Time for Spring (Skin) Cleaning!

Now that Spring is finally here, it's time to switch up your skincare routine. Warmer weather provides an opportunity for lighter products, less makeup and more sunscreen.

But first, let’s get any last trace of winter off your skin. You know, those rough or flaky areas, clogged pores, or overall dullness.

Let’s exfoliate!

What is exfoliation? It is literally "the removal of dead skin cells on the skin's outermost surface". Think of it as spring cleaning for your skin. Skin naturally sheds dead cells every 30 days or so, and if you do not exfoliate regularly, your skin becomes rough and dull.

Once reserved for aestheticians' offices, quality exfoliation products are now available for at-home use. Dead skin cells can be dissolved chemically, with liquid or pre-soaked pads, buffed away with granular scrubs, or removed with creams or gels which slough off skin cells when spread over skin. 

The key word is gentle. I am not, I repeat NOT talking about the likes of St. Ives Apricot Scrub. Down with walnut particles!

South Korean exfoliants found at Sharon Lee's BEST work gently to reveal brighter, smoother, softer skin, unclog pores, and stimulate collagen production, minimizing the effects of aging.

They include skin loving combinations of AHAs, or Alpha Hydroxy Acids, like glycolic and lactic acid. AHAs are ideal for anti-aging, like softening wrinkles and improving resiliency. BHAs, or beta hydroxy acid, is oil soluble, and best for oily or combination skin. PHAs (AKA Polyhydroxy Acids) are very similar to traditional AHAs and BHAs, but they break down dead skin cells a little more gently by working mainly on the skin’s surface. 

I personally like NEOGEN's pre-soaked Gauze Wine Peeling Pads. They are a generous size, with enough liquid for your entire face, neck and décolletage. Your skin is glowy and smooth afterwards. Plus, they smell like grape candy, which is a bonus!

My sister Laurie uses the Pyunkang Yul exfoliation gel, which lifts dead skin cells from the surface leaving only soft skin behind. You can also try Blithe Patting Splash Mask in the shower: a half-capful splashed onto your face at the end of your shower instantly brightens skin. And my friend Justine told me about an amazing exfoliator for oily/combo skin - COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid! You can find these and more of my best exfoliation product choices here.

You can also try a lightly exfoliating toner like COSRX AHA/BHA Vitamin C toner, or Some by Mi’s AHA, BHA, PHA 30 day Miracle toner. These products will give you gentle exfoliating benefits every day, to help keep skin clear and bright.

One last thing – ALL skin types benefit from regular, gentle exfoliation, but don’t overdo it. Once a week is enough for most of us. 

So why not welcome spring by exfoliating away the last effects of winter? Keep it as a weekly addition to your skin care / self-care routine.

Spring cleaning your skin is way more fun than cleaning the house!!