7 Ways to Care for Skin

Skin care is an ongoing process, especially during the changing seasons as the environment around you fluctuates. But following a few essential steps will make all the difference. Here’s how can you care for your skin this fall.

Exfoliate Gently

Begin by sloughing off all the dead skin cells that have built up during the warm weather. This will drastically clear your pores of dirt and sweat, and prevent breakouts. You don’t want to dry the skin out with a harsh abrasive, just remove the old skin so the new skin can shine through. We like the Sweet Cream Fine Grain Salt Scrub available from Farm House Fresh.

Once a week, exfoliate both your face and your body. This is particularly important during the winter, when skin is often covered up and isn’t naturally rubbed off. Concentrate on areas of typically rough skin such as elbows and heels.

Drink and Wear Lots of Moisture

Though skin is elastic and self-rejuvenates quickly, it’s also the largest organ in the body. This means that it should be given extra care. Bouncing back from all the summer sun you enjoyed recently may take some time, but it’s worth being patient. Drink lots and lots of water. Colorado’s dry air is similar to the air found in any desert, so it takes an extra amount of water just to stay hydrated.

Slather on the moisturizer as well, to keep skin from being dehydrated and damaged. A lightweight moisturizer with at least 30 SPF will be perfect to continue blocking the sun’s rays. This facial lotion can also create a smooth, soft surface that reflects light. Such an effect will instantly make you look younger and healthier.

Toner Is Your Friend

Think of toner as the very first and very last step in your makeup regimen. Dab a bit of clarifying toner onto a cotton ball and sweep it across your face just before applying makeup on the morning, and just after removing makeup in the evening. This will remove the stubborn dirt and grease from your pores. And, just like in step two, it’ll provide extra moisture and help to even out your skin tone.

Choose a Light Foundation

Winter is no time to slap on the heavy foundation, even if your clothes do get thicker to accommodate the cold! Instead, stick with lightweight foundations to keep your skin healthy and natural looking.

If your complexion is good, consider using a tinted moisturizer rather than a foundation. A BB or CC cream will provide light coverage while keeping your skin soft and naturally glowing. Touted as the all-in-one option, these creams will protect, hydrate, and perfect skin in just one product.

Add a Natural Bronzed Sheen

Sticking to a light foundation doesn’t mean you have to look pale and sickly. Rather, create a wonderful glow by sweeping bronzer over the parts of your face that pick up the light. Focus on your forehead, cheekbones, and the bridge of your nose. For a special night on the town, add highlighter to the cheekbones and brow bones. This will give your face good structure even while it adds a healthy glow.

Self Tan without the Sun

You can miss the pool but not the UV rays by moving your tanning into the do-it-yourself realm. Swipe on some tanning lotion or cream for an instant perk. Be sure to exfoliate and moisturize well first, though! Dry skin will soak up the tanner more quickly than the rest of your skin, leaving you with dark patches in areas like elbows and knees.

Always start with a light layer of tanning lotion. It’s much easier to add more than to try remove it from the skin (impossible to do, by the way). Work each dot of lotion into the skin with a circular motion to ensure an even application. Wear gloves or wash hands and fingernails thoroughly after each application.

Or, if you aren’t confident in those results, feel free to schedule a tanning session with one of our estheticians. Sometimes, a professional touch is the best way to care for your skin. We will go through the process effortlessly so you can walk out of the salon with glowing, healthy skin.

Don’t Forget the Body

Often, it’s easy to focus on caring for the face and forget about the body. Even if you aren’t sitting poolside every day, it’s worth caring for all your skin throughout the winter. Drinking lots of water and exfoliating once a week are two essential steps in the care process.

If you’re heading out for the night, apply a thin layer of body or baby oil to arms and legs. If you want an extra glow, dust illuminating powder over shoulders and shins. Not only will this boost your glowing self-tan, but it’s a great way to enjoy the autumn weather sans bulky sweaters and jeans.