{"id":900,"date":"2020-03-01T08:56:33","date_gmt":"2020-03-01T08:56:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/bluefirebryanston.co.za\/wp\/?p=900"},"modified":"2020-11-03T06:22:21","modified_gmt":"2020-11-03T06:22:21","slug":"spring-has-sprung-the-grass-iz-riz","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bluefirebryanston.co.za\/?p=900","title":{"rendered":"Spring has sprung, the grass iz riz"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t

SPRING HAS SPRUNG, THE GRASS IZ RIZ<\/h1>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t

\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>Springtime<\/strong>\u00a0is seen as a time of growth,\u00a0renewal<\/strong>, of new life being born, and of the cycle of life once again starting.<\/p>

It is also seen more generally as THE START OF BETTER TIMES.<\/p>

At this time of year we begin to feel less sluggish, and become more open to inviting changes, both big and small, into our lives.<\/p>

This is a season where we can easily feel the warmth of the sun on our skin and the hope of new<\/strong> growth<\/strong>.<\/p>

\u201cThere is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature – THE ASSURANCE THAT DAWN COMES AFTER NIGHT, AND SPRING AFTER WINTER.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0Rachel Carson<\/p>

As we awaken to the possibilities of picnics in the park, long walks under blossoming trees and our plans for summer holidays, let\u2019s explore more of our SELF-CARE HABITS with:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t

13 ways Dermatologists change up their skin care for Spring and Summer\n<\/h4>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t

1. They clean out their cosmetics<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t

WHEN IN DOUBT, TOSS IT OUT!<\/p>

There are no regulations for\u00a0skincare product<\/a>\u00a0expiration dates, but it is important to be vigilant about swapping out products regularly because they\u00a0do<\/em>\u00a0have a shelf life. \u201cGo through your cosmetics, products, and sunscreens, and toss the things that have been around a little too long,\u201d says\u00a0Whitney Bowe<\/a>.<\/p>

Remember this rule of thumb: Anything you apply NEAR THE LIPS OR EYES should be tossed AFTER A YEAR. Also, throw\u00a0your dingy makeup bag in the washer. If it can\u2019t be laundered, clean with an antibacterial cleanser.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

2. They steer clear of thick and heavy foundations<\/strong><\/p>

Even during the winter months, slathering heavy\u00a0foundations<\/a>\u00a0and concealers on your face can cause build-up and potentially lead to breakouts. But this is even more likely during the spring and summer months when heat and humidity also lead to sweat and CLOGGED SKIN.<\/p>

\u201cToo much product can cause build-up on the face and potentially lead to breakouts,\u201d explains\u00a0Dendy Engelman<\/a>.\u00a0\u201cSwitching to lighter products, like a CC cream or mineral powder foundation, will balance out the extra oil production in warmer months and leave your skin looking healthier.\u201d<\/p>

The same goes for your makeup remover\u2014switch in your heavy cream-based ointment for a lighter option like\u00a0micellar water<\/a>. \u201cLightening up your makeup-removing routine not only makes you feel much more refreshed in warmer months, but it also does a better job of emulsifying sweat mixed with your makeup,\u201d says\u00a0Manjula Jegasothy<\/a>.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

3. They swap cream moisturizers for lightweight ones<\/strong><\/p>

In the winter, we need heavier creams to combat the cold and dry air we face when we step outside, but, thankfully, with the arrival of spring, temperatures rise and so does humidity.<\/p>

\u201cDuring the warmer seasons, lighter moisturizing lotions will likely provide enough moisture for the skin, while heavier and creamier formulations may lead to CLOGGED PORES and breakouts,\u201d explains\u00a0Melissa Piliang<\/a>.<\/p>

Look for products that contain hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, which will add a natural dewiness to your complexion. Others to keep an eye out for include gels and essences with ingredients like ceramides.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>

4. They go to a pro for a peel<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t

For deeper renewal of the skin, see a skin specialist for a seasonal\u00a0CHEMICAL PEEL<\/a>.<\/p>

In this treatment, a chemical solution is applied to the skin, eventually causing the outer layer to peel off. The new layer of skin underneath is typically smoother and less wrinkled.<\/p>

\u201cSpring is a time when you want to remove dead skin cells so you can have rejuvenated skin at the surface,\u201d says Binh Ngo<\/a>.\u00a0\u201cChemical peels can also combine different brightening agents that lighten brown spots and age spots.\u201d Talk to your\u00a0dermatologist to see what type of peel is best for your skin type.<\/p>

5. They don\u2019t skip out on exfoliation<\/strong><\/p>

While exfoliating the skin can make it temporarily thinner and potentially more prone to sunburn, it is still necessary for the summer months.<\/p>

\u201cMild exfoliation, twice a week at most, will remove dead, dull skin cells from the skin surface, leaving skin more radiant,\u201d says\u00a0Tsippora Shainhouse<\/a>. \u201cAlso, when dead skin cells are combined with sweat, grease, and product, they can clog pores and lead to acne.\u201d<\/p>

Avoid products with rough pieces like shells, nuts, and microbeads and instead look for PRODUCTS WITH SALTS and sugars or enzymatic scrubs with fruit acids, such as papaya, pumpkin or pineapple.<\/p>

These will be more gentle on the skin, especially when it\u2019s more frequently exposed to strong\u00a0ultraviolet (UV) rays<\/a>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t

\u2026 AND DON\u2019T FORGET ABOUT WEARING SUNSCREEN<\/strong> !!!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t

6. They add in antioxidants<\/strong><\/p>

While antioxidants are helpful year-round, they are particularly important during the summer, when stronger UV RAYS CAN DAMAGE UNPROTECTED SKIN.<\/p>

