Tag Archive for: dead skin cells

DIY Mask + Body Treatments

At the end of a long day sometimes we just want to get back to basics and feel good. DIY at home masks and body treatments are a great way to unwind and feel pampered without breaking the bank at a luxury spa.

 

Below are a few of our favorite at home rituals:

The Sweet Body

Sugar body scrubs are a cinch to make at home. Make sure you always use fine sugar, as you don’t want it to scratch the skin. Mix in ¼ cup of coconut oil for hydration and anti-bacterial benefits and a tablespoon of lemon for brightness and further exfoliation. If you want to add a cellulite and anti-inflammation treatment, add the mornings old coffee grinds. Caffeine is a cellulite buster! Mix together in a bowl and apply and gently scrub in the shower.

The result: Smooth, hydrated and retextured skin.

Lip Love

Peeling lips are a real thing and with lower temperatures around the corner, its time to protect your lips. Exfoliating your lips will help them stay soft and kissable. When making a scrub at home look to use ingredients to gently slough off dead skin cells, dried lipsticks and dry skin, but still adding hydration. I like to mix either almond oil or Vitamin E with finely granulated sugar. Coconut oil may feel soothing too as it is antibacterial, anti fungal and anti microbial. If you’re looking to make a lip plumper, you can sue the same ingredients, but add some cinnamon!

**If lips are already peeling or have open cuts or sores, exfoliation and plumping is not recommended.

The result: Soft, plump and hydrated.

Heel heal

Mix half a cup of lemon juice for exfoliation and breaking down the thick dried skin, ¼ of coconut oil and a lot of salt. Start by scrubbing the bottoms of the feet, paying particular attention to the heels. Rinse very well and apply coconut oil and then a pair of socks before bed.

The result: In the morning your feet will thank you and feel super smooth to the touch!

The Superfood Mask

Mix ½ cup of nonfat plain yogurt with ½ of an avocado and a tablespoon of honey. Yogurt has exfoliation and brightening benefits due to the high levels of lactic acid. Yogurt may also help soothing and cool down red inflamed skin. Honey is a natural antibiotic and antiseptic and can also help remove dirt and bacteria due to it’s sticky consistency. Leave on for 10-15 minutes before washing off.

The result: Brighter, Radiant and smoother complexion.

 

 

 

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Seasonal Hydration and your Skin type

As spring approaches we are teased by up and down temperatures. Every season we discuss how to adjust your skincare regimen and spring can be particularly tricky due to the unstableness of the weather. Hydration is still a major concern during the spring but sunnier, clearer skies lead to more sun damage and pollution.

When discovering how to change your regimen it is important to know your skin type. Below are the most common skin types and a few seasonal changes to try.

Combination Skin

Combination skin simply means there are two or more skin issues occurring at the same time. Combination skin is usually oily in the T-zone (forehead and nose and chin), while other areas are dry and/or flaky. This is a very common skin type. Signs that you have combination skin would be large looking pores, shiny skin and blackheads. The term ‘combination skin’ can also be used when referring to the presence of wrinkles, rosacea, dryness or breakouts that are present in certain areas of the face.

Dr. G says:

“Remember the most important step in a combination skin regimen is exfoliation. Exfoliation helps fight the build up of dead skin cells and bacteria and will help ward off breakouts, excessive oil and large pores.”

Changes to try:

  • Flip-flop your exfoliation products. If you usually use a physical scrub, try an acid peel or wipes and vice versa
  • Use anti-oxidant serums to spot treat the different problem areas of the face. Warmer weather means the skin can withstand more aggressive treatments.

 

Oily Skin

Oily skin types usually display dull or shiny skin, a thick complexion, blackheads, pimples, or other blemishes. Oily skin types are very prone to acne.

Dr. G says

“The good news for oily skin types is that they tend to develop fewer wrinkles as they age.”

 

The best way to take care of oily skin is to exfoliate frequently. Look for AHA cleansers (lactic, glycolic or fruit acids) or a BHA or Salicylic acid (would be most appropriate for acne sufferers). Clay masks can also be very helpful in controlling oil production. There is a misconception that oily skin doesn’t need to moisturize. If the skin is very oily an oil free moisturizer will help keep the sheen of the skin down. However facial oils, especially silicone free and dry oils can also be beneficial.

Tips to try:

  • Invest in an oil free SPF
  • Reintroduce an oil free moisturizer during warmer months (especially if you live in humid climate)
  • Try a clarifying mask-look for soothing ad detoxifying ingredients Camphor and Sulfur

 

Dry Skin

Dry skin types can be defined as skin that itches, has scaling, redness or dry patches. Dry skin types may also just feel tight, itchy and lacking in hydration. During the spring, dry skin can still feel in need of extra hydration. Introducing a multi-tasking oil to your daily regimen can be beneficial. Look for oils that hydrate and brighten, which are good for coming out of the dead of winter and targeting dull skin.

Dr. G says:

“Eating a diet high in omega fatty acids and hydrating fruits will help internally to battle dry skin.”

Tips to try

  • Place a small humidifier near the bed while sleeping
  • Only exfoliate 1-2 times per week
  • Try a creamy cleanser

 

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