permanently set on ARCTIC. But for the most part we New Englanders try to hang onto every last bit of summer- especially that lovely summer glow.
Don’t pull out the turtle necks and chunky scarves just yet, instead read on for tips on how to safely
extend that summer glow:
Exfoliation – It might seem counterintuitive to slough off skin when you’re trying to hold onto that summer glow but stay with us. While it’s true that exfoliating will remove a layer of pigment, dry skin looks old and lackluster, whereas exfoliated, moisturized skin appears young and fresh, giving you a
healthy glow through the darkest of winters. Not only is this step essential to helping you maintain a fresh-faced look, it’s a necessary prep for any self-tanner. When it comes to body exfoliation, dry brushing gives you the most bang for your buck. This easy, inexpensive method keeps your skin smooth by encouraging new cell renewal, assists in improving blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, and helps with ingrown hairs. Yeah, it’s a superstar, which is why La Bella Derma carries two sizes. Body scrubs are also great exfoliators that can turn your morning shower into a spa treatment. Check out Lather’s selection (think Bamboo Lemongrass and Yuzu Sugar Cane) during your next visit.
Now, when it comes to that beautiful mug of yours the benefits of regular exfoliation are multiplied. Removing dead skin cells minimizes the appearance of pores, reduces breakouts and acne, allows better absorption of other products, and helps to disguise fine lines. Boom - mic dropped. From Epicuren’s bamboo crystal exfoliant and PCA’s pore refining treatment to Laurel’s all-natural, almond grain exfoliant there is a product for everyone, so if you haven’t incorporated regular exfoliation into your routine, now is the time.
Self-tanner – Trust us, self-tanners have come a long way in recent years. Gone are the days of standing naked in your bathroom anxiously awaiting a bottle’s promised “sun-kissed” glow only to see a streaky oompa loompa in the mirror (#TrueStory). Most self-tanners use dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a chemical derived from beet or cane sugar that reacts with amino acids on the top layer of your skin to create a darker pigment. Yesteryear’s tangerine effect was attributed to the fact that DHA can be difficult to stabilize, but thankfully the process has been refined – thanks technology! Plus, some brands include benefits that go beyond bronze. For example, Vita Liberata includes a proprietary Moisture Lock™ technology that delivers 72 hours of skin hydration, because nothing shouts “fake tan” like dry orange patches. Not sure you can handle precise full-body application? Rest assured that you are not alone. While not confirmed, we like to think that TanTowel patented the first self-tanning towelette specifically for those of us without gymnastic ability. These convenient, individually packaged towelettes make it easy to get an even tan without pulling a hammy.
Bronzer – Perhaps one of the most coveted of beauty products, the right bronzer can be used year-round to create a glow for any occasion. Combining colors from a bronzing palette, such as La Bella Donna’s Vision of Mineral Lights, creates a color that appears more natural than a single tone. Use a powder brush to gently apply – now is not the time to be heavy-handed - where the sun naturally hits your face (forehead, cheekbones, nose and chin) to give you a refreshed look that will have co-workers wondering why you’re so darn happy to be there. Heading out for dinner and drinks? Select a bronzer with a little sparkle to carry you through dessert and beyond.
Tinted sunscreen – Yup, sunscreen because as we learned from our skin scan results, you can’t turn back time and the sun is not your friend. While SPF is part of your daily regimen year-round (right?), a tinted formula is great for blurring minor imperfections (we’ve got them too). Bonus for spa-quality formulas like PCA’s Sheer Tint Broad Spectrum SPF that also act as a makeup primer and have emollient properties, which means those with normal to oily skin may able to skip an additional moisturizer. You gotta love products that multi-task!
Even though we can’t go back and start the summer over again, these tips can help you carry that glow into the coming months. And just think, before you know it you’ll be planning that Memorial Day BBQ (more or less).
Seasons change, and so does your skin’s needs. To ensure you’re using the right products to keep your skin healthy, book a free skincare consultation today by calling 802.735.3031.
Heather Frechette-Crowley is principal and founder of Root Marketing, where she uses content-based strategy to help businesses of all sizes connect with their target market. Looking for help telling your story? Visit www.rootmktg.com or email heather@rootmktg.com.
