Spring Cleaning

I recently had the opportunity to go on a road trip through the southwest US (California, Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico) and Spring has definitely sprung. The wildflowers lining the freeways and on the hiking trails were just awesome. Also, here in my own backyard we have Blue Lupine, California Poppies, Indian Paintbrush, and a bouquet of other flowers that I don’t know the names of. Purple, yellow, blue, white, orange: a rainbow of color in fact. This is truly one of my favorite times of the year.

Traditionally I also try and do a spring cleaning; getting rid of the dust, dirt and clutter that has accumulated during the winter months. (Did you know that the more “stuff” you have, the more it will energetically weigh you down? I highly encourage you to look around and get rid of anything that is no longer meaningful or useful in your life – you will notice an immediate lightness in your being.)

In addition, your skin could use a “spring cleaning” as well. Winter’s dryness and cold has left an excess of old skin cells just waiting to be shed to reveal those younger, plumper cells and healthier looking skin. Why not treat yourself to an at-home facial? Light some candles, put on some relaxing music and put out the Do Not Disturb sign for 30 minutes. Gather up the following skin care items: a cleanser (my pick is the Hyaluronic Hydrating Cleanser), a scrub (my # 1 recommendation is the Microdermabrasion Scrub), a mask (I like the Hyaluronic Hydrating Mask), a toner or astringent (Pycnogenol® Facial Toner is my choice here), and finally a moisturizer (as I’ve said before, my favorite is the Age-Defying Night Crème). Grab some cotton balls or pads, and put a couple of small towels into very warm (almost hot) water. Make sure you have a place to either sit or lie down comfortably during this process.

First cleanse your face thoroughly, then wrap a nice warm towel around your face with your nose exposed for breathing. Let the warmth, music and candles do their magic for 3 to 10 minutes. Do not allow your face to get cold. Stop when the towel is starting to get cool. Next take the scrub and gently massage the face avoiding the orbital areas (around the eyes) and focusing on the T-zone where dirt and oil tend to be trapped. I stress that you should do this gently because you want enough pressure to exfoliate effectively but not abrade the skin to the point of irritation. Rinse off the scrub with warm water. apply your mask and again wrap the face with a warm towel. Rest for 3-10 minutes.

Remove the mask with a warm water rinse and towel dry. Then use your toner to close pores, restore pH balance, remove any additional residue and prepare skin for your moisturizer. I like to use either a cotton ball or pad with my toner. Then finally apply an ample amount of your favorite moisturizer and spend a few minutes thoroughly massaging your face. Take a few more minutes to rest and relax. Now look in the mirror and see a new, refreshed, and hopefully very relaxed and healthier looking you!

If you have a specific skin care issue then use the products that are appropriate for that issue, such as:
Problem skin or acne – Use Very Clear® products
Sagging or loss of firmness – Use DMAE or Ester-C® products
Sensitive skin or rosacea – Use Pycnogenol® products
Lines and wrinkles – Use Age-Defying products

Obviously I feel the derma e® products are the best, but if you have another cleanser, toner or scrub that you prefer, then use those. Most importantly: “spring clean” your face and take the time for yourself!!!

Yours in health,
Dr. Linda Miles, L.Ac., D. O. M.