After a long, hard winter, many people experience rough, dry, or dull skin. With summer just around the corner, a rejuvenation program to revitalize your skin may be in order glow. Try these tips to get yourself glowing from head to toe and ready for the warm weather that lies ahead.
1. Exfoliate
Exfoliation is the first step to take when you want to revitalize your skin. Exfoliation removes the outer layer of dry, dead cells to reveal the soft, healthy skin below. Choose a gritty, grainy body scrub that contains moisturizers, and use it regularly as directed on the bottle. For facial skin, get more gentle product formulated specifically for the face. In the alternative, try a series of weekly gentle home peels containing Glycolic Acid or pick up an enzyme mask and treat yourself to a few home facials.
2. Moisturize
Moisturizer is essential going into spring and summer. After exfoliating, add a quality moisturizing lotion or cream to your routine. Many products can also do double duty by including sunscreen or treatment ingredients to address specific concerns. Be particularly mindful of the need to moisturize after shaving, as shaving can irritate the skin and lead to dryness.
3. Brighten Up
Winter is a great time to tackle sun spots and hyperpigmenation because you will often be getting less sun, which is the primary culprit behind those issues. Try a brightening serum or a Vitamin C product to lessen sun spots and make sunscreen use a daily habit. By the time summer rolls around you will look more radiant and be more protected from damaging solar rays.
4. Take Cooler Showers
While it might seem like a long, hot shower is a good idea to restore moisture to your skin, extended hot showers and baths can actually be extremely drying to your skin. Rather than a hot shower, opt for a shorter wash using a reduced water temperature. If you really enjoy spending extended periods of time in the water, opt for a bath filled with moisturizing bath oil to help preserve your skin’s moisture.
5. Choose the Right Cleansers
The type of soap you use in the shower can make a difference. Rather than opting for harsh, drying soaps, look for a body wash or bar soap that includes emollients and moisturizers. You will notice the difference immediately in how your skin feels after rinsing the soap away. A good soap or body wash will have it feeling silky smooth from the moisturizers it leaves behind. For the face, choose a gentle moisturizing cleanser to avoid irritation and dryness.
6. Drink More Water
Since our bodies are made up mostly of water, it's crucial that you increase the water in your diet. Reduce or eliminate your intake of caffeinated drinks, and replace those with water. Ensure that you drink a minimum of eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day to give your skin the moisture it needs and to produce a healthy glow. While moisturizer may perform temporary miracles, lubricating your skin from the inside out is always your best bet.
7. Run a Humidifier
Oftentimes, the air in your home may become dry from heating sources. To replace the moisture in the air of your home, invest in a humidifier. Run the humidifier during the night to replace moisture while you sleep, or use it all day long to prevent dryness in the air and in your skin.
8. Fake a Tan
A bit of color also increases your skin's glow and gives you a healthy, golden look. Rather than baking yourself until your skin is like leather, use a self-tanner at home, applied evenly with a sponge, or opt for a spray-on tan applied at a local salon.
9. Get Moving
Although some people are resistant to the idea of strenuous exercise, even moderate workouts will increase the blood flow in your body and help you gain and maintain a healthy glow. Take a brisk 20-minute walk each day, jog through the neighborhood in the morning before work or ride a stationary bike long enough and fast enough to get your heart pumping. You'll soon see the benefits reflected in your skin. If exercise is completely out of the question, getting regular massages will increase your healthy glow as well.
10. Try a Luminizer
When you need a glossy sheen for your skin in a hurry, choose a illuminating powder or lotion with a bit of sparkle. Apply it evenly to achieve an all-over glow in moments. Or get a body cream with luminzing properties.
By taking care of your skin, adding to and preserving its moisture and adding a touch of color, you will be amazed at just how healthy and glowing you can look in no time.
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post to be promoted through Glam Media in conjunction with an advertising partner. For more information, please see our disclosure page. Image provided via paid fotolia license.
