The daffodils are blooming and winter is wrapping up-it's time to think about summer! This is the best time of year for us pale Oregonians to prep our skin for the sunshiny days ahead. I'm so excited even writing this, I think I'll pull my wool socks off and put on my short shorts to keep writing.  Oooweee--my legs are chalky as all get out. 

#1 SCRUB! 
Chill out and have a steam, then indulge in a head-to-toe sugar or salt scrub followed by a massage with Organic Sacred Earth massage cream. The steam helps loosen all the layers of dead skin, then you slough it away with a scrub. Finally, hydration with a delightful 20-minute lotion application by a massage therapist.  I like to add a 30-minute massage to my scrub when I've got the time to reach extreme wet-noodle-like status. 

#2 FACIALS & PEELS
There is no better time of year to get a facial and/or peel. This time of year is great because the sun is further away than it is in the dead of summer, so there's less risk of sun damage after a short lunchtime peel or extra exfoliation.  A series of peels will be the most effective for smoothing fine lines & hyper pigmentation. If you can start before spring, you should be able to get a few peels in before summer. 

#3 ADJUST YOUR MOISTURIZER
Most people need to change up their skin care seasonally. It's time to check last years supply of sunscreen for an expiration date, because it looses its effectiveness. You may need a lighter day time moisturizer as well, since you wont be getting blasted by indoor heating and blustery cold wind. Your skin retains more moisture in the spring & summer. My favorite (as a 35-year-old seeking to stay naturally youthful)  is Yonka Elastine Jour, but you can get a good recommendation for your skin type from your Esthetician at The Pearl. Skincare consultations are always free.

#4 FIND A HAT!
The time is nigh! You need a hat.* Something that folds up that you can fit in your purse or bag is ideal. Go find one you like, and NEVER leave it behind from May - September.  You can thank me in 20 years ;). You will avoid so many burns and so much sun damage this way (*In addition to your uva/uvb sunscreen, of course). 

#5 WAX IT.
Smooth as an Easter egg, soft as a cherry blossom, slick as a raincoat! Ladies & Gents, do you have any hair on your spring chicken bod that you would like to be free of? Personally, I don't mind letting it grow for the winter, but in the Spring it feels pretty lovely to de-fuzz. My favorite is the lesser known under-arm wax. It's amazing because it leaves no shadow, for WEEKS.

Images courtesy of flickr and are licensed for commercial reuse