Julia Austin
DCL
When working out, you can't expect to see results in one day. Your body has to develop strength, in order to withstand tougher conditions. Same goes for the skin. And those "tougher conditions"- winter. Yes, the cold dry air can wreak havoc on both your skin and hair. But it doesn't have to.
Bethany Wojtech, one of the leading aestheticians at Arcona facial studio in Los Angeles, CA, says you need to work out your skin. Many people, anxious to clear up blemishes, purchase whatever product their friends are raving about, only to find their skin dry, red, or just reacting poorly. It's healthy to change skin products with some frequency, but it is important to use the right treatments and products in order to transition your skin to be ready for new ingredients.
You wouldn't run a marathon without months of preparation. Same concept goes for your skin. Multi-purpose products that promise to target all your skin troubles at once can really do damage to your skin instead of strengthen it. Luckily, there are simple, nurturing, and green products and do-it-yourself alternatives that can strengthen your skin at a safe, natural rate.
Below are some steps to incorporate into your skin's workout regimen. For days when your face needs a good scrub down, or when it is craving some caressing, these products and skin care remedies can get your skin back on track.
Morning and Night Cleanser
Buy It Arcona Toner Tea Bar
Make It:
1 teaspoon green tea
2 tablespoons corn meal
1 tablespoon plain, unflavored yogurt with active cultures
1 teaspoon finely chopped mint leaves
Mix the mint leaves and the green tea and drop in hot water. Once the tea has cooled, mix it with the yogurt. Add cornmeal and let it soak for a few minutes. Rub onto damp skin and rinse off with warm water. This should keep in your fridge for 2-3 days.
Moisture Lotion
Buy It Richard Steffan Emulsion Hydratante
Make It:
1 fresh lime (juiced)
¼ cup whole boiled milk
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Mix the ingredients well. Apply morning and night. This should keeping in your fridge up to 3 days.
Peel
Buy It Mychelle Incredible Pumpkin Peel
Make It:
2 teaspoons canned pumpkin
½ teaspoon honey
½ teaspoon milk
¼ teaspoon cinnamon spice
Mix ingredients into a paste and apply to clean face. Allow to sit for 15-20 minutes and rinse off with warm water.
Make Up Removal
Buy It Korres Natural Products Milk Proteins Cleansing & Make Up Removing Wipes for Normal to Dry Skin, Face and Eyes
Make It:
Take a small squeezable bottle. Make sure it is clean. Fill half with mineral water and the other half with sunflower oil. Shake well and apply to a cotton ball. Wipe the face and eyes clean of makeup.
Crave Sweet or Savory? Try these body scrubs for a sweet tooth or the sodium-seekers:
Buy It B.Witching Bath Co. Pumpkin & Honey Exfoliating Sugar Scrub
Make It: 10 tablespoons honey 5 tablespoons brown sugar ¼ cup oatmeal 5-10 drops of lavender essential oil Mix all the ingredients together. In the shower, rub on to the body in a circular motion. Let the scrub sit for 2-3 minutes. Rinse with warm water.
Buy It
Lush Ocean Salt Face and Body Scrub
Make It:
3 tablespoons sea salt
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Mix together. Apply in a circular motion all over the body. Rinse thoroughly.
Buy It
Anthology Body Butter Lemongrass Shire
Make It:
1 oz bees wax
1 cup olive oil
Melt together in a saucepan.
