Spring is the time for renewal. As the Earth comes alive again we begin to experience a new found source of energy and vitality. As we move into this beautiful Season – let’s renew ourselves with these 6 easy steps.

1. Identify skin issues and/or problem areas
2. Forget about your home, spring clean your skin care regiment
3. Quick reference for a strong skin care regiment
4. Ok, since you’re going to spring clean the home anyway
5. Drink pure, fresh water
6. Quiet the mind – no, we aren’t kidding here. Mediation is also key to youthful skin

#1 Identify skin issues and/or problems areas

Issues with dry skin, rosacea, eczema?
If so, your skin is even more susceptible to chemicals and toxins. Your skin in a delicate state, basically it is hyper-sensitive at this stage. The good news is that there are remedies to calm these issues. Our skin is our largest organ and through research we know that 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed into our cells, tissue, and bloodstream. Using organic and natural skin products filled with essential fatty acids {argan oil, vitamin E} helps to maintain healthy cell structure, keeps skin smooth & moisturized, and fatty acids are filled with antioxidants which are wonderful nutrients for the skin. Also look for products that include some of the following ingredients:

• Witch Hazel (reduces inflammation/redness)
• Green & Black Teas, Calendula, & Alfalfa Extract (all filled with antioxidants)
• Pure Aloe Vera (intensely calming and great for hydration)

#2 Forget about the House, spring clean your skin care regiment

It’s time to take inventory on the personal care products you have been using.  You want products free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, artificial colorants & fragrances. Enjoying the wonderful benefits of organic and natural ingredients doesn’t only apply to the foods we eat; they are both important elements to what we expose our skin to as well.  The Environmental Working Groups “Skin Deep Database is an excellent guide in understanding the detrimental affects the toxic chemicals we exposed our skin to every day through personal care products have on us.

#3 Quick reference for a strong skin care regiment

Every day

• Cleanser – {Gentle is key} used to remove impurities, refreshes without drying the skin
• Toner – {Alcohol-Free} used to firm skin, deep hydration for glowing complexion, helps to reduce pore size
• Serum – {Great for night time repair} highly concentrated, penetrates deep into the skin layers, firm & tones
• Moisturizer – {Skin Protection} locks in nutrients, protects skin from the environment, reduces line & wrinkles
• Eye Cream-{Delicate Area} reduces fine lines, puffiness & dark circles, strengthens the delicate eye area

Every Week

• Masks-{Repair Work} removes dead skin cells, a skin purifier & rejuvenator, leaves skin bright and balanced
• Scrubs/Exfoliates- {Never Hash} stimulates circulation & blood flow, skin conditioning effect, reduces pore size

#4 Ok, since you’re going to spring clean the house anyways

Household cleaning products are filled with harsh chemicals that we inhale, ingest, and absorb through our skin. Limit your exposure to products that contain toxic ingredients and wear gloves whenever possible. Natural Food stores, markets & grocers are a good place to start when looking for healthier alternatives but remember you can always visit the Environmental Working Group for further information and product sourcing.

#5 Drink lots of pure, fresh water

Our body is about 75% water. Every single living cell is made up of water as well as our body's tissues and organs. Staying hydrated improves our ability to think better, feel rested, improves nerve function & blood circulation, and allows our digestion and elimination process to function properly.  Water provides our skin with deep hydration and is one of the most important elemental factors to having beautiful, radiant skin. If you desire smooth, youthful, and moisture rich skin…. drink water!

#6 Quiet the mind – no, we aren’t kidding here. Mediation is key to youthful skin

“Meditation is the perfect vehicle for renewing the body, mind, and spirit.  Through the restful awareness of meditation, we can quiet and purify the mind and calm the stress response.  Research has found that people who meditate regularly experience decreased hypertension, heart disease, anxiety, stress, and depression. “
-David Simon, M.D., Chopra Center

Stress, anxiety, and the above factors all affect the health of our body and skin. How we feel along with the affects of either bad or healthy choices we make in life is directly reflected through the appearance of our skin.  Quieting the mind also encourages balance and that it turn leads us to making better choices for our health in the future.