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Exercising offers incredible benefits for both the mind and body — even for your skin. According to experts, when it’s paired with a few pre- and post-workout skincare steps, a good sweat session can help detoxify your skin and leave you with a natural, healthy glow.

“Exercise is great for the skin because it boosts blood flow and oxygen, which in turn supports collagen production, which can keep you looking youthful,” says Joee Nelson, a master esthetician at LifeSpa in Eden Prairie, Minn. “A few quick skincare steps before and after your workout can help you make the most of these benefits.”

Ahead, Nelson shares her top dos and don’ts for pre- and post-workout skincare.

Pre-Workout Skincare

Start with clean skin.

It’s best to cleanse your skin before working out, according to Nelson. If you don’t want to carry a facial cleanser with you, cleansing wipes are a great alternative.

“This will remove any face makeup, dirt, oil, and dead skin cells,” she explains. “Sweating while wearing heavy makeup can suffocate the skin and lead to sensitivity, irritation, or breakouts. When sweat mixes with bacteria, dead skin cells, and oils on your skin, it can clog pores and trigger these reactions, especially if it sits on your skin too long.”

Eye makeup (mascara, eyeliner, eye shadow) and lip products can stay, according to Nelson, as they’re not typically applied to breakout-prone areas like your cheeks, forehead, or chin.

“These products also aren’t affected by sweat in the same way as face makeup — though they might smudge if you’re doing an intense workout,” Nelson explains. “If you’re worried about looking put together, eye and lip makeup can be a nice balance without compromising your skin health.”

If you’re working out first thing in the morning and your skin was cleansed the night before, simply rinse your face with water,” Nelson adds. “Your face is likely still relatively clean — especially if you haven’t sweat or applied any makeup products. Cleansing in the morning can also strip the skin’s natural oils and disrupt the skin barrier, which can lead to dryness, irritation, or even trigger more oil production as a rebound effect.”

Nelson only recommends cleansing in the morning if you have oily skin. “Oily skin types tend to produce more sebum overnight, which can mix with dead skin cells and bacteria on the surface. A gentle morning cleanse helps remove that excess oil to prevent clogged pores and prep the skin for the workout.”

Next, apply your favorite moisturizer or moisturizing SPF.

Moisturizers help maintain your skin’s hydration level, which can get disrupted when you sweat a lot. Sweat contains sodium, which can be dehydrating and irritating if left on bare, unprotected skin.

“Personally, I love working out with a tinted SPF on my face, as well as mascara and lip gloss. A tinted SPF like Revision Intellishade both hydrates and protects your skin from environmental damage without clogging your pores.”

Nelson also notes that serums are fine to apply before a workout if desired, but she personally saves other skincare products for after her workout.

Don’t skip SPF — even if you work out indoors.

SPF is a non-negotiable, according to Nelson. “Regular sun protection as part of your skincare routine helps prevent wrinkles and age spots caused by UV damage,” she says. “This is a must for both indoor and outdoor workouts. Health clubs and workout facilities often have large windows where UV rays and sunlight can still affect your skin,” she says.

Post-Workout Skincare

During your workout and immediately after, it’s important to avoid touching your face to prevent transferring bacteria and sweat that could clog pores.

Once your workout is complete, cleanse your face right away.

As soon as you’ve finished exercising, wash your hands and then cleanse your face, advises Nelson. “Don’t wait longer than 30 minutes as leaving sweat on your face for hours post-workout can clog pores, leading to breakouts and skin sensitivity,” she explains.

“Sweat is mostly water, but it also contains salt, which can be drying and irritating. It also contains proteins and toxins that can mix with skin debris and cause issues. When sweat mixes with your natural oils (sebum) and dead skin sitting on the surface, it creates a film that can settle into your pores.”

For the post-workout cleanse, Nelson recommends using a gentle cleanser since there is no makeup to remove; this will remove sweat and oils without drying out the skin. “I like using the iS Clinical Cleansing Complex,” Nelson adds. “This gentle gel cleanser effectively removes oil and impurities without irritating your skin. You can also use cleansing wipes if that’s easier for you.”

Once your skin is cleansed, re-apply your moisturizer, SPF, and any other products or makeup you use if you’re getting ready for the day. If it’s a nighttime workout, simply cleanse and apply your evening skincare regimen.

Avoid exfoliating your skin.

Increased blood flow from exercise can lead to skin sensitivity post-workout, so it’s important to avoid exfoliating immediately after a workout, according to Nelson.

“Save exfoliation for your nighttime routine, or at least a few hours after your workout, to give your skin time to recover,” she says. “Plus, exfoliating at night supports your skin’s natural process of removing dead skin cells and making room for fresh, healthy cells to rise to the surface.”

Use products suited to your skin type.

For both your pre- and post-workout skincare routine, it’s important to use products suited for your skin type — dry, oily, or sensitive.

