase salt that is produced through perspiration in the summer.  Cleansing may include simply a cool water splash to rinse residue from the face.  Over cleansing with harsh products will result in over drying skin.  SUNSCREEN SUNSCREEN SUNSCREEN.  Remember a light moisturizer is still necessary.
4. Fall skin will depend on your climate, for many you fall regime will look a lot like your summer or spring skincare.  Maintain clean healthy skin with the proper nutrients, gentle cleansing, exfoliation and moisturizing as needed.

Bottom Line...what works for your skin in one season may not work in another because your skin's needs are constantly changing.  Embrace the changes and give your skin what it needs when it needs it.

Where are we now?  DRY WINTER SKIN

Your old skin layers are dying in preparation for the new cells that will emerge.  Remember that exfoliating will remove dead skin cells and blackheads from clogged pores.  Exfoliating salt and sugar scrubs are wonderful for removing dead skin and giving your skin a vibrant glow.  

Try this DIY Natural Sugar Scrub Recipe:

Honey Sugar Scrub

1/2 cup of Sugar (white of brown - raw sugar will be too rough)
1/4 cup of Oil (I like Almond and Coconut, but any natural light oil will work)
1 tsp. Raw Honey 
2-3 drops of your favorite Essential Oil (I like Ylang Ylang, Lavender and Patchouli for their dry skin benefits)

Mix ingredients well in a bowl and store in an airtight container.  Stores on the counter for about two months. 

Wet skin thoroughly in shower.  Turn off water and apply mixture to body in a circular motion, focusing on any dry rough areas. Rinse thoroughly.

Don't want to make your own scrub?  Try our sugar and salt scrub  

http://www.holisticblendssoap.com/scrubs.html

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