Ask the Expert
Spring Cleanse for Your Skin
We asked Melanie Nelson, head esthetician of U Retreat, for some spring cleaning tips for our skin.
nouvelle
mama's questions: Spring is a natural time to clean
and cleanse, everything from our homes to our bodies. Is there a
skin care regimen you recommend for this time of year? Why is it
important and what can mamas do at home to keep their skin healthy?
Melanie's answer: After winter the skin feels dryer than usual. With the extra layers of clothes and indoor heating that winter brings, we may start to see scaly legs and tight flaky faces. Many of us will moisturize, but we also need to get rid of the dead skin to allow the moisturizer to be properly absorbed.
Ideally, exfoliate your skin at least once a week to allow the new skin cells to come through to the surface. There are two items that we all have in our cupboards that can do this for us: baking soda and sugar.
For the face, mix baking soda with skin cleanser to create a paste. Apply from the chest or neck up and move around the skin in small circular motions. Remove with a cloth or splash with water. Follow with skin cream.
For the body, mix regular white sugar with oil (olive, almond or a massage blend). Dampen the body first; if you are in the shower, turn off the water to continue. Apply the paste to the body and scrub! You will find the sugar melts in. Rinse off and finish with a body cream.
Please keep in mind to not use the sugar scrub on your face and if you are purchasing a facial scrub do not choose one that contains shells. You do not want something that will scratch your skin. Be careful: there are facial scrubs out there that are not okay to use. Look for exfoliants that are round.
On another note, with sun shine here remember to suncreen the skin!! It will thank you for it!
Not yet a nouvelle mama?
You bet you are! If you have a child of any age, or are going to be having a child, and are interested in parenting, you already qualify. Now sign up for the newsletter and make it official!
 |  |  |
| ||
 | |  |
| ||
Sign up your friends, too!