“If you’re unsure of your skin type, consider making an appointment with an esthetician to learn more about your skin and what products might work best for you,” Nelson advises.

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There are countless options to explore when addressing skin conditions, from low-barrier treatments like topical products to more in-depth services like facials, chemical peels, microneedling, and light-based therapies. Among the more intensive protocols, two light-based therapies — lasers and intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments — are popular for their ability to improve several skin conditions.

Lasers and IPL treatments are specialized medical devices that emit concentrated beams of light energy to target issues, imperfections, and damage within the skin. They have been shown to improve wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars, age spots, melasma, discoloration, and uneven texture and skin tone. They can also promote collagen production, prevent acne, shrink pores, and stop some future signs of aging.

“These devices work by either safely removing the top layer of skin or stimulating the deeper layers to encourage new skin growth,” says Laura Bellendier, a Sciton-certified laser specialist at LifeSpa MediSpa in Eden Prairie, Minn. “Different types of devices are used depending on the skin concern and the desired outcome.”

The words “laser” or “intense light” may evoke a feeling of hesitance or even alarm, but estheticians and medical spa nurses emphasize that these facial treatments are safe when properly used in a medical spa or dermatology setting.

To learn more about light-based therapies and their benefits, we asked Bellendier and Lisa Wohlfert, also a Sciton-certified laser specialist at LifeSpa MediSpa in Eden Prairie, Minn., to answer some common questions around these practices.

Life Time | How exactly do lasers and IPL treatments work to treat skin conditions?

Laura Bellendier | Lasers and IPL treatments work by delivering focused beams of light energy at specific wavelengths to interact with targeted structures in the skin.

These devices are designed to interact with specific chromophores — or light absorbing molecules— in the skin, including melanin (skin pigmentation), hemoglobin (which affects redness and vascular lesions), and water (which aids in resurfacing and collagen stimulation). The energy from the light converts to heat, causing a controlled thermal effect that either destroys the targeted structure or stimulates cellular processes for healing and renewal. Here is how they can address the following skin conditions:

• Hyperpigmentation and age spots: Lasers break down excess melanin into smaller particles, which are then naturally eliminated by the body.
• Vascular lesions (e.g., rosacea or spider veins): Lasers heat the blood in capillaries, causing them to coagulate and collapse. Over time, the body reabsorbs these damaged vessels.
• Skin resurfacing (e.g., texture, wrinkles, or scars): Ablative lasers vaporize the outer layer of skin, promoting the growth of new healthy tissue. Non-ablative lasers penetrate deeper layers to stimulate collagen and elastin production without removing surface skin.
• Acne and bacteria: Certain lasers and light therapies, such as blue light, can destroy acne-causing bacteria and help reduce inflammation.
• Hair removal: Lasers target the melanin found in hair follicles, heating and disabling the follicle to prevent future growth.

LT | What are the most popular types of light-based skin treatments?

Lisa Wohlfert | While there are many types of skin lasers on the market, there are a few popular standouts based on the results they provide and the ease in recovery time. One is the MOXI Prejuvenation by Sciton, which is a non-ablative fractionated laser treatment.

MOXI uses non-ablative fractionated laser energy to create tiny, controlled thermal injuries in the skin. Doing this stimulates the skin to rebuild collagen in order to heal itself from these injuries. As the skin heals, damaged cells are replaced with fresh, healthy ones. This process can improve texture, reduce pore size, decrease pigmentation, address melasma, soften fine lines and wrinkles, and slow signs of aging.

The MOXI is a great starter treatment for those looking to try skin lasers. Each treatment can be customized depending on your concerns and skin goals. MOXI is also safe for most skin types and tones and can be used by younger patients interested in “prejuvenation,” or preventing the visible signs of aging.

LB | One of my favorite light-based skin therapies is the BroadBand Light Photorejuvenation Skin Treatment (BBL™). The BBL medical device is an advanced form of light therapy used for skin treatments, and is specifically designed to address pigmentation, redness, brown spots from sun damage, and signs of aging, while stimulating and rejuvenating collagen cells. The light creates small wounds in the dermal layer, which then lead to more collagen production as the skin heals. More collagen cells allow the skin to appear more plump and more youthful once healed.

Unlike traditional lasers, the BBL uses IPL technology to deliver light energy to the skin to target specific areas without damaging surrounding tissues. IPL emits a broad spectrum of light that can be selectively absorbed by different chromophores — or pigments or molecules in the skin, such as melanin and hemoglobin (found in blood vessels). The light is delivered in short bursts or pulses. The intensity and pulse duration can be adjusted depending on the treatment needs.

LT | How do I know if I should do the MOXI or BBL service?

LB | When you have your consultation, your provider can guide you in your decision to pick the best treatment depending on your specific skin concerns and goals. MOXI is ideal for preventative antiaging and improving skin texture, sun damage, and melasma.

BBL targets pigmentation and redness and is best when done in low sun exposure months as sun exposure can affect results. I love to stack the two treatments based on skin conditions, time of year, and goals to achieve beautiful results.

