Refresh, revamp, and rebuild your skin!

Never Should You Ever ...

1. Thick moisturizers- We have bore the harsh winters and sunless days for far too long. Finally, we get to transition from fighting the effects of indoor heaters to finding warmth in the sun’s kisses. Now is the time we should also transition to a different moisturizer. The winter is by far the driest season and therefore needs a thick calming moisturizer. In the spring, however, we are constantly changing from heat to cooling agents as the season begins to change. A light and restoring moisturizer, such as fresh aloe vera, will do the trick.

2. SPF Free- During the winter, especially in more nordic like climates, being SPF free has its advantages. Your body needs Vitamin D and its sole nutrition source is taken in topically through the epidermis and ocularly. Now that Spring is upon us, and our intake of Vitamin D is greater, sun protection is vital. Try a 15 SPF sunscreen. This will allow your skin to breath and be protected simultaneously. If you don’t want to add another product to your daily regiment, there are many make-up products that contain SPF as well as moisturizers.

3. Heated showers- There is nothing better than a long, hot shower to warm your body during the winter months, but unfortunately it is quite abrasive for your skin. Refresh in the spring with a cooler shower: if you need that burning sensation, spend twenty minutes in a steam room. It will allow your skin to release toxins without damaging the epidermis.

4. Caffeine- Caffeine is a diuretic and dehydrates your body as well as your skin. When the days are long, dark, and dreary, you might have an excuse to be drinking caffeine, but when the sun is shining, skip the caffeine and focus on your water intake. Hydration is key to flush out the toxins in the skin.

5. Hibernation- I am just as guilty as you; in the winter I become lazy, have a lack of motivation to work out, and want to crawl in bed to binge watch Netflix. Now is the time to get moving. My secret to good skin is to sweat everyday. Exercising allows the body time to release toxins without acneic breakouts.

6. Processed Foods- You are what you eat. Your skin is a direct reflection of your eating habits. It is time to break those bad winter habits and start fresh with eating whole foods. Eating mostly raw plant based foods create the best diet for perfect skin. The less toxins you consume, the less your body will need to release.

7. Not Exfoliating- Not exfoliating is the equivalent to not flossing. We should all do it more and lie to our esthetician(or dentist) about how often we do. Exfoliate at least twice a week, if not every other day. This allows your body to remove the dead skin off the surface, generate new cell growth and to help retain moisture. Raw organic local honey can be great to gently exfoliate without breaking the bank. Honey is a natural anti-fungal and antibiotic, as well as a great alternative to salicylic acid. Honey acts as an astringent and can also be used to spot treat acne.

8. Forgetting to Spritz- A good toner can help balance and restore your skin. Personally, I alternate two different toners depending on my stress level and exposure to toxins. I use a Rose Water toner as my primary and alternate with an antioxidant toner for when I need extra TLC.

9. Make-up wipes- These are the lazy girl's cleanser. Wipes don’t thoroughly clean the surface of the skin consequentially leaving make-up residue. Using make-up wipes can cause breakouts and not to mention fine lines and wrinkles after years of continual use. Stop cheating the system and wash your face properly.

xx,

Ariana Cleo

Photography: Brie Bergman

My Skin Care Regimen: Face Wash, Toner, Moisturizer

9 Skincare Habits to Ditch in the Spring

Refresh, revamp, and rebuild your skin!

Never Should You Ever ...