Springtime, and the month or so leading up to it, marks my favorite time of the year. It’s when I start to not only cut out all the clutter that I’ve accumulated over the past year, but also give my everyday routines mini ‘upgrades’ – skincare included.
So far this year, it’s been all about natural DIY skincare and investing in the right skincare tools. Between these two (somewhat inexpensive) upgrades to my routine that I’ve been over the past couple of months, I’m already seeing a difference in my skin – it’s looking clearer and smoother, not to mention glowing. Here are the three key skincare ‘upgrades’ in my routine that have helped me achieve a much healthier and more radiant complexion!
The Herbal Steam
Back when I was getting facials a couple of times a month, my esthetician would always do a quick steam before applying a facial mask. What a steam does is open up the pores, help loosen blockages (like blackheads and deeply embedded oil and dirt), and make the skin more receptive to facial masks, moisturizers, etc. The heat itself also works to increase circulation, which gives the skin a healthy glow. When you throw dried herbs and flowers into the mix, the steam provides even more benefits by delivering healing oils directly into your pores.
Up and until recently, I wasn’t aware of just how easy (and beneficial) herbal steams are to do at home. I ended up ordering some herb packets online and played around with different recipes, until finally I found one that’s not only loaded of skin-loving herbs, but also an aromatherapy treatment in itself, which I recently shared here on my blog. It’s my go-to recipe that I’ve been using a couple of times a month now, especially before applying a facial mask, like the ones coming up next.
The All-Natural Face Mask
Exfoliation is key when it comes to keeping your skin clear and glowing, which is why a weekly or bi-weekly exfoliating face mask is a must! Lately, I’ve been mixing up some all-natural homemade masks, all of which use very fine herbal/floral powders as the key ingredients. These powders help to gently remove dead skin while also boosting circulation for a more radiant complexion. Here are three of my absolute favorites so far:
- Detox & Balancing Mask: Hibiscus powder + Lavender powder + French Green Clay + water
- Exfoliation & Hydrating Mask: Cocoa powder + Coffee grinds + Coconut oil
- Hydrating + Acne-Fighting: Honey + Green tea
The Deep Cleansing Brush
Natural herbal steams and face masks can work wonders for the skin, but because they’re both slightly intensive, they should only be used once a week (more/less often depending on your skin type). To keep skin clear and glowing in-between these treatments, an easy and effective daily skincare maintenance is super important.
That’s where an exfoliating facial cleansing brush comes in. It deep cleanses a heck of a lot better than using your fingers and exfoliates in one easy step, giving you clearer, smoother, and also more energized skin (which gives you that ‘glow’!).
With all the brush and device options out there, it can be pretty difficult to narrow it down. I’ve personally tried tons of facial brushes, some with dense (and sometimes harsh) bristles, and others with softer, silicone touch-points. My latest discovery that’s been keeping my (slightly sensitive) skin smooth and glowing is the Remington Facial Cleansing Brush*, available at Walmart and also Walmart.com for ~$40 (not bad considering most tools are often in the $100’s). It features the softest bristles I’ve ever come across, along with a dual-action head that vibrates and rotates to provide a deep cleanse plus gentle exfoliation (plus you can choose the speed you want depending on your skin sensitivity). The Remington Facial Cleansing Brush is also rechargeable and shower-proof, and only requires a brush head change every 3 months (they’re around $10 each, so that’s $40 over the course of a year). Add in the cute beauty bag that comes with it, and the brush makes for one handy tool that we can use daily for smoother, glowing skin!
What are your favorite ways to get your skin glowing in time for spring?
*This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Weave Made Media® & Remington. As always, all opinions are my own. #Weavemade #CleanFaceWithRemington http://my-disclosur.es/RgFrEH
