Spring is upon us and that means it’s time for spring cleaning — your skincare routine, that is!
We all know that it’s a good idea to periodically cull our cosmetics and skincare products. Sure, it’s a pain, but getting rid of mascara from 1995 or that rancid cream you never use but paid an arm and a leg for isn’t just good for organization’s sake — it’s great for your health! Not only do we get rid of bacteria traps and products that may not work anymore, we also have a chance to really scrutinize cosmetic ingredients so we can make informed choices about what we’re slathering on our largest organ — our skin! (Not sure what to ingredients avoid? Simply check out EWG’s Skin Deep database of skincare additives, where you can either look at health ratings by products or search by ingredient!)
And while you’re busy culling, practice some good housekeeping too! Just like you’d never drink out of a dirty old coffee mug, keeping your makeup brushes clean with a biweekly wash is essential to avoid reintroducing old product, dead skin cells, and other oils and bacteria to your skin. Likewise, switching up your towels and pillowcases on a regular basis will do the same!
Natural ingredients to look for in skincare
Once you’ve parted ways with expired, unused, or just plain toxic products, you can better identify the skincare gaps that need filling and can consciously opt for fresh products that have recognizable, natural, organic ingredients, and are earth-friendly and cruelty-free. When choosing skincare products, look for some of these plant-powered superstar ingredients:
- Plant-derived nutrients provide antioxidant support. Plant oils like rosehip and argon, and fruit extracts like watermelon, papaya, and apple are fantastic!
- Vitamin C helps with collagen production.
- Hydrating compounds attract and keep moisture in the skin. Hyaluronic acid, snow fungus (Tremella fuciformis), and Cassia angustifolia seed polysaccharide help to plump, brighten, and keep skin more youthful looking.
- Alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids can help decrease the severity of skin imperfections and exfoliate the skin gently. Look for glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids for rejuvenating results.
Food for healthy skin
Using the right products is important to glowing skin, but you can also boost your inner glow naturally with a healthy diet — so chow down on those fruits and veggies!
Eat the rainbow
Focus on eating the rainbow (it won’t make you a unicorn, but you will definitely glow like one!). Kiwis and kale are high in vitamin C, sweet potatoes and carrots rich in vitamin A, and gorgeous purple cabbage has got anthocyanin power! Getting healthy fats from walnuts, ground flax seeds, or an omega-3 supplement is great for skin cell regeneration, and avoiding common inflammatory culprits like sugar, deep-fried foods, peanuts, eggs, corn, wine (sorry!), and dairy can help with acne, rosacea, hormone balance, and digestion.
Hydrate and detoxify
Did you know your body is always detoxifying? Keep those detox systems well-maintained by getting enough water and by ensuring you’re meeting your daily fibre requirements. Drinking water supports the urinary tract and is key for hydrated skin; fibre helps us stay regular and also binds to toxins; and dark leafy greens and lemon water support liver detoxification pathways. If our elimination organs aren’t working well, toxins and hormonal metabolites will stay in our bodies longer and can even be reabsorbed!
Ideas for self-care
Making time for self-care is an important part of any skincare routine.
Get moving
Get moving to improve circulation, decrease blood sugar levels that disrupt hormones and digestion, and sweat out waste.
Exfoliate
Brush away the day with a dry skin brush. Not only does it exfoliate dead skin cells and encourage new cell production, it also improves blood and lymphatic circulation.
Manage stress
Don’t forget the importance of the whole person. Finding balance by addressing our emotional and mental needs is great for the skin too! Seek out support to manage bigger factors like stress, anxiety, depression, and hormones from a loved one or a professional.
Remember that habits take time, consistency, and perseverance to form. Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither were you! Choose a manageable task and let that lead you to the next healthier habit and soon you’ll find those choices are shining through!
