As we've kissed goodbye to the winter months - apart from the very random snow storms recently. We've stepped into all things spring. New life is appearing in all forms. We have beautiful blossom on the trees, bluebells, daffodils, green leaves and the appearance of brighter sunshine and longer days.
This is typically a time when you feel more spring in your step and the need to 'shed' the remnants of the colder months. The layers of clothing are getting lighter and brighter. We are likely thinking about the state of our feet and the preparation needed to 'Get them out'. Hearty comfort food is being replaced by lighter bites and brightly coloured salads.
You may also find that you still have lingering elements of winter showing in your complexion and the skin on your body too. Skin may feel dry - like those last lingering leaves on the ground, and be looking a little dull and lacklustre. It might feel dehydrated and in need of some serious TLC. Perhaps you still feel a little lethargic, as though you'rejust stirring from hibernation. Now is the time to take action. Time to detox your skincare and beauty products, get gorgeously glowing, fresh-faced and radiant.
Think of the caterpillar in its chrysalis.... Ready to leave its cosy dried cocoon and emerge as a beautiful butterfly.... Bright and with a new found lightness and energy.
Tips to help you with your beauty detox:
Get Ruthless
Have a clear-out. Check the dates on your skincare products or have a think about how long you've had them. If you have products gathering dust that you keep 'because you might use itone day' - throw it out. If you're not using it regularly now, the chances are you won't use it. Smell your products and if they smell 'off' or different to usual, or the colour has changed - throw it away.
Go through your makeup bag and do the same. Anything that's gathering dust, smells off, doesn't look the same colour due to oxidising - throw it away! It's a really good feeling clearing out and starting over.
Clean your makeup brushes - regularly. This is so important. Dirty makeup brushes hold bacteria, which will then spread to your face when used. This can cause all kinds of skin issues, spots and blemishes being the most obvious. Try and get into the habit of doing this every one to two weeks.
Exfoliation
Exfoliation is key to more vibrant and smoother skin. We need to exfoliate away all of the dry dead skin that may be lingering - it's easy to neglect the skin on our body when we're well covered up throughout the winter months. For the body I suggest using a gentle scrub with natural ingredients. It's also a good time to get into the habit of dry body brushing before you shower. It really gets the circulation going, as well as helping to remove dry skin. It also aids in the elimination of toxins from the body. It's fantastic for reducing the dreaded cellulite. I always feel more invigorated when I take a few minutes daily to body brush.
To get your feet sandal ready, and to avoid the fear and shame of unprepared foot exposure on a random sunny day that may suddenly appear, I love and recommend the booties you can buy online or from salons. You sit with them on your feet for up to an hour and a half. The booties contain a liquid mixture of AHA's and enzymes that deeply exfoliate your feet to remove all calluses, dead skin and hard skin build up. If you follow this up with a pedicure, you'll be confident and happy to get your tootsies out when the day comes.
For the face, please don't use anything that contains harsh abrasives or beads. These can damage the skin and cause irritation and other problems. I personally like to use cleansers that contain AHA's and fruit enzymes. These gently dissolve dead skin whilst deeply cleansing the pores. The result of which is smooth, brighter, glowing skin.
Moisture
Moisture and hydration are essential for healthy looking and feeling skin. Think, plump juicy skin. We need to be hydrated and moisturised from the inside out, as well as using skincare products. I really notice the difference in my face on the days I'm busier and forget to drink as much water.
Look for natural body moisturisers such as shea butter or coconut oil. They don't contain any chemical nasties and you can buy large tubs reasonably priced. Remember that what you put on your skin is absorbed into the body - so make sure it's clean.
Now is the time to ditch the heavy moisturisers. Look for lightweight moisturisers that are loaded with antioxidants and skin-nourishing ingredients. If you don't already own a kick-ass serum, invest now! I personally have an array of serums that target different concerns. Some are more hydrating and skin-plumping. Others are targeting wrinkles and helping to even out my skin tone. They are all antioxidant rich and packed with beneficial activeingredients. Make serums your skin's new best friend. A kick-ass serum can literally transform a complexion.
Protection
Protection from damaging UV rays is essential year round. Protect your skin with an antioxidant rich diet. Include lots of brightly coloured vegetables and fruits. Drink green tea - or for a super boost, drink matcha green tea. Use antioxidant rich skincare and always use an SPF cream on a daily basis.
Get Juicy
I'll admit it - my juicer has been gathering dust slightly over recent months. If you've been juicing and green smoothie making throughout winter - you'll likely be feeling amazing already and doing wonderful things for your skin and your body. I almost always have a smoothie a day, but last week I juiced loads of veggies with some ginger and mint. It was the first time in a while.... I felt so virtuous. I had a noticeable energy boost and I remembered how much I love juicing.... I also remembered what a chore it is to dismantle it alland clean it - but the benefits far outweigh that negative. So if you're not juicing and smoothie making, perhaps it's time to dust off the blenders and juicer - or invest. It's another great way to hydrate the body and skin, as well as giving you a hit of beneficial nutrients...... Takes a short break to ransack the fridge and get the juicer humming.
Get Outside and Move Your Body
Rain, shine, rainbows, snow or wind - Getting outside and moving your body is a feelgood factor. We know that there are so many benefits to exercise and being outdoors. Breathing in fresh air. Feeling whatever elements Mother Nature is giving us that day. It gets the blood pumping and the circulation going. It gives your cheeks a glow and it lifts your mood. I've always loved a good long walk, but there have been times I've done much less due to 'being too busy'. I have now made it a daily habit. A priority for my own self-care. It blows away the cobwebs and is great thinking time - Moving meditation. Do whatever makes you feel good. Whatever lifts your mood and gets you moving. Whatever gives you some 'time out' - it's essential for you....
Self-care isn't a 'Treat'.... It's a priority.
Merrily skips off to don trainers for a breezy power walk..... in sunshine ..... Not showers!
You can find the skincare products I use and love at - Treat the Skin You're in
Download Katy's Top 20 Tips for Treating the Skin You're in - Here