5 Skincare Habits To Adopt This Year

5 Skincare Habits To Adopt This Year

Move over basic skincare routines! It's time to ditch the dullness and unlock a whole new level of radiant, healthy skin. We all know the skincare basics, but what if there were some hidden gems to be discovered in the world of skincare?

In this article, Barbie's Beauty Bits will share five skincare habits that will elevate your skincare routine beyond the essentials. We're talking next-level hydration, the power of exfoliation, the magic of vitamin C, and the ultimate sun protection must-haves. But wait, there's more! We'll also explore how your diet and sleep impact your skin's health.

Get ready to transform your skincare game, fight the signs of aging, and unveil your most radiant self!

Hydration – More Than Just a Sip

Sure, you’re knocking back those eight glasses of water daily, but what about your skin? Amp up your game with a moisturizer that's like a tall glass of water for your face. And remember, applying a hydrating serum before your moisturizer can lock in even more moisture. Is a formula rich in hyaluronic acid or glycerin? Yes, please! And let's not forget those hydration heroes in your diet – juicy fruits and crunchy veggies. They’re not just snacks; they’re your skin’s best friends.

Remember, the key to hydration is balance. Over-hydration can be just as detrimental as dehydration. Listening to your skin and adjusting your hydration routine is essential.

Vitamin C: The Glow-Getter 

Vitamin C skincare is where it's at! This superstar ingredient isn't just a one-hit-wonder; it's the whole album. Applying it in the morning can also help protect your skin from pollution and other daytime stressors.

Brightening? Check. Anti-aging? Check. Environmental protection? Triple check. Explore a range of high-quality vitamin C skincare products, and get ready to be wowed by your skin.

Use vitamin C products in your morning routine for maximum effectiveness. They can help defend against the environmental pollutants you'll face throughout the day.

Exfoliation: The Unsung Hero

If the last time you exfoliated is a distant memory, it’s time for a change, my beauties! Think of exfoliation like spring cleaning for your face. Following up with a nourishing moisturizer post-exfoliation can enhance your skin's softness and glow. Gentle, enzymatic, or lactic acid-based exfoliators can work wonders, helping to remove those yucky dead skin cells and achieve healthier skin.

And hey, why not make it a self-care ritual? Light some candles, play your favorite tunes, and give your skin the pampering it deserves.

But be mindful of over-exfoliation, as it can lead to skin sensitivity. Depending on your skin type and the product used, it’s recommended to exfoliate 2-3 times a week.

Sunscreen: Your Everyday Armor

We all know the drill—sunscreen every day. But let's get real: Are you covering all the bases? Also, using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF can provide better long-term protection against premature aging. Neck, check. Hands, check. Even those areas you think the sun can't see. And remember, UV rays don't take a day off, even when it's cloudy. Keep that SPF handy and make reapplying your new favorite habit. 

In addition to using topical sunscreen daily, wearing hats and sunglasses can provide extra protection against the sun's harmful rays, further safeguarding your skin's health and appearance from dangerous UV exposure.

Eat, Sleep, Glow Repeat

Glowing skin isn’t just about what you put on it; it's also about what you put in your body. Incorporating lean proteins and foods rich in Omega-3s, like salmon and walnuts, can further improve skin health. Antioxidant-rich foods? Check.

Sleeping like a beauty queen? Double-check. Youthful skin is a direct reflection of your lifestyle. So, eat those greens, catch those Zs, and watch your skin thank you in radiance.

Furthermore, reducing sugar and dairy intake can positively impact your skin, as some studies suggest these can contribute to inflammation and acne.

A Little Extra For The Go-Getters

So you’ve got the basics down, but why stop there? Let’s add a couple more to-dos to that skin care beauty checklist. How about facial massages? Pairing this with occasional professional facials can maximize your skin's health and radiance.

A few minutes a day with a gemstone facial roller or gua sha can work wonders for circulation and puffiness. You can also consider switching up your regular pillow for an anti-aging pillow for that gentle, skin-loving touch while you sleep.

