Marsha Branch
It’s summertime! Welcome the season of pool parties, beach
rendezvous and bronzed goddesses in bikinis with a glow that must
have been gifted to them by lady Aphrodite herself. Yes, summer is
the season of beautiful people, and as the old adage goes, if you
can’t beat them, join them. Here’s how you can.
Summer
Face Aglow
Exfoliate, deep cleanse, moisturize and protect, the
four must haves for the summer facial that will leave you all aglow.
Heat and excessive sweating during the summer months may be en vogue
at the beach, but what it can do to your face certainly is not!
Clogged pores and environmental pollutants cause breakouts while
prolonged exposure to the sun’s rays can prematurely age you, or
worse, cause skin cancer.
A monthly, or bi-monthly visit to
the spa for a deep cleansing or steam facial will work wonders.
Extractions may also be necessary. Your aesthetician will advise you
on what’s needed based on your skin’s condition and your specific
skin care concerns.
Exfoliate
At home, use a mild exfoliant
bi-weekly to slough off dead skin and aid with cell renewal. Physical
scrubs rely on granules like sugar, salt or walnut shells to remove
dead skin, so be careful not to scrub too hard, since jagged granules
can cause microscopic tears and scratches on the skin.
Chemical
scrubs use fruit enzymes and acids to dissolve dead skin and are
generally more suited to people with easily irritated or acne prone
skin.
Deep Cleanse
Applying a facial mask once a week can
have tremendous benefits. Combination to oily skin types should opt
for a purifying clay mask. They set on the skin and draw out
impurities from deep down in your pores, including blackheads and
whiteheads. You can certainly feel it working as it tightens on your
skin, and the results can be seen as soon as you wash it off, because
they leave the skin looking brighter.
Dry skin types will
benefit from hydrating and soothing masks that help to bring moisture
back to the skin and prevent the peeling, tightness and discomfort
people with dry skin usually experience. Look for masks that contain
naturally nourishing ingredients like milk, honey and avocado. Alpha
Hydroxy Acid (AHA) or peel-off masks are also good for dry skin, and
aid with minimizing fine lines and wrinkles.
Moisturize &
Protect
One of the biggest misconceptions, especially among those
with oily skin, is that moisturizer is not needed during hot summer
months when your skin is more prone to looking like it’s sitting
under an oil slick. Trying to dry out your skin will only make the
problem worse, since it will likely go into overdrive with oil
production. Combination, super oily or dry, whatever your skin type,
it needs moisture.
The key for oily and acne prone skin types
is to find a moisturizer that is suited to your skin’s needs. Water
based and gel type moisturizers are best. Also look for moisturizers
with ingredients like tea tree, witch hazel and salicylic acid. These
ingredients have clarifying properties and help to combat acne while
moisturizing the skin.
DO NOT skimp on the SPF! It can be
tempting to avoid sunscreen when the last thing you want in the
summer heat is to feel like you’ve layers of product packed onto
your face. The great news is, you don’t need to pack on a sunscreen
over of your moisturizer. There are loads of great moisturizers to
choose from with a range of sun protection factors sure to suit your
needs, and your sun goddess indulgence. Check with your therapist or
your dermatologist for advice on what’s best suited to your skin
type and sun protection requirements.
Summer Body From The
Gods
It’s that time of year when the gyms are packed with people
trying to shed those extra pounds and tone up those not so toned
areas, so they’ll feel more confident in their pool and beach wear.
Whether or not the gym is your “summer body creator” of choice,
there are some extra measures you can take to get you fit and in
fighting form.
Massage
We know all about the relaxing
properties of a good massage, but there also many benefits to be
derived by the person in full summer prep mode. Increased gym
sessions can be rough on the body, and cause a build up of lactic
acid, which may become lodged within the tissues as spasms or strains
occur. The result, painful knots, inflammation and decreased range of
motion. Massage therapy can reduce these pockets of lactic acid and
increase flexibility and muscle tone.
Massage can also break
down fat deposits in the body and promote circulation. In other
words, be on your way to banishing cellulite and getting your blood
flowing for a brighter complexion by booking a massage with your
therapist today.
Salt Glow
If you’re booked for a
massage, try doubling up on skin brightening treatments at your spa.
Boost the glow a massage will bring to your skin by pairing it with a
salt scrub, also aptly known as the Salt Glow in spa circles. This
treatment is the perfect way to embrace changing seasons, and booking
one as little as once a month will instantly reveal beautifully,
revitalized, glowing skin.
Nutrition
Hydration, hydration,
hydration, let that be your watchword this summer. Roughly 70% of the
adult human body is made up of water, and its benefits are numerous.
Your joints take a pounding from daily activities like
walking, running for the bus and simply just getting out and about
more because the sun has made an appearance. They take even more
abuse during regular gym sessions. Water protects and moisturizes
your joints, helps to protect your vital organs and transports oxygen
and nutrients into the cells. It also detoxifies, which will help
with achieving a brighter complexion, and it regulates body
temperature, vital for long hours spent out in the sun.
Boost
the brightening benefits of water by adding a little apple cider
vinegar. The best varieties are cloudy in appearance and have a web
like substance, known as the “mother” floating in it.
It
may not taste so great, but this magical liquid is packed with
benefits. It can help to clear skin conditions and blemishes, break
down fat in the body (particularly around the stomach), and it aids
with the faster removal of toxins from the body. ACV is rich in
potassium and malic acid. Potassium, which is usually lacking in the
adult diet, is vital to building muscles, while malic acid has
anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, beneficial
during a season where humidity is at a high and pool goers are out in
their numbers.
Avoid sugary foods. Not only do they pile on
the calories, they also hamper your efforts at achieving a healthy,
youthful complexion. Snack on natural energy boosters like nuts which
are packed with anti-oxidants that the fight skin-aging free
radicals, out in abundance during the summer. Also prevent cell
damage and premature aging by stocking up on red and green veggies,
which are packed with vitamin A. And keep skin firm and toned by
promoting collagen production with citrus fruits, which are high in
vitamin C and help to keep colds at bay.
So, if you’re still
trying to shift those last few pounds and it seems like you’re
losing the battle, fear not, there’s a lot to be said for a
healthy, glowing complexion. So get that grocery list together and
book that spa visit because that bronzed summer goddess is definitely
within you. And here’s one last tip before you head poolside, add a
little bit of bronzer to your moisturizer. It’s guaranteed to make
even summer’s biggest star, the sun, jealous of your glow.