LT | Are light-based skin treatments safe or do they pose any risks to be aware of?

LB | Skin treatments, including lasers and other advanced modalities like IPL, are generally safe when performed by qualified and experienced professionals. Be sure to go to a licensed and trained professional using FDA-approved devices. A thorough consultation helps identify your skin type and any contraindications. Additionally, following post-treatment guidelines is essential to prevent complications and achieve optimal results.

LT | What precautions should I be aware of for my safety and comfort?

LB | There are a few things I would recommend, including the following:

Make sure to choose a skilled, certified professional for your service.
If they are using a Sciton device, like the MOXI or BBL, ask the provider if they have been certified by Sciton. All providers using Sciton devices should have received safety training and certification education from a Sciton instructor.

Ask for referrals and check out reviews.
To find a highly qualified laser specialist, start by seeking a referral from your esthetician or dermatologist. It can also be helpful to read reviews before setting up a consultation. You can learn a lot from other people’s experiences. I recommend looking for a provider that has positive reviews around delivering results and listening to their clients.

Set up a consultation before your actual service.
Before you book an actual service, I recommend scheduling a consultation to learn more from your laser specialist and talk with them about your specific skin concerns. When I give a laser consultation, I always ask the client about their concerns. I want them to leave feeling educated and comfortable with the process.

Check your skincare ingredients.
If you use any skincare products that contain active ingredients such as retinol, tretinoin, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acids, or benzyl peroxide, it’s best to discontinue use of those products seven days prior to your treatment.

If you use hydroquinone (a topical medication for hyperpigmentation), it’s best to discontinue use for three days prior to your treatment. Be sure to avoid sun exposure (including tanning beds) for four weeks before treatment and avoid sunless tanning creams or sprays and waxing for 14 days prior.

Disclose your medical history.
Inform your provider about any medications, skin conditions, or recent treatments. Certain medications (like Accutane or antibiotics) and conditions (like active cold sores or infections) cannot be present at treatment time as they are a contradiction to the treatment. The treatment will need to be rescheduled to another time.
Someone who uses Accutane needs to be off the medication for at least six months before a laser treatment. If you do have a history of cold sores, it’s recommended that you talk to a dermatologist before receiving one of these skin treatments as additional precautions are needed.

LT | What can I expect on the day of the service?

LW | At your appointment, your laser specialist will apply a topical anesthetic 30 minutes prior to the service to numb the skin. Depending on the type of laser or light treatment used, you may experience mild discomfort. For example, the MOXI feels like a mild warming sensation or a mild prickling as the laser targets the skin. The amount of discomfort varies for each person.

With the BBL service, you may also feel a warming sensation as the device is moved in gentle passes across the skin. At the same time, a bright light flashes, which you may notice minimally through protective goggles.

The treatments do not take much time to complete and can be done in around eight to 10 minutes.

LT | What does the recovery process look like post-service?

LW | After a MOXI treatment, the healing process varies per individual for a variety of reasons, including the amount of sun damage to the skin, skin type, and the laser setting used by the provider. Right after your treatment, your skin will feel very warm for a couple of hours and then once that heat dissipates, your skin may feel like you have a mild sunburn.

For the following couple of days, your skin may appear pink along with some mild swelling. This swelling also varies person-to-person. To help alleviate any pain and swelling, you can use a cool compress and take acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Many people can return to work the next day with minimal visible signs of having had the treatment.

At days three to six, your skin will begin to feel rough as it starts to turn over dead skin cells. During this period, your skin will show tiny dark spots and a bronzed appearance known as MENDs — Microscopic Epidermal Necrotic Debris. They are a normal part of the healing process and will naturally flake off. You can support this process by moisturizing properly and not picking at the skin.

By day six, you can expect your skin to be visibly brighter and firmer. It does take time to rebuild collagen so you will not get your full results until about two months post-service.

LB | After a BBL treatment, you may experience some slight redness of the skin. You may also feel a warmth or sunburn sensation, which generally lasts two to four hours after the procedure. Cool compresses with a damp, soft cloth for 10 to 20 minutes at a time may help relieve the temporary discomfort. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be taken as directed for pain if needed.

Brown patches or spots will look darker and more pronounced immediately following your treatment. In two to three days, these brown areas become even darker and look like coffee grounds on your skin. Within one to two weeks, these dark, scaly areas slough off and leave clearer, healthy skin behind.

Some patients may wake up with facial swelling, particularly around the eyes, for several days following the treatment. To prevent this, sleep with your head elevated the night after treatment. This is normal and usually resolves within three to five days.

LT | What aftercare steps are needed post-service?

LB | As noted above, for swelling or pain, you can use a cool compress and/or over-the-counter pain medications.