And Remember... Consistency Is Key

The real secret? Setting regular skincare goals and rewarding yourself for meeting them can also keep you motivated. Sticking to these habits like they’re your new BFFs. Consistency is the golden ticket to seeing real, lasting results. So, set those reminders, stick to your routines, and get ready for some serious glow-up!

Curious to learn more?  

Well, you've come to the right place. Barbie's Beauty Bits is your resource for all things BEAUTYful.

With years of experience in the beauty industry, Barbie' Ritzman has become a trusted resource for anyone seeking insider knowledge. As The Beauty Business, Behind The Beauty Business, Barbie leverages this expertise to collaborate with the top skincare and beauty brands, aestheticians, med spas, and plastic surgeons.

Visit our blog for expert advice, in-depth articles, and the latest updates on cosmetic procedures, skincare tips and products, and other beauty treatments. Until next time!

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The Total Refresher An Amazing At Home Skin Care Tool You Must Try By Michael Todd Beauty

Similar to the obsession, that Tim "The Toolman" Taylor, from the TV show Home Improvement has with his tools, I am like that when it comes to my skincare devices!  As a self-professed skincare fiend, I am always on the search for the next new skincare device. While I love going to the spa for treatments, they can be costly! So, when I can find a skincare tool, that I can trust to use in the comfort of my own home, I want to share it with the world. And beauties do I have a winner for you, with the Total Refresher by Michael Todd Beauty!

If you are a frequent reader, you know that I love me some Michael Todd Beauty! Not only do they offer a great innovative organic, cruelty-free skincare line, but they are always creating amazing products and sonic devices that give us the treatments, like those we’d find at a spa or a dermatologist's office! So, if you want to learn about this amazing at home skincare device by Michael Todd Beauty, continue reading.

It’s Tool Time With Michael Todd Beauty Total Refresher
I wanted first to come out and say that skincare tools on the market are not going to stop our skin from aging as it is a natural progression. They can, however, help delay the process as well as contributing to improving our damaged skin. This is why it is so important to make sure that I am selecting the correct product(s) for my delicate facial skin, from a reputable company, as I am not willing to put just anything on it or near it! Finding products from a company that can help me to achieve the best results is what I am seeking, and the Michael Todd Beauty Total Refresher Microdermabrasion System helps deliver just that.

This 3-in-1 skin rejuvenating system is truly like a full spa experience with an aesthetician as it offers extraction, skin resurfacing and a soothing post-treatment.

Beauties, this tool is the first I’ve used that offers this type of combination, making it as close to a professional treatment.  Not only has it helped to get rid of dead skin cells, which can accentuate my wrinkles, but it also targets enlarged and congested pores, that may have blackheads or even milia!

Overview
As mentioned above, The Total Refresher is the first ever skincare device that combines a microdermabrasion exfoliation, in combination with a pore extractor and a soothing mister.  These combined is what creates the 3 step process to smooth, remove and soothe.  And if that wasn’t good enough, it also comes with four treatment heads to help you achieve a fresh, radiant complexion.

How To Use
Prep the skin
According to the instructions, for optimal results, Michael Todd suggests using a degreasing product to completely remove all surface oils from the skin's surface, like their  Charcoal Detox Pore Cleanser. BUT if you don’t have it any degreasing cleanser is compatible. Another option is to steam the face or use a warm cloth as these too will open up the pores.

Fill the mister: This device has a new generation mist option that can be loaded with your favorite toner, micellar water, or plain water.  This is a fantastic feature to assist in hydrating and replenishing moisture in the skin. 
 
The filter: It is already installed, but you want to make sure that you always have a filter in place, you can’t operate without one. Refillable ones come with the tool, so change out accordingly.

Speeds: The device has three speeds, pick the speed desired.

Treatments
Treatment Heads: There is a treatment head for each treatment to give you optimal results, see below.

