01
Exfoliate all areas, including your scalp.
The experiences of 2020 have taught us to be adaptable and not to become complacent, especially regarding skincare. It’s easy to fall into a pattern where we overlook new products, which can lead to disappointing results when healthier and more radiant skin is achievable.
As an esthetician, I have repeatedly witnessed this scenario. That’s why I’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help your skin recover from the chaos of 2020 and flourish in the new year. These aren’t merely fads; they represent effective routines and ingredients that will help rejuvenate your skin.
With aging, the natural process of skin renewal slows down, leading to a build-up of dead and dry skin. While this dead skin will eventually shed, you can hasten this process through exfoliation.
Exfoliating is essential for removing the buildup of dead skin on your face, body, and scalp, promoting healthy hair growth and achieving radiant skin. Accumulated dead skin can lead to acne, hinder hair growth, and trigger irritations.
It’s important to integrate exfoliation into your weekly routine for optimal skin health. If your skin tends to be oily, exfoliating once or twice a week is recommended. Conversely, individuals with dry or sensitive skin should opt for exfoliation just once a week. For body scrubs, seek natural ingredients like Dead Sea salts or coffee grounds. Face exfoliants usually feature milder components such as finely ground oatmeal.
Don’t overlook scalp exfoliation. While washing and conditioning hair is routine, maintaining scalp health often slips through the cracks. Exfoliating the scalp can reduce dandruff, eliminate dead skin, and may even encourage hair growth. This can be accomplished with scalp brushes or through physical and chemical scrubs. Ingredients like sugar, sea salt, and activated charcoal are popular choices for scalp treatments.
Incorporate natural exfoliating cleansers into your skincare regimen, and consider using exfoliating gloves or dry brushes for an all-over glow.
02
Elevate hydration with hyaluronic acid.
Last year, hyaluronic acid gained significant attention, and its popularity is set to continue in 2021. It is a naturally occurring sugar in the body recognized as nature’s hydration powerhouse because it can retain over a thousand times its weight in water. When incorporated into skincare products, this super ingredient provides numerous benefits.
Research by dermatologists has shown that people with dry skin experienced noticeable improvements after two to six weeks of taking hyaluronic acid.
When used in serums, moisturizers, and creams, hyaluronic acid serves as a humectant, attracting moisture to dehydrated skin and maintaining hydration for several hours.
Especially during colder months, it’s crucial to keep skin adequately hydrated. Incorporating products that contain hyaluronic acid into your skincare routine will help achieve plumper, more moisturized skin, particularly if you have dryness issues.
03
Embrace the K-beauty philosophy.
K-beauty refers to Korean skincare practices and products. For generations, many women in Korea have pursued dewy, glass-like skin, dedicating considerable effort to their skincare routines to achieve youthful-looking skin.
What are the secret ingredients behind their success? Surprisingly, they are not overly complex. Key components in K-beauty include hyaluronic acid (no surprise there!), noni, mugwort, and green tea.
Noni is a traditional Polynesian herb rich in antioxidant vitamin C, known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-acne, and anti-aging properties.
Mugwort has been a healing herb in Korea for centuries, appreciated for its skin-conditioning benefits and its ability to provide moisture to dry skin.
Green tea is packed with antioxidants that protect the skin from free radicals and may assist in treating conditions like acne and rosacea.
If you aspire to achieve flawless, ageless skin, look for these K-beauty staples in your next skincare shopping spree at your nearby natural health store.
04
Soothe your skin with adaptogens.
2020 was undeniably stressful, and stress can have a detrimental impact on our skin. It can lead to acne flare-ups, accelerate aging, and cause exacerbations in individuals with conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
Fortunately, adaptogens—roots and herbs traditionally used to combat stress—can help. They are known for their potential to reduce fatigue and enhance physical endurance. Research indicates that adaptogens such as ashwagandha, bacopa, and rhodiola can help mitigate the negative effects of stress when consumed.
Moreover, ashwagandha has a rich history in Ayurvedic practices for topical use to alleviate swelling. Preliminary studies suggest that ashwagandha may have protective effects against skin inflammation, leading to its emergence in skincare formulations.
Regardless of how you choose to utilize adaptogens, they could become your skin’s best ally this year.
