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| (Image from www.pinterest.com) |
As I write this, Spring has officially arrived, and
Winter’s final gasp is fading into a memory.
Torrential rain and warming temps are encouraging
new growth everywhere. Spring flowers are blooming, as are fruit trees,
while squirrels, duck, geese, and birds are scurrying about, taking advantage
of the season’s return.
When seasons transitions from one into another, I’m
also reminded of how these changes impact virtually every aspect of my
life. Following are some helpful tips I’ve developed over the years as an
industry expert and insider that will help you transition from Winter into
Spring, and even into Summer. Enjoy!
Springtime is a time for renewal in purpose of self…so,
take the time to renew yourself, while enjoying all that this beautiful new
season has to offer.
~ Skin and Body Care ~
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| (Image from www.fotografieshop.de) |
Change your skin and body care regimens, including the
products you’ve used. Go with lighter formulations. Warming temps
also mean more humidity in the air, so you might need to forgo using a serum or
booster, plus heavier-weight moisturizers, and just go with a light or
medium-weight moisturizer. Don’t forget to use a serum and eye care
product that’s formulated to your skin type and the season.
Consider exfoliating less and reducing the intensity of
your cleansing regimen. If your regimen and product changes are too
drastic, your skin will react; so, pay attention to what your skin might be
telling you to do, or not to do; if your skin is easily irritated, then you need
to tone down the exfoliation routine and get a gentler implement.
A nice gentle exfoliator to consider is corn meal; when added
to your cleanser, the delicate tissue won’t become irritated.
Oil is another gentle way to cleanse the skin; use pure fruit
and nut oils, and avoid anything with additives or synthetics, which are harsh
and full of skin irritants and toxins.
Consider using chilled facial toners, or an essential
oil-based spritzer to refresh the face and neck areas throughout the day, especially
as temperatures heat up and humidity increases. Try chilling rosewater,
even the culinary type, as a great pick-me-up and refresher.
Consider dry brushing in the morning; not only does it
exfoliate dead skin cells, but it also primes the pores for showering, while
revving up the circulation; begin at the feet and work you way up to your
chest, using circular motions. After you come out of the shower, leave
skin slightly damp and then apply your favorite moisturizer.
Continue using products with a SPF rating to protect the
skin from UVA/UVB rays. If uncertain as to what product will work best,
consult a dermatologist or esthetician.
Even though the temps might be warming, don’t skip your
regular skincare and body care regimens. Treat the face and body as you
did during winter, only a bit gentler, by adjusting the types of products
and/or formulations you use. `
~ Fragrance and Beyond ~
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| (Imaage from www.flowergardenpictures.com) |
Change the intensity of your fragrance. Go with
lighter formulations and scent profiles, such as florals or greens, versus
woods, ambers, musk, etc. Remember, as temperatures warm up and humidity
levels increase, so too will your body heat, intensifying the fragrance, which
could make it too cloying.
Both the weight of clothing fabric and color palettes
should changeover from weightier-fabric materials with darker colors (e.g.
wood, rayon, blends, cashmere, etc.), to that of lighter-weight fabrics (e.g.
cotton, silk, natural fiber blends, etc.) that are more neutral or pastel in
color; lighter weight fabrics and colors also keep the skin cooler, naturally.
~ Nature’s Voice ~
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| (Image from www.empressofdirt.net) |
When in doubt, look to nature for cues on what to
do. For example, during the day when the sun’s rays are their strongest,
most birds and other creatures have the good sense to seek shade and avoid
rigorous activity.
Take a cue from them, slow down and stay cooler.
Animals also begin shedding their winter “coats” to prepare for the warmer
temperatures.
What may have worked during the fall and winter, might not
necessarily work in the spring and the lead-up to summer.
Consider bringing in the outdoors inside with multiple
houseplants to remind you of the new season and the cycle of new growth.
Fresh flowers also brighten the spirit, so keep them close at hand.
~ Lifestyle and Wellness ~
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| (Image from www.wholeliving.com) |
Lighten up on the types of foods you consume and continue
drinking plenty of water to maintain a healthy digestive and circulatory
system. Warmer temps and heavier foods are more taxing on the digestive
system.
Up your intake of water; not only is this good for
hydration, it also keeps the body temp better regulated and cooler; just make
sure to avoid chilled liquids, because with over exposure to sun, the
combination can lead to a life-threatening condition, a chilled stomach where
the internal temperature of the stomach is lowered to less than your body
temperature; I’m speaking from personal experience; a chilled stomach is a
horrible affliction to have.
When over-heated or flushed, slow down and don’t over
stress your body. Try rubbing ice cubes over pressure points (nape of
neck, inside wrists, behind knees, temples, arches, outer sides of Achilles
heel, etc.) for relief. Another way to get relief is to soak the feet in
cool water, or to take cool showers.
Take leisurely walks and enjoy the sights and sounds of
nature. The best times for doing this are early morning or at sunset,
when it’s cooler and less humid.
Don’t forget to open those windows and let the balmy
breezes and fresher air come indoor and envelope you.
~In Closing ~
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| (Image from www.pinterest.com) |
Take the time to notice the rebirth of nature and
enjoy it. Celebrate and embrace the changes, because they’re a part of
the cycle of life.
That’s it for this edition. Until the next one, remember to take care of
yourself and those you love.
By Terry Herman
TERRY HERMAN is a recognized expert in the
industry, and regularly covers issues that include business, management,
operations, customer care, treatments, products, and trends. In the 1990s, she
authored an extensive "Glossary of Spa Terminologies" and holds two
copyright registrations on her authored work. Consumer and trade
publications have also interviewed her as an expert. She also conducted an extensive nationally
broadcasted interview tour on aspects of creating an at-home spa, interior
design, music, stress and time management.
Her work has been published extensively in print and digital in both
consumer and trade publications. In addition to writing, reviewing and
being interviewed as an expert, she is also a management consultant and motivational
speaker. She also served on the
International Advisory Board for the former EXPERIENCE | PREMCHIT Journeys In
Retreat To Wellness; the Advisory Board was comprised of ten international
experts in various fields of wellness and spa.
She also served each of the Five Pillars Task Force groups for the Asia
Pacific Spa & Wellness Council (APSWC).
She has been a Group Manager for the popular LinkedIn group, The Spa
Buzz, and is currently an Administrator for two Facebook Groups, Wild Food
Society and Spa College. In addition to her blogs, her social media outreach includes
Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Be sure to read her
food, wine and culinary digital magazine, TERRY’S
SECOND HELPINGS. Don’t forget to “Like” her Facebook Page, Terry’s Second Helpings. Please note that the “Comment Section” has
been disabled. For additional
information, email her at terrysspabeautywellness@gmail.com.
ALL MATERIALS COPYRIGHT PROTECTED
(Photo credits as indicated, or as represented by the
specific brand.)
