Transitioning from Summer to Fall/Winter Skin Care

The Summer brings many of us hot days and fun nights, music festivals, vacations, and camping trips… and also sweat, dirt, bacteria, and sun damage.  All of these factors can cause our skin to become oily and clogged; you may have noticed more blackheads and hyperpigmentation (discoloration of the skin from break outs or UV exposure).  For any season change I recommend two things: a deep cleansing and exfoliating treatment, and changing up your home care products.

Scheduling a facial with your favorite skin care specialist is the best way to bring your skin back into balance.  Even if you cannot schedule monthly facials, quarterly treatments can give you a real jump start for your new home care routine.  Your esthetician will cleanse and treat your skin more thoroughly than you probably can at home.  They will perform pore extractions, and can recommend the best products for your skin type.  Short on time or money?  Most establishments offer 30 min facials for under $75 - usually they eliminate the fluff (massage, steam, etc.) and get right to business on your skin.  Professional exfoliating treatments like microdermabrasion and chemical peels can complement and enhance the results of your facial treatment.

Alternatively, you can give yourself a fabulous facial at home.  You’ll need a deep pore cleanser, toner, exfoliant, masque, a nourishing treatment product, moisturizer, hot towels or home facial steamer, extractor tool or blackhead strips.  Use warm, not hot, water with all of your home treatments to avoid exacerbating dry skin issues.  

In the same way we change our wardrobe, we should be changing up our skin care products.  Central heating, cold air and winds make our skin dry, flaky, tight, and chapped.  Choosing a cream cleanser and richer moisturizer will help prevent these problems.  Use a hydrating toner or treatment product before applying your moisturizer to balance and nourish the skin, and aid in absorption of products. In fact, you can sneak in extra hydration by spritzing your face with it throughout the day.  When enjoying outdoor activities try an extra layer of moisturizer, apply SPF or wear a hat, and don’t forget your lip balm.

Try the Akima Botanicals FACE SERUM No. 1 - An oil based serum with botanical extracts and essential oils. It's a wonderful all purpose serum created to hydrate the skin, reduce redness, plump up fine lines, and provide anti-oxidant protection.  It will leave your skin feeling silky and nourished, not greasy or oily. 

Available in my shop: https://www.etsy.com/listing/182544880/face-serum-no-1-hydrating-all-natural

In future articles I will get into more detail about professional treatments, DIY facials, and all different types of products and their uses.  Follow here on my blog, or on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram @AkimaBotanicals.  

Stay tuned & stay toned!

~*Akima*~