Navigating pure beauty how-to’s in this cooler in-between weather before summer. I recently wrote this original article for Free+Native which was posted a few days ago! (I am now a monthly contributor for this beautiful and inspiring site and I honestly could not be more humbled and honored).

You can read my full article here on Free+Native ! I wanted to also post it here as I know many of you have asked for an updated skincare routine!  Keep reading here for the article + see more photos and links to products mentioned. xx

*You can also read my very first article I posted last month about Harnessing the Healing Benefits of Crystals + Gemstones*

I enjoy the varied seasons in the Northeast. Here winter transitions quickly into spring and in so doing, urges me to shed layers of winter clothing and prepare myself for this fresh season of renewal. Time to readjust and more importantly: lighten up. I’ve packed away my knitted sweaters and brought out my organic cotton + linens. Windows are open wide to allow the aroma of my lilac trees to share their extraordinary ethereal fragrance with me. My woven basket sits patiently for the fresh bounty of veggies & fruits coming soon from my local farmer’s market. There is a sense of awakening and excitement in the sweet air. With the simplicity in all things that warmer weather allows, naturally we transition our skin care to a lighter touch.

My Spring Skincare Tips

I resonate and thrive with Ayurvedic principles both in my daily lifestyle + skincare. Skin changes with the seasons and so should our cleansing routine. Harsh winter conditions can cause toxins to accumulate in the body. They need to be released and may cause uncomfortable symptoms if they become clogged. A feeling of dullness, congestion, and skin allergies are common manifestations of this. Detoxification through cleansing the body internally as well as exfoliating can help bring skin back to it’s natural state of balance.

FACE 

Switch from heavy creams and moisturizers to nourishing organic oils and serums for the warmer months. Try using a Konjac Sponge or muslin cloth with pure filtered warm water to rinse your face in the morning. This acts as a light exfoliation that is perfectly safe to use daily and will help brighten your complexion by ridding your skin of flakes + dry patches from winter’s dehydrating heat. You will see a brightness unfold because of the new skin cell turnover.

Face masks are such an integral part of skin care basics. I recommend doing one face mask a week. One of my favorite DIY recipes is to mix one tbs. of raw honey with tsp. of  tumeric into a paste. Apply to the face with upward strokes (stay away from the eye area) and let these ingredients sink deeply into your skin for 15 minutes. The benefits of this mask are reduction in hyper-pigmentation, blemishes, and will brighten, tone and deeply hydrate without drying the skin.

Physical exfoliation for the facial skin is also essential in spring and summer. To really clear out pores and get an even complexion I recommend looking for physical exfoliants that contain ingredients such as turmeric, nutmeg, clove, sandalwood, sea salt, quinoa, green tea, clays, rice powder, chickpea flour. Gently exfoliate your skin without over scrubbing. Focus on areas that have more congestion like around the nose or mouth. Exfoliate a few times a week for a clearer and brighter complexion.

BODY 

Body brushing for skin exfoliation should be done year-round. In the spring, it’s more important than ever to get the lymph circulating. This practice assists in detoxification for your skin. Make this revitalizing routine part of your daily self care ritual to increase blood flow which results in smooth, soft and natural glowing skin.

I alternate between body brushing and sugar scrubs in my routine. I mix together a 2:1 ratio, organic sugar & coconut oil. Add a few drops of an essential oil (I like to use lavender) with one Vitamin E capsule. Apply in the shower (being careful not to slip) with small circular motions all over any areas that need renewal and care, rinse completely. I make sure to change the filter in my shower every three months.

Abhyanga (self-body massage with oils) is an essential part of my beauty routine. I lovingly practice this 2-3 times a week. Regular Abhyanga practice imparts muscle tone & vigor to the tissues, stimulates the internal organs, while relieving chronic dry irritated skin. Other benefits of self-body massage are an immediate calming of the nerves, deep softening of skin and can even help reduce cellulite, scars and wrinkles.

My Spring Skincare Routine

In the a.m. I gently wash my face using a Konjac sponge moistened with filtered warm water. While my skin is still damp, I  apply 3-4 drops of organic oil (jojoba, hemp, sea buckthorn, grapeseed are some of my favorites) and a few sprays of rosewater to the palm of my hand then gently press on my face and neck. If I’m going to be out for the day in the sun, I will apply a light layer of SPF coverage (I use this , this & this for SPF on my face and this for my body). Otherwise, I will be mindful and wear a large hat, sunglasses and stay in the shade when necessary. I think it’s very important to have a healthy relationship with the sun and not to avoid it. It must be carefully controlled in order to obtain the myriad health benefits. Throughout the day to keep my face moist and refreshed, I spritz often with pure rosewater or aloe vera mist.

Before bed, if I’ve worn makeup or SPF I will first remove by using organic jojoba oil (my favorite) and a warm muslin damp cloth. Then a bit of gel cleanser applied to my moistened Konjac Sponge and do a second rinse. I always recommend double cleansing in the warmer months (especially if you’re prone to sweating, wear makeup or SPF) this will ensure that you remove all dirt and impurities from the day. I then use a light serum or oil to moisturize my skin for the night. If I have any blemishes that need treating I will dab on a blend of essential oils containing Lavender, Tea Tree, Helichrysum and Thyme (I mix a few drops of each EO into a base of jojoba oil and dab where needed).

Be sure to change your day moisturizer to a brand that includes a natural SPF for sun protection. Choose lighter lotions or oils. For makeup I personally love mineral makeup and will often mix it with my oil to create a personalized coverage. Mineral makeup also gives you sun protection as most contain a good deal of natural SPF.

Remember that true natural beauty begins from the inside/out so nurture and cultivate yours by developing a lightness of being in all matters of the Heart~Mind~ & Spirit.

Love, Health & Blessings,

❤️ xoxo, Britanie

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DISCLAIMER: *All of my reviews are based on my own personal experiences with the brand/products. I am never paid to give my honest opinions and will only review and recommend products and brands I love and use myself! All Photographs are (C) Britanie Faith unless stated otherwise.*