5 Steps to Upgrade Your Skincare Routine This Year

Natural skincare has evolved so much over the past 10 years. Long gone are the days of having to sacrifice function for “clean ingredients” and trending looks. We declare 2022 the year to love your skin (both inside and out) and shake things up with your skincare routine.

1De-stress and feed

that skin

If you are stressed, your skin is stressed. Many of the products we take internally to help support our mood and anxiety benefit the skin. Adaptogens, such as ashwagandha and rhodiola, help reduce the signs stress can show on your skin such as redness, early signs of aging, and breakouts. Your skin also needs to be fed. Along with hydration, taking supplements and eating foods rich in essential fatty acids like omega-3, antioxidants, marine collagen, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C help improve the skin’s elasticity and firmness. Loofah tools

Ashwagandha

2Exfoliate – everything Exfoliating helps remove the dead layers of skin from your face, body, and scalp (don’t forget the scalp!) allowing for new healthy skin to show. Built-up dead skin can lead to breakouts and irritation, and even impede hair growth. For optimally glowing skin, exfoliate once a week for those with sensitive to normal skin, and twice a week for the those with oily skin. Common exfoliants include oats, sea salt, coffee grounds, and sugar. Don’t forget the tools too! Dry brushing, exfoliating gloves, and loofahs are all great ways to help remove the dead skin.

3Hydration is more than just water Staying internally hydrated is key for well cared for skin. Hydration with water and essential minerals helps the skin rejuvenate, reduces inflammation, and allows your topical products to perform even better. Some of the best topical hydrators are skin oils and hyaluronic acid. It’s a myth that oils on the skin cause oily skin. Using nourishing plant-based oils can balance oil production and maintain a healthy level of hydration. Hyaluronic acid can hold over 1,000 times its weight in water and helps push water directly into the skin. It is a must-have ingredient for anyone with dry skin, but it is also a secret weapon to help plump fine lines, keeping skin moisturized for hours after application.

Skin massage tools

5Limit plastic This is not limited to your skincare, but it’s a great place to be mindful of it. Companies are working hard to find plastic packaging alternatives to meet the needs of the planet and demands of their customers. We encourage you to seek products that use eco-friendly or low waste packaging such as bio degradable or compostable materials, glass bottles, or even bulk refilling. Plastics are not always limited to the packaging; while Canada has banned the use of microbeads in products, not all countries have. Read labels to ensure there are no hidden contaminates. Skin oil

4Try something new Most of us are creatures of habit and get stuck in our routines. But skincare changes, and so does what your skin needs. As you run out of a product take the opportunity to upgrade it. Find one that is cleaner and best suited for your skin at that moment. Also, each season has unique skincare needs; if you’re not switching up your products for the seasons then get ready to go shopping—spring is on the way.

Plastic-free alternatives