If you’re spending time outside or in the sun, be sure to apply sunblock containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide with SPF 30 or higher every two hours. However, it’s best to avoid prolonged sun exposure for four weeks after treatment. Sun exposure may cause certain complications such as severe blistering and permanent skin discoloration.

Avoid using topical skin care products containing Retin-A, retinol, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid for one week. Cleanse only with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser. When washing, use careful patting motions with your hands. When showering, try not to get shampoo or conditioner on the treated area, and avoid a powerful shower stream, whirlpools, and hot water as your skin will be more sensitive after a service. Exposure to hot water or steam can exacerbate irritation, redness, and swelling, leading to discomfort. It’s best to stick to lukewarm water and gentle skincare for a few days after the procedure to allow your skin to heal properly.

For a MOXI service, you will receive a post-procedure cream to apply two to three times daily for three days post-treatment.

LT | How often do you recommend getting a laser or IPL skin treatment?

LB | While one laser treatment can offer significant results to the skin, I recommend continuing with services for optimal results. This also will depend on the amount of damage on your skin. For a BBL, I always recommend three treatments spaced evenly apart (at a minimum of four weeks) because it takes a few sessions to see ideal results. Waiting at least four weeks between sessions allows the skin to heal and can reveal areas that may need extra attention.

LW | For the MOXI, your laser specialist can recommend a cadence of treatments based on your skin concerns. These treatments will then be spaced approximately four to five weeks apart. Your provider will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan to meet your specific goals.

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“Drinkable skincare” has become a trend for many health-minded consumers looking to take a more holistic approach to preventative aging — and if there is one ingredient that can’t be ignored when talking about nutrition support as we age, it’s collagen.

Think of collagen as the scaffolding in your body: It holds muscle to bone and bone to bone, and it keeps both your organs and your facial structures in place. It’s estimated that collagen makes up 30 percent of the total mass of the body, including 70 to 80 percent of the skin’s dry weight and 70 percent of cartilage. It’s stronger than muscle though not as hard as bone, and it comes strictly from animal sources.

The challenge is that natural collagen production peaks in early adulthood and can decline, on average, by one to two percent each year after about age 20. Collagen is also lost with exercise and overuse and is often accelerated in postmenopausal women.

As we age, there is also a process called cross-linking of collagen, in which parts of the collagen structure bond together. This can make it rigid and inflexible instead of elastic.

Without sufficient levels of collagen, we may notice less elasticity, firmness, and bounce-back in the skin, as well as weaker nails, thinner hair (and trouble with hair growth), potential increases in joint issues or pain, and decreased range of motion and mobility.

The Debate About Collagen Supplementation

While some people swear by the visible results they see after incorporating collagen into their supplement routine, critics argue that the collagen proteins are broken down by the digestive system and do not replace declining collagen in our skin and joints.

The benefits of collagen supplementation depend on the delivery and format of the supplement itself. Consider these examples:

• Gelatin powders and bone broth: When gelatin and bone broth are made, they can be powdered into a supplement. This version has somewhat limited ability for the collagen to be absorbed through the intestines as collagen peptides. It’s mostly broken down into individual amino acids. These amino acids can be beneficial for health, but likely won’t result in a visible antiaging impact because they’re not absorbed as peptides. While bone broth is a mineral- and nutrient-rich food, it’s not necessarily going to provide the potent benefits users might expect from supplements.
• Collagen peptides (also known as hydrolyzed collagen or collagen hydrolysate): This category is made by combining collagen peptides with a reagent that allows chains of amino acids (the collagen peptides) to remain more intact; this increases their absorption by an estimated five-fold. Another benefit of collagen peptides is that they are rich in specific amino acids that most of us are lacking in our diets: glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. They also offer benefits to protein intake and general health. LTH Prime Grass-Fed Collagen Peptides powder is an example of this.
• Low-molecular weight collagen peptides: These are specific versions of collagen peptides with targeted molecular weights that have been prepared using enzymatic processes to develop something called bioactive collagen peptides. They have been shown to more directly reach and target cells in the skin, hair, and joints. Bioactive collagen peptides are what’s found in LTH Rewind Collagen Elixir.

If you’re looking for a collagen supplement to support skin, hair, nail, and joint health as you age, bioactive collagen peptides are the form that’s shown to most effectively target those desired outcomes. Taking specific, targeted ingredients internally — as you do with LTH Rewind Collagen Elixir —  integrates the collagen into the system more holistically.

For those who are looking for more generalized protein support, including key amino acids that play roles in the collagen matrix, hydrolyzed collagen such as the LTH Prime Collagen Peptide powder can be helpful.

A Closer Look at LTH Rewind Collagen Elixir  

One way to help give your skin and joints an internal upgrade is the daily use of LTH Rewind Collagen Elixir. This one-ounce drink has a naturally flavored berry sorbet taste is meant to be consumed daily.

