Spring clean your face & body
My favorite treatments and tools
Spring cleaning isn’t just for your closet. It’s time to freshen up your skin as we get ready to wear easy, breezy clothes in Spring/Summer. And lots of these not only look good but feel fantastic too.
Here are my non-surgical, non-injectable favorites:
Dermaplaning
Dermaplaning is a cosmetic procedure used to remove the top layer of your skin; dead skin and small ‘peach fuzz’ hairs. It’s often done by a dermatologist or licensed aesthetician. They’ll use a medical grade scalpel for the procedure.
While that may sound scary, it’s virtually painless and the rewards are fantastic.
I often add this to my facials as it makes your skin baby face soft and smooth. It clears away any debris and my make-up goes on much smoother.
Some people worry that the hair will grow back darker or thicker, it does not. The tool used by professionals removes the hair at the root. It’s also less irritating than waxing/threading and less expensive than laser hair removal.
I do it at least 3x a year.
Hydrafacial or Geneo Facial
Here’s some shameless, post facial selfies. For context, I struggled with acne prone skin and hyperpigmentation my whole life. Facials have helped regulate my skin.
Don’t underestimate the benefits of regular facials. I try to get one every 8-10 weeks. These days, unless I know the aesthetician’s particular expertise I opt for tech based, rather than traditional manual facials.
My favorites are Hydrafacials or Geneo facials. Each of these use different technology to gently exfoliate, resurface, extract, and hydrate your skin. And there’s no redness or down time afterward.
I’m obsessed with both as they give an airbrushed look and feel to your skin.
I opt for Hydrafacials when I’ve been traveling a lot or have dull skin. I love the Geneo when I feel I need an even deeper clean and glow.
Lymphatic drainage massage
Traditionally, this type of massage was used for post-surgery liposuction patients. But in the last few years it’s gained traction as an amazing way to reduce swelling, increase circulation, reduce the appearance of cellulite and sculpt your body.
Celebs are known to these regularly and particularly before major events.
I’ve tried it a few times and I love it too!
Warning: it’s not your everyday relaxing massage. The masseuse uses techniques that encourages toxins to flow out of your body, so it’s a bit more painful than usual.
The impact is real though. You feel less bloated, sculpted, and with regular use it can reduce the appearance of cellulite.
If you’re in NYC check out IMD Beauty spa for their signature treatment.
Face massage
Similar to lymphatic drainage for your body, you should be similarly massaging your face and neck.
Gua Sha is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that is used to reduce inflammation, promote blood circulation, relieve puffiness, and some say reduce fine lines and wrinkles too.
Traditionally, using the right strokes of this type of massage will also move stagnant energy.
While I’m certainly no Gua Sha expert (I’d love to learn properly) I do love at-home facial massage. It relieves jaw tension, depuffs and lifts my face.
I do it morning and night. Just make sure you use your favorite skincare oil alongside it. I love Juno Oil by Sunday Riley. Check out this tutorial but an expert.
My favorite tools are:
-Gua Sha jade tool (only $12.00)
-Lanshin Pro award winning tool (pricier at $120)
Dry brushing
Dry brushing is what it says on the tin. It involves a brush used to exfoliate and massage your skin. And will help your moisturizer absorb better, make your skin glow, and it feels fantastic.
Some say it also reduces the appearance of cellulite. In my experience it certainly helps give a more smooth appearance.
To dry brush you should:
Do it on dry skin, just before you shower
Start from your ankles and move up, toward your heart.
Brush in gentle, but firm circular motions.
I look forward to it every day. It’s meditative and feels rejuvenating. I focus on legs, elbows, thighs, hips and buttocks.
Try:
-Boarhead, Handheld, easy to use
Now that I’ve written this post, I’m inspired to body brush, gua sha, and book my next facial! Let me know what you try in the comments. -M xo
I also love facial massage and body brushing!