Proactive Skincare

Proactive Skincare

By: Abby Fulmar

As the weather turns colder and skin gets drier, many look for ways to keep their skin looking rejuvenated and refreshed. Unfortunately, maintaining your skin’s youthful vigor is a year-round job that can often become confusing, but skincare does not have to be complicated to be impactful. There are many products and routines out there that can help you be proactive when it comes to taking care of your skin, so here are a few ways you can preserve your skin and stop unnecessary aging before it occurs.

Gua Sha

It may look small, but it is mighty. Using a gua sha is an ancient Chinese practice that helps to promote blood circulation. Made out of marble, it stays relatively cool even when kept at room temperature. To get the best results, use the gua sha in tandem with your favorite moisturizer. Going in upward motion, use the stone on your neck, jaw, cheekbones, and forehead for your desired amount of time once or twice a day. Not only will this practice dispel excess fluid from the face that can cause you to look swollen and bloated, it can also help keep the skin tight and combat drooping. You can find gua shas for as low as $6 on Amazon.

Silicone Facial Cleansing Device

One of the biggest causes of premature aging of the face is frequent friction and shearing, caused by simple things such as rubbing your face dry with a towel or a rough cleansing brush. Cleansing brushes have risen in popularity in recent years, claiming to be able to pick up dirt and makeup that you might not even be aware is there. While there is no denying that these brushes can leave your skin squeaky clean, the rough bristles can often irritate skin and cause unneeded friction to occur. Not to mention the bacteria that can build up on the brush if not cleaned and dried correctly after each use. But do not fear, if you are one who lives by cleansing devices, there is an alternative brush that can help you cut back on skin shearing. With a silicone facial cleansing brush, you are still able to massage cleanser deeper into your skin while also lightly exfoliating without the harsh bristles. While these brushes are on the pricier side, they are a perfect gift or stocking stuffer for the holidays. The most popular silicone brushes can be found on Sephora for around $99.

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen

The best way to be proactive when it comes to your skincare routine is undoubtedly sunscreen. UV rays can start killing skin cells and damaging the outer layers of the skin in as little as 5 to 10 minutes. Wearing sunscreen has numerous benefits besides the obvious shielding from UV rays. It can also help prevent blotchiness, balance your skin tone, and can even assist the skin in maintaining elasticity. There are many great sunscreens on the market, but one of the most talked about (and for good reason) is the Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen. It has SPF 40, which is the recommended amount for adults, and as the name suggests, is unseen. That means there is no annoying whitecast and can be used by anyone no matter their skin tone. It has a smooth, primer like texture and can go perfectly under makeup without causing any separation. A travel size of Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen can be found on Amazon for $17 so you can see if it works for you before splurging on the full size portion.

Face Yoga

While unconventional, face yoga is a natural, simple technique that anyone can do, and all you need are your hands. Along the same lines as the gua sha, face yoga involves massage exercises that stimulate the muscles, skin, and lymphatic system. It eases tension in the face and strengthens the facial muscles, which like any muscles in the body, can look out of shape when not taken care of. Refer to the diagram below to see the different steps of “facial yoga.”

Living in a generation that values timeless, natural beauty, it is more important now  than ever to be proactive and intentional with your skincare routine. Incorporate these simple practices into your schedule to not only give yourself the best chance of aging gracefully, but to improve your skin’s health as well. 

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