April showers bring May flowers. The old adage is definitely true. We suffer through the rain falls of early Spring to be greeted by the cheery blooms that follow. However, May flowers are not all that comes from April showers, but so does hot, humid weather. And this sudden spike in temperature and humidity is a sign that our skin care regimens need a change.



Cleanse, exfoliate, tone and moisturize - these are the absolute basics of good skin care, and the importance of each step will shift significantly depending upon the season. In winter months moisturizing is key because having adequate moisture in the skin not only helps the skin to repair any damage, but it also helps to prevent damage caused by severe dryness.

In the summer months, however, our primary skin care focus switches from moisturization to exfoliation. This is due to the spike in temperatures causing our body temperatures to rise and our oil glands to become more productive, producing excess amount of pore-clogging sediments. Here is a fail-proof Summer skin care regimen to keep the skin of your face and body glowing well into the fall.

Step 1 - Cleanse. Cleansing is always the first step to beautiful skin. Dirt, pollution, and oil produced by the body cling to the face and not only clog pores but create a dull residue. Cleansing with an alcohol-free face wash is the best was to remove the garbage and prep the skin for steps 2-4. In the winter months cleansing becomes less important, and one can get by with only cleansing every other day, due to the lack of humidity. But in the Summer, cleansing becomes priority, and should be done at least once a day for dry and normal skin and twice a day for oily skin.

Step 2 - Exfoliate. Exfoliation is the way in which dead skin cells, which cause dullness, blotchiness, and variations in skin tone, are gently removed from the epidermis and allow the fresh new skin underneath to be exposed. Be careful when exposing this newly exposed skin to the damaging rays of the sun. By removing the protective, but unattractive layer of dead skin we are removing a natural protective shield. Be sure to use sunblock at all times, whether you plan to be exposed directly to the sun or not. The sun's rays have a mysterious way of penetrating almost everything we think to be a "barrier".

Exfoliation does not have to be a daily step in your skin care routine, as individuals skin cells die at different rates. People with normal skin tones can get by with exfoliating two times per week in the spring and summer. Also, if you have sensitive skin or are prone to acne breakouts, exfoliate at your own risk!! Consider using an exfoliant made specifically for acne or sensitive skin. Maky times the exfoliant property will be smaller more granulated than those for normal to oily skin, which tend to be larger pieces of sand or ground walnut. The best type of exfoliant for all skin types is one that contains micro beads.

Step 3 - Tone. Always, always, always tone your face after cleansing or exfoliating. Whichever step is last in your routine, tone when finished. A great non-alcoholic toner will not only balance the ph (acid) levels in the skin, which can be askew after cleaning and exfoliating, but it will also close the pores, which were opened by cleansing, and they will be less suseptible to foreign pathogens being allowed to enter. Toner can also be carried around in the summer to the beach, the pool, or an outdoor picnic, and applied as desired to ass moisture to the face. It also has a cooling effect, which is always a nice break from the heat.

Step 4 - Moisturize. As mentioned earlier, moisturization in much more important in winter months than summer, however this is a step that absolutely cannot be skipped. Be sure that your summer moisturizer contains a sunscreen with a high SPF, and one that is free of paba, jojoba oil, and lanolin oil. These products will only clog pores causing breakouts and infections.

In the heat of the summer the best thing we can do for our complexion is to keep it as clean as possible. Breakout levels are higher in spring and summer months because our sebaceous glands are much more active then in the fall and winter. Was your face often, and be sure to tone and use a moisturizer that contains sunscreen. Apply is lightly to the skin.

Apply these tips, and miner changes to your daily skin care regimen and you will have a flawless, glowing complexion all summer long.