We’ve officially entered spring, which means spring-cleaning, rejuvenation and beautiful, bright blooms. I’m not just talking about nature, the same is true for the skin if you know how to properly prep and seed the “garden.”
With the inclement weather that impacted most of the U.S. this past season, it’s finally time to reset the skin and bring back the dewy, healthy glow every client longs for. By approaching skin rejuvenation much like you would grow a spring garden, you can assist clients in achieving their skin goals this season.
Tilling the Garden
Before you start any garden you must prepare the soil - get rid of old, dead plants and ensure the soil has enough nutrients. The same is true for the skin. Dull, dehydrated skin from winter has caused build up. Cleansing and exfoliation will ensure a clean, fresh surface to work from. A few great ingredients to turn to this spring include:
- Glycolic acid - an exfoliating AHA, it will enhance the skin’s rejuvenation and provide deeper cleansing with minimal irritation. For oily dead skin cell build up, you might start with the Glycolic Herbal Wash to soften skin cells and reduce cellular build up while providing antibacterial and antiseptic support. Additionally, for acne prone and impure skin, Fruit Acid Botanical will continue mild exfoliation while providing antibacterial and lipid-reducing properties.
- Retinaldehyde - an encapsulated retinal, and the least irritating of all vitamin A derivatives, this works to stimulate cellular turnover, encouraging new collagen formation while preventing existing collagen from breaking down. All skin types will reap the benefits of this potent ingredient.
- Flower acids (phytic and pyruvic acids) are classified as second-generation AHAs because they are non-irritating and have the ability to not only increase cell turn over, but provide more hydration than lactic acid. Look to the Lotus Peel or Flower Acid Peel (which clients love this time of year) to brighten skin tone, soften and dissolve cellular build up, balance oil production, rejuvenate the skin by creating desquamation, and deliver healing and hydrating support. A perfect spring time peel!
Seed the Garden
Now that the garden is prepped, the soil can be seeded to start the regrowth process. In our case we must re-nourish the skin to encourage new cells to continue to proliferate. Epidermal growth factors, peptides and antioxidants will bloom beautiful, bright, healthy skin.
- Epidermal growth factors (EGF) - support cellular proliferation (keratinocytes and fibroblasts) while promoting healing and tissue regeneration.
- Peptides - these amino acid proteins are essential to collagen and healthy, strong skin. One of the most cutting-edge peptides is the chrono peptide, which activates a defense mechanism during the day and regeneration at night.
- Antioxidants - Boldine (D), green tea, grape seed extract, resveratrol - to name a few - will provide skin-strengthening and firming support and ensure new cells are healthy.
Water and Protect
Finally, to keep the garden in bloom, we ALWAYS water (or hydrate) and protect it. This time of year, hyaluronic acid works great to bind moisture to the tissue without being too heavy, and rhodiola rosea root extract supports the skin in adapting to fluctuating temperatures while providing antioxidant and immune support. Zinc is a great natural blocker that also gives antimicrobial and anti fungal support.
Question: What is your favorite springtime treatment for shedding dull winter skin?