Welcome to Summer! This is our first real summer in a few years. People are traveling, gathering with friends, going to concerts and getting back to enjoying their lives. And summer means more exposure to the sun.
Last month I shared some ideas on managing hand wrinkles. Many of you commented on your experience with wrinkles and the at-home remedies.
I didn’t grow up with much attention to beauty rituals or treatments. To my knowledge, none of the women in my family ever had a facial. In fact, I didn’t have one until I was in my 40s. A treat it was and I continued to have them until two years ago when my Paramedical Esthetician closed her business.
I recently read responses to the question, “What are the three things that show a woman’s age?” Almost unanimously, it was skin. We are being watched and judged through the “wear” on our faces. (Are men judged by this same standard?)
If eyes are mirrors to the soul, our faces represent what we show the world.
As we age, that can feel more vulnerable. We have something quite powerful that speaks louder than any cleanser or moisturizer — our radiance, our light, our essence. It relies on our inner compass, a connection to our life force, confidence, presence and self-love. Radiance eclipses aging. In fact, it will awe.
Colors that Support the Glow
- Wearing your skin tone color will automatically give you a glow.
- Wearing your version of white will make your eyes and teeth brighter.
- Wearing your shade of red will compliment your skin tone.
- Wearing your eye color lights you up, bringing focus to what’s inside of you, your soul.
Before I get to my favorite DIY face care, here is a spa-like routine you can do at home to cleanse, steam, exfoliate, mask and moisturize, as suggested by Frances Catterton, an aesthetician.
CLEANSE:
An oil-based cleanser is ideal for skin types in the normal range, and my personal favorite cleansing oil is Cosmedix Purity Solution. Does not strip the skin of its natural moisture and does not leave the skin feeling greasy.
For sensitive skin, an easy pick and under $10 is Neutrogena’s Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser, which is hypoallergenic and free of soap and dye. Another go-to would be AnteAGE Cleanser. I love this one for sensitive skin because of the anti-inflammatory botanicals it contains.
For skin bordering on oily, I suggest a gel cleanser. My hands-down pick is Image Total Facial Cleanser. This glycolic-acid-based cleanser leaves your skin feeling so soft and refreshed from the menthol burst! Another one of my faves is CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser. Both are fragrance-free.
For a complexion on the dry side, I recommend a hydrating potion like Hero’s Gentle Milky Cleanser, with ingredients like jojoba and oatmeal that leave a lovely glow. Another choice for surefire hydration is CosMedix Crystal Cleanse, made with coconut oil and prickly pear extract, which are both hydrating and refreshing.
STEAM
Suitable for all skin types and gives you that real-deal spa experience. I recommend steaming for no more than five minutes.
Soak a microfiber towel in hot water, wring it out, lie down and drape it over your face. Steaming not only feels amazing but also opens the pores, which helps loosen dirt and oil.
If you plan on making at-home facials a regular routine, invest in a facial steamer, such as the Kingsteam Nano Ionic Hot Mist Face Steamer. You might also want to check out True Glow by Conair Warm Steam Moisturizing Mist Facial Sauna System.
EXFOLIATE
The time to exfoliate is immediately after steaming. Go gentle on sensitive skin with products such as Athar’a Pure’s Indian Glow Face Scrub, a vegan Ayurvedic mixture of fragrant and nourishing sandalwood, turmeric and clay as well as orange peel and guava fruit powders. Those with skin in the normal range can choose from many products. For my own face, I am a big fan of Elemis Skin Buff Deep Cleansing Exfoliator. Rub it into the skin for up to three minutes, and remove with a microfiber towel that has been soaked in warm water. I alternate my routine with CosMedix Pure Enzymes, which is enriched with cranberry enzymes that leave a zing to the face and a velvety complexion.
MASK
One of my top picks is the Image Hydrating Hydrogel Sheet Mask. Laced with hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and amino acids, this product will leave your skin plumped and radiant.
Another face changer is Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Hydrating 100% Hydrogel Mask, also a big drink of hyaluronic acid. Use a cold jade roller (plucked from the freezer) over the sheet mask while it is recharging your skin. Cold rollers start at around $7 and are wonderful for depuffing, lymphatic drainage and helping all the amazing ingredients in your sheet mask penetrate the skin. Once you remove the sheet, don’t rinse with water — leave all the serum on the skin for sustained softening.
MOISTURIZE
On my hit list for most skin types are CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion and Cosmedix Humidify & Imagine Hydrating Repair Creme.
All skin types can use an application of eye cream on the orbital bone. There are many brands to choose from, and you may have to test a few. One popular go-to for my clients is the affordable and effective Olay Age Defying Classic Eye Gel, with rejuvenating cucumber extract and pro-vitamin B5.
That was the pro’s version.
Here’s my favorite home exfoliant and mask with ingredients from the kitchen.
Exfoliant
Coffee (anti-oxidant and wakes up skin)
1 handful of coffee grounds (like playing in the mud) + 1 tablespoon of olive oil
Mix together
Apply to face/neck, leave on for 15-30 minutes
Wash off with warm water and rise with color water
Coffee grounds can be housed in the refrigerator and used for up to one week
Mask
Oats (natural anti-inflammatory and calms skin)
Oats + Yoghurt + Egg White
Grind oats in blender, add 1 tablespoon yoghurt
Whip one egg white and add to oats and yoghurt (after taken out of blender)
Apply to face/neck for 15-30 minutes
Wash off with warm water and rise with color water
Follow with your favorite moisturizer
Use leftovers for next time. Put in glass jar and refrigerate.
Here I am in a recent coffee scrub. Not very flattering! My beloved stocks with me grounds since I’m not a coffee drinker. Don’t forget your neck — it’s an extension of your face.
Excerpted from Save Time and Money by Doing Your Own Spa-Level Facials at Home: Why Spend Big Bucks if You Don’t Have To? by By Frances Catterton.
The Ethel, Lifestyle, June 20, 2022.
Go strut your stunning self this summer knowing you have some skin care tips for glowing. Power up your radiance and beam your light like rays of the sun.
Don’t forget your sunscreen!