Spring Cleaning!
by Lynne and Sarah Dark of Zest health & beauty
Well, Spring is finally here and the daylight hours are increasing rapidly as the weeks go by. Great to lift the spirits and we welcome it with open arms. No more hiding then - our winter skins are in the full glare and it's time to give our skin that spring clean so we can face the harsh light of day with confidence!
Cleansing is one of the most important aspects of skin care. Make-up, pollution and dead skin cells accumulate on the surface and it is important to cleanse the skin twice a day to prevent blemishes, dull skin and blocked pores.
Many brands of soap are too alkaline and contain harsh detergents which are ok for the body but tend to be too drying for the face - they strip the skin of its natural acid mantle, disturbing the protective acid PH.
If you like to wash your face, choose a PH balanced cleansing bar or wash-off cleanser, cream cleansers are generally more suitable for delicate, dry or mature skins. Soap and water will not remove make-up. |
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Exfoliation
Skin is constantly producing new cells and shedding old ones - healthy skin renews itself totally every 28 days. Ageing slows down this process - hence a rough, dull appearance. Exfoliation products - facial scrubs, brushes etc literally polish the surface skin cells flat and smooth, refracting light and giving skin luminosity.
Exfoliation also works at a deeper level, stimulating the basal layer to produce fresh new cells, the skin has a smoother surface, a more even skin tone and healthy glow. This has great benefit for older, tired skin. Oily skins should use twice a week and drier skins once a week as a general rule. Exfoliants should be avoided by those with overly sensitive or chapped skin.
Steam Treatment
Another cleansing method is steaming which opens pores and encourages the elimination of ingrained impurities. Take care if skin is sensitive or has broken capillaries. Use a bowl of boiled water and add herbs if available, for example try sage or comfrey for dry skin, basil, mint or chamomile for oily skin and lavender or rose petals for normal skin.
Make sure you skin is thoroughly cleansed, hold your face 8-10 inches above the bowl and cover your head with a towel for about 4 minutes, then pat dry.
Never be tempted to hop into bed without cleansing your face, especially if you wear make-up - this is the time when the skin is best able to renew itself and clogged pores, unable to breathe will not be at their best in the morning!
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