Spring Clean

Beauty routines need a makeover, too.

Beauty Seen
By Heidi Dvorak

It’s time to revamp your beauty routine, and we’re not talking about getting a new lipstick. If we’ve learned anything over the last year, it’s that we’re deep into germ warfare, battling exotic viruses that even the most compulsively clean can’t prevent. If you want to be fresh-faced and bacteria-free this season, do a spring-cleaning of your entire skin-prep regimen. That means not only sloughing off winter-weathered skin with new formulas but also taking precautions to eliminate as many germs as possible.

Kandi Clement, the lead esthetician at Miraval Resort in Tucson, sees hundreds of clients a year and knows the importance of giving them a safe, hygienic spa experience as well as teaching them how to re-create it at home. “Your home care is important, because you can rid your skin of dirt from the environment on a daily basis,” says Clement. “For instance, you may have slept on a dirty pillowcase, so a quick cleanse in the morning is essential. It’s wise to turn your pillowcase inside-out in between washings.”

Clement often observes that one side of a client’s face is more congested than the other, depending on sleep habits or cell phone use. “Cleaning cell phones with an antibacterial wipe is a good idea,” she says.

She also emphasizes that your morning and evening beauty rituals should commence before the application of products. “Make sure your counters and applicators are clean. Wash your tools with antibacterial dishwashing liquid once or twice a week and let them dry naturally,” she says. “Special cleaning products for applicators aren’t necessary. Between makeup applications, just spray them with alcohol.”

When your environment is sparkling, then you can begin the actual skin-cleansing process. “For fresh, youthful skin, exfoliate once or twice a week for the rest of your life,” says Clement. “Skin cells turns over every 21 days, and the rate slows as we age. When cells pile up, your face gives off a dull, devitalized appearance. Exfoliation is key to sloughing off the epidermis.”

Once cleansed and exfoliated and your makeup is set, the toughest job lies ahead. “We touch things constantly throughout the day,” says Clement. “Keep sanitizer in your purse, wash your hands frequently and don’t touch your face.”

Heidi Dvorak is a freelance writer and editor who lives in Southern California.

Wise Buys

To help you spring clean your beauty counter and beautiful countenance, here are wise buys to get you started.

Display these cheery vitamin E-infused Elf Anti-Bacterial Gel dispensers on kitchen and bathroom counters to remind you to wash frequently. ($4, eyeslipsface.com)

A.M. and P.M. cleansing is a must, so go easy on sensitive facial skin with non-irritating Anokha Cleansing Milk, especially good following surgical and laser procedures. Normal and oily types can opt for oatmeal; almond for dry. ($25, anokhaskincare.com)

Gently peel off dead skin cells with vitamins A, B, C and E and get green tea’s anti-aging properties in Kaia House Organics Bio-Skin Antioxidant Cleanser. ($16, kaiahouse.com)

Nearly as effective as microdermabrasion at a fraction of the cost, SleekSkin Resurface exfoliates and cleanses blocked pores with hyaluronic and lactic acid crystals. ($58.95, sleekmedspa.com)

Before touching up makeup in the office or on the road (don’t touch those disgusting public soap dispensers), spritz your mitts with Clean Well Foaming Hand Sanitizer, the only alcohol-free, natural formula that’s proven to kill 99.9 percent of all bacteria. ($2.99-$6.50, cleanwelltoday.com)