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 Rachael Severino is an 11th grade student at Sachem North High School in Sachem School District. This aspiring writer has a knack for the written word. She has penned short stories, poetry and is developing an impressive body of work. |
| With the arrival of spring, it’s time to keep it bright and fresh. It’s time for a new routine to keep your skin glowing. Establish a routine you can stick to every day and night. When washing your face, use soap, followed by a cleanser, and, twice per week, an exfoliator. Afterward, close the pores with a toner and then, since it’s now springtime, a light moisturizer. Be sure the line of products you select is appropriate for your skin type to get the best results. In the morning, finish off with sunscreen. Remember, just ten minutes of unprotected sun exposure can lead to permanent damage. In warmer months, sunscreen is a necessity that will help prevent premature aging and skin cancer. Your nighttime routine should include a serum and eye cream. A steady skincare routine will keep your skin healthy and bright. While transitioning into spring, bump up your exfoliation. Even if you took great care of your skin in the winter, there still may be spots where it is dry or flaky. A gentle scrub will remove dead skin cells on the surface and allow your skin to breathe freely, as well as absorb more deeply all the goodness you’re pouring into it. Hydration makes skin glow in the spring. Try sheet masks, especially at night, to brighten your skin and reduce dark spots. You will be evening out skin tone and creating radiant skin. Along with sheet masks, aloe will be your new best friend. Pure aloe-vera, from the plant you have at home or the bottle you purchased locally, will reinvent your skin. If you get sunburned from forgetting to reapply sunscreen, aloe will bring your skin back to full health. If your skin is feeling a little dull, slather on some aloe and let your skin soak up the goodness. Some people use aloe as moisturizer, typically at night, and all sing its praises. An easy and helpful DIY for the warm months is a facial spray made from our favorite product…aloe! All you need is a small spray bottle, a chunk of aloe plant, ice water, and a favorite essential oil. Pour the aloe and ice water into a blender and add the mixture to the spray bottle. Shake in a drop or two of oil and you’re done! Whenever your skin is feeling ‘blah’, grab your bottle and give yourself an ice-y fresh spray. An important point to remember: your face isn’t the only skin on your body in need of some post-winter TLC. Try not to shave every day—shaving is very drying. Use an ultra-moisturizing soap to wash your body, then try shaving with conditioner as it will leave your skin silky smooth. Afterwards, pat your skin dry and coat yourself in shea-butter. Remember to apply sunscreen to your arms, legs, chest, and belly – any area that will be exposed to sun. Take care of your skin this spring and always. And, remember, drink lots of water. That’s the formula for a healthy glow. |
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20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000. 