While you are spring cleaning your home, don’t forget to take care of your skin as well. The cold winter air was rough on your skin — the harsh, cold air juxtaposed with the dry heat of indoors probably turned your skin into scales. As the spring brings new life, rejuvenate your skin with these five tips.
Moisturize
The winter air dehydrated your skin. Renew it by keeping it moisturized this spring. Apply a face lotion 1-2 times per day, making sure to rub it into your neck as well. Keep your skin moisturized from the inside out by drinking plenty of water. You should drink ½ to 1 oz of water for every pound that you weigh. So if you weigh 160, you should be drinking 80-160 oz of water a day. You can also get your liquids from soups, smoothies, etc. Just avoid drinking soda or alcohol as that can dehydrate your skin further.
Exfoliate
Use a gentle exfoliator to scrub away the dead skin on your face to make it healthy and new. Just be careful what product you use, as many exfoliators are abrasive and can damage your skin. Only exfoliate 2-3 times per week.
Purge Your Makeup
Get rid of any old makeup that you may have. Old makeup harbors bacteria and just doesn’t work as well as new makeup. Each type of makeup has a different shelf life. Eyeshadow can last a few years, while you should throw away your mascara every 3 months. Eye pencils last about a year before you need to get a new one, and lip products such as lip gloss and lipsticks should only be used for about six months. Always pay attention to the expiration dates on your makeup, and toss them when they expire.
Wash Your Brushes
Your makeup brushes should be washed every time that you use them. In reality, they probably get washed about once per month. You don’t need fancy supplies to wash your brushes, just a little bit of soap in the palm of your and water will do.
Use Sunscreen
You may be tempted to skip the sunscreen with the rising temperatures in an attempt to get that golden summer glow. Don’t do it! Sunscreen is your best friend to keep your skin young and healthy. Find a moisturizer with sunscreen in it to eliminate the extra step. Avoid tanning beds as the harsh rays can damage skin faster than the sun. If you didn’t use much sunscreen during the winter, now is the time to get back into the habit.
