unlocking radiant skin – springtime exfoliator recipe
The Spring Equinox on March 19 officially kicked-off the start of the new season and with it a time of new beginnings. The change of seasons gives us the perfect opportunity to re-evaluate our skincare routine. Depending on where you live, your skin might spend the Winter months battling freezing temps, wind and working to hold onto all the moisture it can to not over dry and crack. Even if you’re not in a location with freezing temps, typically Wintertime is still a bit cooler and a bit more hydration is needed for your skin.
As we move into warmer months, the skincare concerns change from dryness, dull skin and hydration to excess oil and potential congestion in the form of blackheads, whiteheads and acne. Making sure you’re exfoliating properly during the warmer months of the year is crucial. Exfoliating helps to make sure that excess oil is kept in check, pores aren’t clogged, dead skin cells are removed, provides manual lymphatic drainage and improves blood circulation.
Here is a simple exfoliation recipe to help keep things clear:
Springtime Exfoliator
1/3 cup strawberries
1 tbsp Lady’s Mantle leaf
Marshmallow root powder (add for consistency)
With mortar and pestle crush strawberries. Add in Lady’s Mantle leaf and crush into powder and mix. Optional to add marshmallow root powder to thicken the consistency.
If you don’t have a mortar and pestle, you can also blend the strawberries and Lady’s Mantle leaves in a blender. Then add the marshmallow powder after.
Apply to skin by patting on and leave for 10-15 min. It might tingle on the skin, but if you experience any burning sensation wash off immediately.
Benefits:
Lady’s Mantle acts as an astringent on the skin and can also aid in wound and skin healing. A great combination when coming out of Winter. It is also a rich source of polyphenols (antioxidants) and is anti-inflammatory.
Strawberries are high in Vit. C and can act as a brightener for the skin. In addition, strawberries contain citric and malic acids. Malic acid is a natural form of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and works to smooth wrinkles and fine lines, brighten, improve skin texture, and cleanse pores.
Marshmallow root powder is naturally demulcent, high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory. It is very soothing to the skin and can even be used on rashes and burns.