LTH Rewind Collagen Elixir was formulated specifically to support skin and joint health from the inside-out through the following ingredients:

• Verisol® and Fortigel®, two clinically backed, bioactive types of collagen. Verisol® targets fibroblasts (cells that contribute to the formation of connective tissue) in the skin. Studies suggest that it is supportive of skin elasticity with participants reporting reduced eye wrinkle volume, improved cellulite, increased nail growth and strength, and improved hair growth and thickness. Compared to topical collagen peptides sometimes used in skincare, Verisol® integrates the collagen into the system more holistically and can provide longer-term benefits (even up to 12 weeks after stopping their ingestion). Fortigel® targets the chondrocytes (cells responsible for forming cartilage) in joints, and research has shown it can help to regenerate cartilage and improve and reduce joint pain.
• Hyaluronic acid. Naturally found in high concentrations in the skin, joint fluids, and eyes, hyaluronic acid may aid in tissue hydration and healing and joint pain when used as a supplement. (LTH Rewind contains 200 mg; the recommended dose to see benefits is a minimum of 120 mg per day.)
• Vitamin C. This nutrient supports skin integrity and collagen production. It works in combination with the hyaluronic acid to support skin health.
• Crucial antioxidants. The product contains Lutemax,® which is sourced from non-GMO marigold extract and includes the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin to help protect against environmental factors and blue light. These antioxidants, along with the addition of niacin, help combat free radicals and calm inflammation.

LTH Rewind, like all other LTH supplements, undergoes extensive testing to ensure what’s on the label is what’s in the bottle. The collagen is 100 percent upcycled from grass-fed, pastured bovine hides (upcycling means it uses products from other industries, so no animals are killed for the purpose of making the product).

The post Should I Consider a Daily Collagen Drink for Antiaging? appeared first on Experience Life.

While a day at the spa may be a popular form of self-care, time or budget constraints can keep us from taking that “me-time” we need. The good news? There are some easy ways to create a spa-like atmosphere at home and enjoy a stress-soothing, rejuvenating experience that boosts your mental and physical health.

Follow these step-by-step recommendations from LifeSpa experts to take your at-home relaxation to the next level.

1. Set the scene.

Ambiance can make a big difference when you’re trying to create a relaxing experience, so it’s important to be intentional when setting up your space. Ensure the room is clean and stocked with your fluffiest towels, turn on calming music, and set out a few of your favorite candles.

“Using aromatic candles to create an environment with the right scents and ambiance can influence your mood and energy levels, providing a much-needed escape from the stresses of daily life,” says Tania Caban, massage therapist at LifeSpa in Westchester, N.Y.

Caban also notes that the act of inhaling certain scents can stimulate the brain, triggering the release of serotonin and dopamine; this can help elevate your mood and lower cortisol (the hormone associated with stress and anxiety). “Beyond the scents, the flickering light of a candle has a gentle, soothing effect on the mind,” she adds.

Caban recommends: Aromatic Candle from Zents. She says this candle offers 12 aroma options, and if you stop into LifeSpa to take the complimentary Zents Aroma Journey experience, you can pinpoint a scent that’s right for you.

On spa day, “set an intention for your time in the space you’re creating,” Caban suggests. “Having a clear focus can deepen your relaxation experience. By thoughtfully creating this environment, you invite both peace and joy into your home.”

2. Start with a steamy shower.

While many think of a bath as the ultimate at-home spa experience, a steamy shower is also a great option — especially when you have the right products.

“Steamy showers offer a multitude of benefits that go beyond simple relaxation,” Caban says. “The warm, moist air can improve circulation, delivering oxygen-rich blood to muscles and joints and aiding in their repair and recovery. This is especially beneficial after exercise or physical activity, as it can reduce soreness and promote quicker healing.”

For an in-shower aromatherapy experience, use a shower steamer, which is a product full of essentials oils that releases aromatic scents when exposed to water and steam. Place the steamer on the floor of the shower or on a shower shelf where it can fizz and vaporize. Common ingredients include eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, and lemon.

“The simple act of breathing deeply in the shower can enhance the relaxation process,” Caban explains. “Focus on your breath, inhale the soothing steam, and let go of tension as you allow the heat to work its magic on both your body and mind. Taking time to enjoy the experience is essential for maximizing its full range of benefits.”

As you take in the aroma and steam of the shower, begin to cleanse your hair and body.

“The steam will open your pores, helping to loosen dirt and release oils trapped in the skin, allowing for deeper cleansing,” Caban says. “A steamy shower makes it easier to expel toxins and can leave your skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.”

Caban recommends: Spongelle (available at LifeSpa in a variety of scents). “The Spongelle has a built-in body wash inside a buffer designed to exfoliate the skin,” she says. “I love how it makes my skin feel clean, hydrated, and smooth after I use it.”

While washing your hair, be mindful while lathering and give yourself a soothing scalp massage. And once your hair is washed and rinsed, consider applying a hair masque for extra conditioning.

