Red Mountain Spa
Summer is here and it is time to step out in swimsuits, sundress and shorts and show off beautiful bare arms and legs. It’s time to “summerize” yourself from head to toe.
Sun protection.
Even if you’re not intentionally sunbathing, unprotected sun exposure can be harmful. Walking to the car, shopping outside, sitting by a window – daily activities put skin at risk. Even when the sky is cloudy UV rays can still reach and affect the skin. Always wear a sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection, regardless of your skin type. Increase your sun protection from an SPF 15 to a 30 with broad-spectrum protection. Don’t rely on the SPF built into your foundation or make-up as it’s unlikely you will apply enough for optimum coverage. For the best protection, look for water-resistant products containing zinc oxide. Zinc Oxide, a physical sunblock ingredient, provides true broad-spectrum protection from UVA/UVB radiation and is completely safe and non-irritating.
Smooth and Clear Skin
Gently exfoliate skin to keep it smooth and glowing. There are a plethora of scrubs and exfoliating creams on the shelves in all kinds of stores. Yet, how much more fun it is in creating your own scrub to keep your skin glowing and soft?
A word of caution - the pursuit of firm bright, smooth skin may result in damaged skin. Scrubs made from ground up fruit pits or nutshells can scratch and irritate the skin. Over exfoliation may also make you more sensitive to the sun's damaging rays by stripping off the outer layer of skin, known as the stratum corneum. This will cause you to sunburn more easily and may cause you to be more sensitive to products both prescription and non-prescription.
A gentle exfoliation once or twice a week will be more than enough to give you that smooth look for summer.
Make-up:
The combination of perspiration, excess oil and product build-up can lead to breakouts. After exfoliation use lotions and gel cleansers and a toner suited to your skin type. Don’t be caught with streaks of make-up running down your face as the summer causes a meltdown. Switch to a natural mineral powder foundation applied lightly of your sunscreen. Use a soft brush and apply in circular movements, unlike regular powders. Brush lightly with a non-latex sponge in downward strokes to even out and leave a natural luminous finish. Heighten your summer glow with a light shimmery bronzer and a natural or peach lip gloss.
Your Shining Glory:
The summer sun, salt water and chlorine can be extremely damaging to the hair. Use a richly moisturizing shampoo and use a deep conditioning treatment and apply leave in conditioner with strengthening wheat protein to repair the hair cuticle and protect it from future damage.
Fake ‘n Bake:
Stay out of the sun and sport a beautiful golden tan with the latest in superfast spray-on self-tanners available at salons and spas or do it yourself with mousse, gel or cream. Go for a natural golden glow rather than a deep bronze. Exfoliate** first to get red of the rough, dead skin cells and avoid streaks.
**Sweeter than Honey Body Glow
2 cups Sea Salt (Available at your grocery, pharmacy or health food store)
1 cup Honey
1/2 cup Oatmeal
10 drops of your favorite aromatherapy oil
Grape seed oil
Mix the first four ingredients together until well blended. Add enough Grape seed Oil so that product is soaked and to one inch over. Stir well and bottle in a clean container. Use enough to cover the body and then gently rub in giving more attention to the feet knees and elbows. Do not use this product on your face.
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