In 2021: embrace more zen. Living a zen life can mean something different to each of us- maybe for you it means setting a daily time to practice self-care, taking on a new nutrition plan, doing your morning yoga, or simply having a clearer outlook of life to live every moment to its fullest. Whatever you practice to bring more zen into your life, don’t forget your skin. In fact, its our bodies largest organ and embracing zen for your skin should be a priority on all of our lists.

Why does an a good skin care routine matter?

Keeping your skin healthy and happy is so important. Our skin works very hard every day to protect our body from harmful external influences, which is why taking care of our skin and creating a good routine for it is so important. The better we take care of our skin, the longer it will have a beautiful and healthy appearance. Including a skin care routine in your healthy daily habits makes for an overall “zen life” and when you look good, you feel good!

What are they 8-steps?

 

Step 1: Cleanse

The most important step in your skincare routine to remove impurities, such as dead skin cells, makeup and excess oil. Use your cleanser of choice, twice daily both AM & PM. Depending on the season (and of course your skin concerns) we often recommend to use a lighter cleanser in the AM such as the Flowers Cleansing Mousse, which helps balance oil production throughout the day. Then, using a richer, oil-based cleansing balm at night, such as the Flowers Cleansing Balm to melt away the day’s make-up and grime, without stripping skin, leaving it pleasantly hydrated overnight.

 

Step 2: Exfoliate (weekly)

An important weekly (or at most 2x per weekly) solution to effectively but gently shed dead skin, unclog the pores and prep skin so the following products can penetrate better. Our go-to for all skin types is a mechanical exfoliant, the Seeds & Flowers Exfoliant with organic Turmeric and Diatomaceous Earth. An AHA-based (glycolic acid) exfoliant option is the Phyto-Peeling Gel which can be applied and left on the skin for 3 minutes before removing, for instantly tighter pores, brighter and smoothed skin.

 

Step 3: Tone

Often bypassed, but so very important, a toner is used directly after cleansing to supply a quick surge of hydration and remove all of the excess debris leftover on the skin and balancing its pH.  The Flowers Rain Tonic is such a refreshing way to finish your cleanse. It also contains a natural anti-pollution complex to protect skin from the environment throughout the day.

 

Step 4: Balance with a Prebiotic/Probiotic

This step takes your routine to a next level. Prebiotics & probiotics when used topically balance the skin’s microbiome. Microbiome = all of the billions of microorganisms that reside on the skin’s surface (mostly harmless bacteria to protect our skin ie: the skin’s immune system). The combination will strengthen and protect the skin’s barrier and feed nutrients to the healthy bacteria to fight off the bad, meaning no matter your skin type or skin concerns this step is vital to effectively balance YOUR SKIN, for a beautiful and healthy complexion. Use the Prebiotic + Probiotic Hydration Serum.

 

Step 5: Serum

Formulated with a higher concentration of active ingredients, they are a lighter-weight (water-based) then your moisturizer which means you apply it under your moisturizer. Serums target specific concerns such as lines & wrinkles or hyperpigmentation and their consistencies range from very light water-like essences, to gels and even oils. A fabulous total anti-aging serum to target wrinkles, dark spots and loss of firmness is the Precious Concentrate. If dullness and pigmentation/dark spots are what you want to target, we recommend the Sublime Brightening Serum.

 

Step 6: Boost with a Precious Elixir

Used like a serum, but made from 100% pure plant oils (facial oil), they stimulate and rebalance the skin’s metabolism, providing the skin cells with the right nutrients. And, it will boost your moisturizer’s performance. All it takes is 2-3 drops, every AM & PM and there are 5 to choose from depending on your skin concern. Shop all 5 Precious Elixirs.

 

Step 7: Eye care

 

Apply an eye cream twice daily every AM & PM to keep your eye contour youthful and to transform weary, parched or weathered eyes. Our 7 Chinese Plants Eye Contour Ointment is a great maintenance cream to prevent and reduce crow's feet, puffiness and dark circles. If you are ready to amp it up, the Geto Supreme Eye & Lip Contour contains the miracle anti-aging ingredient, Organic Géto extract from Okinawa, Japan and 75% of users confirm it reduced lines and wrinkles after 4 weeks.

 

Step 8: Moisturize and SPF

 

Moisturizers are the key to overall skin-health to keep it hydrated, nourished and happy. Apply your moisturizer twice daily, every AM & PM –in the daytime always follow with a SPF to protect your skin from the sun. A cult-favorite moisturizer we always recommend for normal skin is the Rich Cream of Youth, which contains two natural anti-wrinkle ingredients for an instant plumping, tightening and lifting effect.  If you have mature skin, the bet options would be the Precious Day Cream or the Infinity Cream if hydration is a concern too.

 

We are wishing you all a year full of zen. Please reach out at any time for personalized skin advice so we can help you start your year off right.