Brighten Your Complexion For Summer

Even for those who slather on sunscreen every morning and put on a hat before leaving home, summertime can be hard on the skin. That’s simply because most of us are outdoors more. “In a lot of cases, people are getting more sun exposure, so they can experience dryness,” says Charlene Florian Barker, vice president, corporate creative development at Kerstin Florian, which creates and manufactures European facial, body and bath products. Those who tan may see more uneven pigmentation, she adds.

Fortunately, taking a few small steps can help you look your best when you’re wearing your favorite summer styles.

Stay hydrated. This isn’t just a matter of drinking plenty of pure water, though that helps, of course. “Eating dark green leafy vegetables and drinking fresh vegetable juice are a great way to get hydration,” Florian Barker says. They’ll also provide you with vitamins and minerals that are essential for a healthy glow. “Nutrition is one of the most important things that is going to make your skin look fantastic,” says Florian Barker.

Weave relaxation into your lifestyle. Finding ways to de-stress can reap huge dividends for your skin, even if you can only spare a half hour a few times a week. Whether you opt for meditating, doing yoga or taking time for a good laugh with friends, it’ll show on your face. “They’ll all have a cleansing and detoxifying effect on your body,” she says.

Create a simple skincare routine. If you don’t have much time to primp, concentrate on using three high-quality products: a cleanser, an exfoliant and a moisturizer. “If you want to really keep it simple, those are the most important,” Florian Barker says. Exfoliating is one of the most overlooked ways to look younger and healthier. “It brightens the skin and removes dull surface skin cells,” she explains.

Not sure which products are best for you? An esthetician at Willow Stream Spas can help guide you.

Indulge your skin. Booking a facial at a spa can help you heighten the effects of healthy lifestyle changes and jumpstart your skin care regime. One customer favorite at Willow Stream Spas is the Advanced Age Correcting Facial. “That is one facial I will definitely recommend if someone wants to get themselves on the right track with a skincare program,” says Florian Barker.

Need to remove impurities in the skin? Try the Customized Deep Cleansing Facial. And if you’re in the mood for luxury, you won’t want to overlook Ultimate Caviar Facial , which includes health-boosting ingredients such as green tea, seaweed and shea butter.

To prolong the effects of your facial after you leave, try Kerstin Florian Caviar Age Defense Serum, to be sold exclusively through Willow Stream Spas in August and September. “We have studies showing that after 56 days of use, it decreases the depth of wrinkles by 27%,” says Florian Barker. Coupled with a healthier, more energizing lifestyle, it should help you keep your summer skin looking better than ever.