First Step: DIAMOND TIP MICRODERMABRASION – SMOOTH & PREP
Yep, diamonds are a girl's best friend, and this rejuvenation system may sure become your second as the treatment head has a Diamond Tip exfoliator.  While there are not real diamonds in this skincare gadget, the state of the art exfoliator is used to remove the dead skin by gently exfoliating, eliminating any rough or uneven texture. Additionally it...

1. Helps to minimize pores, and decreases the appearance of some skin damage caused by the sun. 
2. Contributes to diminishing fine lines and wrinkles.  
3. Another benefit in removing dead skin with microdermabrasion is that it can help to aid in the penetration of your skincare products!
4. How often should you do this? If you have dry skin once a week for 5 minutes and for oily skin twice a week for 5 minutes.  

Also, doing this step first helps to prep the skin for the next step as it removes excess dead skin cells that form a "cap" over pores, clearing a path for removal while utilizing the pore-unclogging function.

Step Two: SUCTION EXTRACTION– REMOVE
It's time to clean out the gunk in those pores, baby! Yep, no need to go to an aesthetician for pore extraction, as this refresher kit comes with three suction treatment heads varying in size and strength allowing for customization suction removal of unwanted impurities from pores for a complete detoxification of the complexion.

• Large Pore Extractor: This treatment head is used to suck away dirt and debris from the skin's surface and clogged pores.
• Small Pore Extractor: This one is amazing as it is utilized for the removal of blackheads and for me what was great, I could use it for removing Milia bumps (a little white bump that occurs when keratin becomes trapped beneath the surface of the skin). I’ve had this bump for a few years and planned on going to go to the dermatologist to have it removed, but I was able to extract it out with this!
• Oval Pore Extractor:

Step Three: MICRONIZED TONING- SOOTHE
This is the last step, and I love this as I can use it with my favorite toner.  Toner is excellent in helping to replenish, hydrate and nourish skin.

When it comes to using the total refresher misting option, there are not really any clear directions on how to do this, so here you go.

1. Fill with your favorite toner in the reservoir located on the back of the device.
2. There is an enclosed funnel that comes with the device, this is what you use to add your favorite toner.
3. To use you want to make sure that the device has been turned off (use the bottom button for this).
4. To activate you want to hold the top button down for 2 secs.
5. You want to shake it a few times to get it started, then mist away!
6. To turn off you want to hold down for seconds.
7. IMPORTANT: You only can use the mister when the suction portion is off, I did not realize this at first.

Step Four: CLEAN
Please make sure that you are thoroughly cleaning this device as the last thing you want is to put bacteria or dead skin cells on your skin.

IMPORTANT
You may notice some redness, as I did. But no worries as this is normal and will subside after a few hours. Also, for you skincare junkies out there like myself you do not want to use an exfoliator prior or after using the Michael Todd Beauty Refresher. Finish with a great moisturizer with an SPF, but you want to stay away from any super-thick moisturizers that could cause extra sebum buildup. I personally like to add a clarify serum into my skincare regemin to help my skin stay more refreshed, clean, and ready!

Concluding Thoughts
AMAZING to say the least.  This skincare tool will most certainly be added to my skincare tool box so to speak.  I love the idea that it offers multiple skincare treatments all in one which you all know I love multi-purpose products as they save you money in the long run.  Plus, the fact that this can be done in the comfort of my own home, making this spa rejuvenation system even better!

I would say, please make sure to read the manual thoroughly as the different extractors are not recommended for all areas of the face and most important always do a patch test before placing on your face.  I tested them all on the under area of my arm as some suction may be too powerful and you don’t want to be testing first on your face!

So, if you want to get buffed and beautiful with a sweep of this skin-transforming microdermabrasion then make sure to check out Soft Surroundings or Michael Todd Beauty and enjoy this spa like experience in the comfort of your own home!

And don't forget to follow them both on Instagram!
Follow Michael Todd Beauty On Instagram
Follow Soft Surroundings On Instagram  

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