3. Apply your favorite luxurious body lotion.

Once out of the shower, lock moisture into your skin with your favorite body lotion. This is the best time to do so as your pores are open after and more ready to receive the nourishing benefits of the lotion.

“When you’re just out of the shower, gently pat your skin dry with a towel before applying lotion,” says Laura Bellendier, advanced practiced esthetician at LifeSpa in Eden Prairie, Minn. “Start by applying at the ankles and work upward in circular motions.”

Bellendier recommends: BodiFirm by Revision Skincare. “For added firmness and tone, I absolutely love applying this lotion as it helps with hydration, tightening the skin, and reducing dimpling. “On days when my skin feels extra dry, I mix shea butter with an organic oil like jojoba to create a homemade body butter,” she explains.

4. Massage your face and neck.

Next up, time for some facial gua sha, the ancient practice of scraping the skin with a stone tool for massage purposes and to help contour the face. It has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine to reduce stagnation and improve circulation of vital energy, or chi. (Learn more: “How to Gua Sha Your Face and Neck.”)

“Gua sha is a great way to elevate your self-care rituals,” says Nycole Hutchens, esthetician at LifeSpa in Houston, Texas. “I love doing it at home every other week or when my face feels puffy. It helps reduce the puffiness and improve blood circulation, and promotes lymphatic drainage, which leaves the skin looking fresh and radiant. Combined with a good serum it really enhances the at-home skin-care experience.”

Hutchens recommends: Bian Stone from Yina and Eminence Facial Recovery Oil. “This stone tool is a beautiful option as it’s made of Bian Shi, a micro-crystalline stone that contains more than 30 minerals that are beneficial to the body,” she says. “Before diving into the facial massage, I like to apply a facial oil to help the stone glide across the skin. This one is deeply hydrating and good for all skin types.”

5. End with a guided meditation.

Meditation can be a great way to wrap up your at-home spa day and help you retain all those relaxing vibes. The Life Time app has several options for guided meditations that address stress release, sleep, gratitude, and more.

While you meditate, Hutchens suggests habit stacking with some red-light therapy. “I love using the HigherDose Red Light Face Mask for about 20 minutes before bed. Red-light therapy has many benefits for your skin and can also help boost your mood. The warmth from the red light helps you to further relax and is an overall good stress reliever. Combine that with the meditation and you’re off to dreamland,” says Hutchens.

The post 5 Steps for an At-Home Spa Day appeared first on Experience Life.

While you’ve probably heard about the drying effects of cold temperatures on your skin, you might not be as familiar with their effects on your hair. Yet the winter elements — gusty winds, cold snaps, and dry air — can cause damage, so it’s a good idea to change up your routine before the cold sets in.

“As a hairstylist from the Midwest, I’ve seen firsthand how winter’s harsh elements can wreak havoc on hair,” says Nikki Gnatzig, hairstylist at LifeSpa in Brookfield, Wis. “Cold, dry air outside combined with indoor heating can cause hair to become dehydrated, and this lack of moisture can show up as dull, frizzy, or brittle strands that feel coarse to the touch and break or tangle easily.

“While this damage often starts at the ends, it doesn’t stop there. The scalp, especially if exposed to the cold, dry elements, can also become dry and flaky, which can lead to itchiness. When the scalp is affected, it can also disrupt the hair’s growth cycle and overall health, which means it’s important to care for both the scalp and the hair from roots to ends as part of your winter haircare routine.”

We asked Gnatzig and a few other hair health experts to share their tips for keeping your locks hydrated and healthy in the winter months.

1. Winterize your washing.

Just as you might switch over the clothes in your closet for the change of season, consider swapping your regular shampoo and conditioner for more hydrating ones.

“Look for products designed to lock in moisture,” Gnatzig recommends. “These will help replenish hydration and protect the hair from drying out. Deep conditioning treatments once a week can also provide an extra boost of moisture. When shopping for moisture-locking hair products, look for keywords on the label, like ‘hydrating,’ ‘moisturizing,’ ‘repair,’ ‘anti-frizz,’ or ‘nourishing.’ These typically point to products formulated to add hydration. Remember, you can always ask your hairstylist for a product recommendation.”

Gnatzig recommends Kerastase Nutrive Bain Satin Shampoo — the formula includes plant-based proteins designed to nourish the hair with nutrients that also help it to retain moisture. These proteins play a crucial role in retaining moisture in the hair because they penetrate the hair shaft, helping to strengthen and nourish it. This formula also includes niacinamide (vitamin B3), which strengthens hair fiber and locks-in the proteins.

The colder months are also a good time to wash your hair less frequently. “Washing your hair too often can strip it of its natural oils,” says Gnatzig. “During the winter, try to extend the time between washes to maintain these oils, which are essential for moisture retention. Using dry shampoo can help you go two to four days between washes.”

2. Limit heat styling.

Heat styling tools like curling irons and blow dryers can further strip your hair of moisture, according to Gnatzig. She recommends trying heatless styling methods, such using heatless curlers overnight.

