5 Simple Ways to Update Your Skincare Routine

The skin is the largest organ of the body, but is often times neglected, especially as the seasons change. This spring season, make your skin, your priority!

1. Keep sunscreen in the picture.

The news couldn’t get enough of spreading the word about sun protection this summer. But despite the recent decline in sun protection awareness, you must know that applying sunscreen is just as important in the colder months as in summer.  Mature skin is thinner and fragile, and is much more susceptible to the damaging effects of sun exposure, so be sure to protect your skin by applying SPF either on its own or in your daily moisturizer.

The type of SPF (which stands for Sun Protection Factor) you should use can range between  SPF 15 and SPF 20, depending on how frequently you plan to be exposed to the sun.

Despite the fact that they protect the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, many sunscreens contain harmful ingredients that can irritate your skin. Be sure that you’re buying sunscreens with PABA-free, mineral sunscreens that contain mainly zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Some of these sunscreens come in a powder form that you can easily reapply throughout the day!

If you can, try to find a sunscreen that contains Vitamin A, D and E for an added benefit by brands like Clarins, Alba and Burt’s Bees. Enjoy the outdoors for as long as you can, but never forget to apply your sunscreen!

2. All About Water.

Frequent showering waste water, dries out your skin, and makes it much harder to keep your hair as healthy as it can be.

While you might be tempted to take hotter showers as it gets colder outside, be aware that the hotter the water, the more it will dry out your skin, causing it to itch and even peel.

Ideally, according to the Wall Street Journal, the temperature of your bath water shouldn’t exceed 112 degrees Fahrenheit. As a plus, cooler water improves your blood circulation, which is why many people are fans of showering in cold water to help wake up in the morning.

3. Dangers of Harsh Soaps and Shampoos.

The temperature of your water isn’t the only culprit behind dry skin. Regular soaps and shampoos contain sulfates that strip your skin and hair of essential oils.

Just as our skin ages, our hair ages too- but there are certain steps you may take to take better care of it.

After menopause, many women notice that their hair dries, specifically because the body produces less sebum, or the oil that moisturizes your scalp and hair as it did before. Try using an all-natural, sulfate-free moisturizing shampoo that won’t dry out your hair.

After you shampoo your hair, pamper yourself by applying a spray-on, leave-in conditioner to your towel-dried hair. You can even use these treatments like the Biolage Keratindose Pro-Keratin Renewal Leave-In Spray ($19, drugstores) throughout the day!

Thought dry shampoo was just a trend? Think again! Try introducing dry shampoo to you and your loved one’s medicine cabinet by brands like Batiste, Not Your Mother’s, Aveeno and Kiss My Face, and Carol’s Daughter. Dry shampoo not only cleans the scalp, but gives hair a break from the damaging effects of frequent shampooing and hot curling irons or rollers.

4. Check that deodorant. 

Everybody sweats, let’s face it. Unfortunately, as it gets colder and the sweaters creep back out from the back of the closet, we need to pay attention to our antiperspirants as much as we did during the hot summer months.

Most generic antiperspirants you buy at the drugstore contain aluminum and other harmful chemicals that are linked to an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease.

Try switching to natural, aluminum free deodorants like Tom’s Long-Lasting Stick Unscented Deodorant ($4.29, drugstores).

5. Exfoliate- then moisturize. 

Exfoliating your skin has always been a go-to when it comes to beauty and skincare, but it is especially important during the fall and winter months. The cooler the weather, the dryer your skin gets.

While you may be using anti-aging serums and moisturizers, help your products absorb into your skin by exfoliating it properly. Freshen up your complexion with an exfoliating scrub or cleanser that is geared towards sensitive and mature skin, like the Philosophy Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash ($28 at Sephora) and follow by applying your favorite serum and moisturizer.

When it comes to exfoliating your body (and not to mention your hands), try to use products like body polishes made with coconut oil, honey and all-natural salts that will both exfoliate your skin and leave it glowing and hydrated too. Try the You Are Amazing Coconut Water Exfoliating Body Scrub and Wash ($3.99 at Target) that comes in a convenient squeeze-out tube.

Obsessed with hand lotions and creams? Try switching to a cream-based hand lotions packed with Shea butter, with contains vitamins A, E, and F.

For more tips, check out our blog at http://homecare4u.com/blog/