How to Care for Your Skin During Quarantine

Considering the fact that no one is able to receive quality, professional treatments in the spa, I thought it would be prudent to cover some home care basics.  Life will return to normal and we want to look better, not worse after quarantine! Keeping your skin in tip top shape will not only help you to look better but help you to feel better.

Are you cleansing every morning and evening?  It is imperative to remove makeup, dirt and pollution at the end of the day.  An exfoliating cleanser is great to use at night (our Elizabeth Stephen Alpha-Beta Cleanser has gentle alpha and beta hydroxy acids) -this primes the skin to absorb serums and moisturizers that do the work you are targeting such as building collagen and elastin or combating acne bacteria while hydrating the skin.  Did you know using a moisturizer helps protect your skin from invading viruses and bacteria?  It also keeps the skin soft and minimizes fine lines and wrinkles.  Cleansing in the morning is almost as important as at night.  Again, it primes the skin to readily absorb active, skin changing ingredients.  A good eye cream does a better job of protecting and correcting the eye area than a moisturizer, so apply the eye cream before the moisturizer. Don’t forget to add in a sunscreen providing protection to keep it looking younger longer.  We have a great moisturizer with SPF 45 (it is a high performance, age protecting sunscreen that is also sufficient for use during sport activities).  Some rays will still filter through which is good as it helps our bodies create Vitamin D and still give a little glow. 

Here is the correct order to use products:

*cleanser

*toner

*serum

*eye cream

*moisturizer

*sunscreen (morning only)

You may not need every step everyday- I sometimes skip a toner for instance- but this is the correct layering process.

Are you eating a healthy, nutrient dense diet? Micronutrients feed your skin from the inside-we use Vitamins C&E topically, but avocados are rich in Vitamin E and oranges, strawberries and red bell peppers are high in Vitamin C. Are you drinking too much alcohol or getting too little exercise/fresh air?  If your stress level is high, reduce it by ways that give you joy and contentment. These all affect our skin-it can be either plump and glowing or sallow and dull.  Take the time to research how you can improve even one of these areas to not only live longer but also improve the quality of your life. Drink plenty of water and if you are a smoker, seek out ways to quit for good. 

How is your sleep routine?  Are you taking time at the end of the day to relax and enjoy the life you are living?  Gentle yoga stretches, a warm bath with a face masque (we have 4 customized for your skin available for retail), a good book or taking a few minutes to be grateful for the blessings you received that day are good ways to unwind and prepare the mind and body for rest.

Taking care of our skin is not all about using products, but it is an important part.  I hope you are finding new, fun and creative ways to enjoy the life you have during this downtime.  As always, give us a call on the spa cell phone (920-226-7979) if you have any questions about your skin and we would love to help you!

No Make-Up Is the Goal!