Spring is the time of renewal and regeneration - the season to stimulate stagnant skin and to refine, restore, support and strengthen the barrier function of post-winter skin.
If you aren't yet incorporating a Gua Sha tool into your skin care routine, you'll want to. Gua sha helps to stimulate circulation and lymphatic movement, promotes detoxification, helps reduce puffiness and inflammation. In addition to dispersing stagnation that shows up as tension or congestion in the skin, it has a calming effect on the nervous system.In Traditional Chinese Medicine, spring is associated with the element of wind which can cause an increase in headaches and neck pain. Since Gua sha helps to purge and flush, it's important to HYDRATE and replenish the skin.
Three key products to switch up in the spring when addressing stagnation and detoxification are:
Cleanser:
For a deep purge, Laurel Deep Clarity Oil Cleanser contains a blend of 'oil pulling' oils to stimulate lymphatic movement, help clear pores and purge congested skin. Use daily for 10-15 days and then to once a week. If the congestion is reduced without any breakouts, continue to use the cleanser. Avoid if your skin barrier is compromised or damaged. Laurel's Essential Lipids Oil Cleanser would be a better option for sensitive or reactive skin.Eminence Charcoal Exfoliating Gel Cleanser can be used daily for oily complexions. Other skin types would alternate with another cleanser using only every few days. It gently washes away impurities, removes excess oil and reduces the appearance of pores. The charcoal helps absorb impurities from pores, blue matcha revitalizes your skin while peppermint cools and refreshes it.
Exfoliator:
Exfoliation is key to refining the skin. Lilfox's Acid Peel is an at-home advanced resurfacing and refining acid peel for instant smoothing results. it contains a blend of exfoliating acids along with moisture-retaining hyaluronic acid. Apply 30 seconds to 5 minutes, 2 times/week, depending on your skin. For a more intense purge, use in the shower.
Josh Rosebrook's Active Enzyme Exfoliant is a weekly acid + enzyme exfoliant that refines the skin, restores moisture, help reset the skins natural healing process and supports healthy skin function. While active, it's deal for all skin types, even sensitive skin.
Although not a exfoliant, Laurel's Tulsi Hydrosol is a powerful tonic for lymph and circulation. Tulsi, also know as Holy Basil stimulates stagnated skin, clarifies and hydrates dry, dull skin and balances oil production. This limited edition hydrosol balances the microbiome making it ideal for congested or blemish-prone skin, not for sensitive skin.
Masque:
Masques are powerhouses that help to correct and treat a specific skin concern.Eminence's Eight Greens Phyto Masque HOT and Lime Stimulating Masque contain paprika to stimulate circulation and detoxify the skin leaving it a rosy glow. Great for mature hormonal skin.
Eminence's Turmeric Treatment is a powder treatment that does double duty: as an exfoliator and mask. Rich in anti-inflammatory properties, it helps refine and brighten your complexion. Ideal for hyperpigmentation/sun damage.
Laurel's Detox Mask is also a powder mask that contains clarifying clays, nourishing roots and soothing anti-inflammatory herbs and flowers to draw out impurities, hydrate, nourish and soothe skin resulting in clearer skin, smaller pores, reduced redness and breakouts.
Blissoma's Refine Clay Renewal Treatment is an exfoliator and mask in one. It contains rhassoul clay, celery juice enzymes, and zinc. While ideal for all skin types, it's especially helpful for dry skin prone to blemishes, redness and irritation.