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Tips for Transitioning Your Skin Care and Looks from Summer to Fall

Enjoyed summer...and getting ready for fall? Now’s the time to repair the price paid for ‘fun in the sun,’ prepare for cooler, dryer air and experiment with some new looks.

As healthy as being outdoors can feel, the ultraviolet rays of the sun can damage skin cells even through sun blocks and screens.** Chlorine and other chemicals in hot tubs and pools, salt water at the beach, and super-conditioned air can leach away nutrients and cause dryness. What to do?

Have fun! … create a ‘spa’ environment in your bath area and follow these simple steps:

The first step in the process of reversing the effects of summer is to remove the dead surface skin cells that have built up. For your face, select a mask or microdermabrasion product that’s appropriate for your skin type (dry, normal, combination, oily, blemish-prone) and your special needs. Also pick an exfoliator made specifically for the lips. For your body, choose a scrub or buffing cream. Avoid scents and perfumes if you have sensitive skin since they can be irritants. Then follow the product directions for application and use, making sure to massage gently rather than vigorously.

Once you’ve gotten rid of the dead skin cells, you’re ready for step two which is to moisturize the newer, younger skin. Liberally apply a facial moisturizer (paying special attention to the neck and décolleté), eye cream, lip balm, and body lotion or cream and allow time for the products to be absorbed into your skin. Your goal is not only to replace the moisture that’s been stripped away during exfoliation but to restore what’s been lost during the summer and protect against the cold weather and dry indoor heat that’s on the way.

Now, after each cleansing, apply moisturizers and, if necessary, increase the intensity of the products. Let time work for you. At night, use a specially formulated product for your face that works while you sleep. For problem areas such as elbows, knees, hands and feet, slather on lotions or creams and wear mitts and footies to bed as needed. During the day, continue to put on a sunscreen or block. Not all windows protect you from ultraviolet rays.

As sun exposure or a tan begins to fade, adjust your foundation and/or powder to a lighter shade. Test the shade along your jaw line to blend with both your face and neck and watch to see if it “disappears” into your skin.

Fashion forward: Whatever the suggestions for the “latest” fashionable colors and application techniques, certain generalities usually hold as the seasons change … the lighter and sun-kissed colors of summer transition to darker fall colors.

If you’re in the mood to have fun with color, enjoy! But if you’re trying to find the hues that work best for you or adapt the season’s shades, here are a few tricks.

For eyes, typically eye shadows with a base or elements of color opposite that of your eyes (on the color wheel) will make your eyes stand out the most. Warmer tones tend to be softer than cooler ones. Matte eye shadows emphasize fine lines less than ones with sparkle.

Consider a wide spectrum of the colors that are in style. If teal’s fashionable, experiment with different tints of blues and greens and blue-greens. Mix colors or tone them down with neutrals until you find the ones that complement your face and wardrobe.

For cheeks, the most flattering colors are usually the ones that pick up the natural warm tones in your face.

For lips, pastel lip glosses and lipsticks are replaced by neutrals and stronger colors. As with cheek colors, select lip products that go best with your natural skin tone.

Create the look that makes you radiant and conveys the image you want to present!

**For skin abnormalities, please consult a board-certified dermatologist.

© Copyright 2005 Charlotte Maddox. All rights reserved

Visit http://www.marykay.com/charlottemaddox to sign up for a free monthly email newsletter, Beaut-e-news™ and to contact Charlotte for a complimentary consultation about skin care, color cosmetics and body care.

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