“If you do use heat when styling your hair, keep your tools on a low-heat setting — never using anything above 360 degrees, as anything higher can cause permanent damage to the hair. Always apply a heat protectant product to shield your hair from mechanical damage as it helps create a barrier between the hair and the high temperatures of styling tools. They often also contain ingredients that help to minimize moisture loss, reduce damage, and maintain the hair’s integrity.”

3. Consider salon support.

All types of climates can influence your hair health, according to Erika Rincon, hairstylist at LifeSpa in Westlake, Texas. “Texas winters where I am, for example, can really fluctuate,” she says. “We can have cold rainy mornings, hot afternoons, and dry, cold, windy nights, and these changes can all influence hair health.”

If you’re struggling with dry, brittle hair, Rincon recommends trying a salon hair conditioning service. “At LifeSpa, we offer a Fusio-Dose customized haircare treatment from Kérastase,” she says. “This isn’t just a hair mask — this is a treatment that penetrates the hair follicles. It uses a custom blend of skincare-grade active ingredients to address primary hair concerns, such as dryness, and to give your hair instant vitality and shine.”

Regular trims can also help to maintain the health of your hair because ends often split. “I generally recommend scheduling a hair trim every three months to take care of the split ends from keeping going up farther on the hair shaft,” says Rincon. “Adding a gloss service to your hair every four to six weeks can also help smooth down frizz that often occurs this time of the year and add shine.”

4. Spend time in the steam room.

The steam room is for more than just relaxing tired muscles. “One of my favorite tips is telling my clients to apply their favorite hair mask and then sit in the steam room at Life Time,” says Rincon. “Steam alone can help restore the moisture in your hair because it opens the hair cuticles, allowing moisture to penetrate the hair shaft. When combined with a hair mask, your hair will be able to absorb the benefits of your mask more effectively. Steam can also help open the pores on your scalp for better cleansing of impurities and improved blood flow. Improving the blood flow in your scalp has been shown to promote hair growth as well.”

5. Use a leave-in conditioner, hair mask, or hair serum.

Adding an extra product or two to your routine can go a long way toward caring for your hair in the winter, no matter the climate you live in.

“I live in the desert in Las Vegas, and the dry air can definitely affect hair health,” says Emily Youngblood, hairstylist at LifeSpa in Las Vegas, Nev. “To combat this, I like to incorporate conditioning products in my at-home routine during the winter. For example, I really like using the Kerastase Nutri-Supplement Scalp Serum one to three times per week. This healthy scalp serum helps with dryness and itchiness while providing moisture the scalp can lack during these dry months.”

Youngblood also recommends using the Chroma Filler Hair Mask from Kerastase on a weekly basis. “This mask has amino acids to help repair each broken hair strand, leaving hair silkier and smoother. It’s great for color treated hair as well to maintain the color service.”

Gnatzig is also a big fan of leave-in hair products, like leave-in conditioners and hair oils. “Leave-in products are lifesavers in winter,” she adds. “They provide a protective layer that locks in moisture while offering protection from cold, dry air. Hair oils can also further help seal the hair cuticle and prevent water loss to keep your strands soft and shiny.”

The post 5 Tips for Healthy Hair in the Winter appeared first on Experience Life.

People often associate dry skin with itching or flaking, but according to skincare experts, dehydrated skin can lead to — and appear in the form of — other common skin issues, including fine lines and wrinkles, acne, and even skin infections. That’s why hydration is touted as a key to maintaining a healthy complexion.

“Hydrated skin typically looks more youthful, plump, and radiant, and it simply feels more comfortable,” says Stacy Grant, esthetician at LifeSpa in Omaha, Neb. “Proper hydration helps to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, protect against environmental stressors, and prevent issues like dryness, irritation, and premature aging.”

We asked Grant and Heaven Cole, esthetician at LifeSpa in Commerce Charter Township, Mich., to expand on the importance of skin hydration and offer tips for keeping your skin hydrated all year long.

What’s the difference between hydration and moisturization?

Hydration and moisturization are often used synonymously — though they have different meanings.

“If you are in the desert and I hand you a glass of water, are you going to drink it or splash it onto your skin?” poses Grant. “Hydration refers to your body taking in water — drinking it, for example — while moisturization refers to the act of sealing in moisture, which is done with a moisturizer.

“Our skin cells are made up of equal parts oil and water, so when we are lacking that water (hydration), our sebaceous glands work overtime to produce excess oil to compensate for the lack of water,” she explains. “All skin types, including oily skin, have transepidermal water loss, the process of water evaporating from the skin’s surface, specifically through the outermost layer, the stratum corneum. Because of this, we need to hydrate and protect that hydration by sealing it in the skin. If your oil glands are overcompensating, your skin can feel unbalanced, appear flaky, and you might be dealing with pesky breakouts.”