\u201cNot only can too much sun lead to direct DNA damage, but it can also break down collagen and elastin, due to UV-induced free radicals,\u201d explains Dr. Shainhouse. Free radicals, highly destructive molecules in the environment, can also wreak havoc on your skin.<\/p>

Apply an antioxidant serum, such as vitamin C, in the morning, after cleansing your face and underneath your sunscreen, can help strengthen the skin barrier to make it less susceptible to these ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

7. They use a more acidic or astringent cleanser<\/strong><\/p>

As the days warm up, a slightly more acidic cleanser will help to control shine and sweat more efficiently.<\/p>

\u201cThis is particularly true as spring days become much warmer in the afternoon than the morning,\u201d says Dr. Jegasothy. \u201cYour cleanser should keep your skin clean and sweat-free throughout the day, which a more acidic cleanser is likely to do.\u201d<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

8. They cut back on the retinol<\/strong><\/p>

The fountain-of-youth potion that promises to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, strengthen the skin barrier, and even out your skin tone is safe to use year-round but CAN MAKE YOUR SKIN MORE SUN-SENSITIVE.<\/p>

\u201cThis hypersensitivity has to do with the way retinol works on your skin,\u201d explains\u00a0Joel Schlessinger<\/a>. \u201cRetinol<\/a>\u00a0boosts cell turnover, which means it eliminates dead skin cells and replaces it with new ones\u2014and these healthy, new cells are more sensitive and prone to burning from the sun\u2019s rays.\u201d<\/p>

You can still use retinol during the spring and summer months, just try to APPLY AT BEDTIME instead of in the morning.<\/p>

\u201cIf you do get irritated by retinol use, reduce the frequency to only one or two times a week,\u201d suggests Dr. Shainhouse. \u201cAnd be sure to wear enough sunscreen during the day and a wide-brimmed hat to reduce sun exposure on your face.\u201d<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

9. They freshen up from the heat with mists<\/strong><\/p>

Throughout the day we collect and spread bacteria all over our face, but even more so in the warmer and hotter months when sweat traps that bacteria and we\u2019re more prone to wiping it off with unwashed hands.<\/p>

\u201cI like\u00a0facial<\/a>\u00a0mists<\/a>\u00a0with hypochlorous acid because it has been known to fight bacteria and help cleanse the skin,\u201d says Dr. Engelman. \u201cAs an antimicrobial and antiviral, hypochlorous acid also stimulates healing by signalling oxygenation and epithelial knitting, while working to decrease scarring.\u201d<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

10. They use sunflower seed oil to soothe eczema<\/strong><\/p>

Up to 10 percent of adults have\u00a0eczema<\/a>, an inflammation of the skin that results in scaly red patches. The condition\u00a0may be more prevalent in the spring.<\/p>

\u201cPeople tend to flare up if they have eczema, especially if they\u2019re outside,\u201d says Dr. Bowe. \u201cSunflower seed oil<\/a>\u00a0is an amazing remedy for that.\u201d<\/p>

For a mild flare-up, apply sunflower seed oil before bed. If your skin continues to be red or irritated, apply a thin coat every night after showering.<\/p>

The oil is an anti-inflammatory and helps stimulate the body\u2019s natural production of ceramides, fats that help bolster the skin barrier.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

11. They stay ahead of their allergies<\/strong><\/p>

SUDDENLY HAVE\u00a0PUFFY BAGS UNDER YOUR EYES? You didn\u2019t age\u00a0overnight.<\/p>

\u201cWhen people have allergies to pollen or any other environmental allergen, it can create\u00a0redness and inflammation<\/a>\u00a0underneath the eye,\u201d says Dr. Bowe. \u201cWhen that happens, it makes under-eye bags larger and wrinkles around the eye more pronounced.\u201d<\/p>

It can also cause stinging or burning around the eyes. Talk to a dermatologist about prescription ingredients that can heal the skin and calm down the inflammation. If you\u2019re prone to allergies, your doctor may recommend preventative practices.<\/p>

Taking an over-the-counter, non-sedating antihistamine each morning, for example, could help avoid flare-ups. Or try one of these\u00a0tips for natural allergy relief<\/a>.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

12. They up their SPF game<\/strong><\/p>

Along with warmer weather comes longer days with more frequent, and more intense, sunshine.<\/p>

While every professional will tell you the importance of wearing sunscreen year-round, they all agree that it\u2019s even more important during the warmer months.<\/p>

\u00a0\u201cNot only are you spending more time outside in general, but the UVA\/UVB rays can be more intense and the damage accumulates over your lifetime,\u201d explains Dr. Engelman. \u201cIncidental sun exposure, even for only 10 to 15 minutes a day, adds up over time and can cause significant sun damage and accelerated photo aging, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles.<\/p>

\u201cUsing a high-SPF sunscreen\u201430 SPF at minimum, and 50 SPF ideally\u2014can reduce the accumulation of chronic UV damage that\u2019s linked to non-melanoma skin cancer and aging.\u201d Dr. Engleman adds:\u00a0\u201cAnd don\u2019t forget to reapply throughout the day.\u201d Take a look at these\u00a0dermatologist-approved sunscreens<\/a>.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

13. They trade stocking caps for broad-brimmed hats<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t

\u00a0\u201cA broad-brimmed hat provides excellent sun protection for the skin-cancer prone areas such as the face, neck, scalp, and ears.\u201d says Dr. Piliang.<\/p>

Look for a tightly woven hat that has a two-inch brim at least to provide the best protection. Also, find out whether\u00a0sun-protective clothing really works<\/a>.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

Sources<\/strong><\/p>