Water intake helps to hydrate all your organs, including your skin. Water is also absorbed by the skin during showers and when you’re cleansing the skin and face. Moisturizers then seal in that hydration, so it is not lost through transepidermal water loss.

What are the benefits of hydrated skin?

Cole emphasizes that hydration is crucial for optimal overall skin health. “When the skin is hydrated, it can lead to improved elasticity, which can make skin appear smoother and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.”

Other benefits of hydrated skin include the following:

• Improved skin texture, which can eliminate the appearance of uneven skin (hydrated skin is naturally plumper).
• Faster healing of skin issues, such as acne or flaking and rough texture caused by dehydration (hydration helps with cell communication and nutrient transport for cells to repair damaged skin).
• A sustained moisture balance within the skin, which helps minimize dryness, dullness, and irritation.
• Fewer breakouts as oil glands produce less oil that can cause blemishes.

What does dehydrated skin look and feel like?

Dehydrated skin is a temporary condition. Signs of dehydration can come and go depending on activities, the season, lifestyle changes, or even the cosmetic or skincare products you’re using.

These are signs that your skin may be dehydrated:

• Tightness
• Roughness
• Itchiness, especially after washing
• Flaking

“If your skin is dehydrated, you may notice small dead skin cells, or flakes, after applying makeup,” says Cole. “You may also notice more pronounced fine lines, especially at the corners of your eyes or on your cheeks. Undereye circles can also be more pronounced, and your skin may have less elasticity.”

“To determine your skin’s hydration levels, perform a simple pinch test at home — we call it the hydration check,” Cole adds. “Squeeze lightly on a small portion of your skin around the cheek area. If the skin doesn’t bounce back after you let go and you notice any wrinkling, your skin is most likely dehydrated.”

5 Tips for Keeping Your Skin Hydrated

1. Drink water.

Ingesting sufficient amounts of water is one of the most important steps for staying hydrated. “Drinking water hydrates from the inside out,” says Grant. “It helps bring nutrients to our skin cells and keep the tissues in the eyes, nose, and mouth moistened. It’s what helps keep our skin looking soft, pump, and supple.”

The National Academy of Medicine, which issues official U.S. nutritional guidelines, recommends men consume 125 ounces of water a day and women consume 91 ounces a day (including water consumed through food sources).

For a more individualized recommendation, Life Time experts advise aiming to drink half of your body weight in ounces of water daily.

“Cutting back on caffeine and alcohol can also help to keep you hydrated,” adds Grant. “Both caffeine and alcohol have diuretic properties, meaning they can increase urine production and lead to greater fluid loss.”

“Water can also be consumed through food sources,” says Cole. “Eating fruits and veggies with high water content, such as cucumbers, melons, pineapple, and celery, can also help you stay hydrated.”

2. Use a moisturizer with vitamin C or antioxidants.

Using a moisturizer helps seal hydration in the skin, preventing transepidermal water loss. A moisturizer with added vitamin C and antioxidants can help your skin stay hydrated along with other benefits.

“A moisturizer with added antioxidants, such as vitamin C, can help shield your skin from free radicals, which can accelerate aging and cause damage to the skin,” says Cole. “Vitamin C can also help revitalize, brighten, smooth, and refine the appearance of your skin as it helps it retain moisture.” (Learn more: “Vitamin C: The Skincare Secret for Summer Sun Damage”)

3. Use sunscreen.

Estheticians often tout the benefits of sunscreen for skin protection — but many may not realize that it’s also a key component for skin hydration.

“SPF provides essential protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays,” Cole says. “UV rays deplete the skin of water, which can cause sunburn and premature aging, and lead to skin cancer. Even on cloudy days, incorporating SPF into your skincare routine helps ensure your skin stays hydrated and protected throughout the day.”

4. Establish a regular skincare routine.

A morning and nighttime skincare routine is essential for keeping your skin healthy. Regularly using moisturizer allows your skin to more easily maintain its hydration.

Grant suggests starting your routine with a gentle, soap-free cleanser — morning and night — followed by moisturizer after each cleansing. In the morning, always apply SPF after your moisturizer.

“If your skin still feels dry after that, a booster lubricant may be needed in addition to your moisturizer, such as a serum with hyaluronic acid. I would apply this before your moisturizer as it acts as a humectant and helps to bind moisture to the skin. It is also beneficial to exfoliate a couple times a week, so your moisturizer doesn’t have to fight through layers of dead skin cells to be effective. Exfoliation can be done either chemically with a product containing alpha or beta hydroxy acids, or through physical exfoliation, such as dermaplaning.”

5. Check in with an esthetician.

Both Grant and Cole recommend meeting with a licensed esthetician who can help you create a skincare system that works best for your skin, your lifestyle, and the climate you live in.

“What you need in November may not be what you need in May,” Grant explains. “This is why it’s important to work with an expert who can help you navigate all the factors that can affect your skin.”

The post Why Hydration Is Essential for Healthy Skin appeared first on Experience Life.