Achieve beautiful glowing skin in time for the forthcoming party dress season!

As the nights draw in and we turn up the central heating, our skin naturally starts to suffer, lack lustre and loose that ’feel good’ glow!  Also in the winter lessened activity as we head for the TV and couch on those cold, dark evenings!  Our skin gets generally sluggish, which minimises the brightening skin benefits of  a summertime good all round circulation.  With the party season drawing near, the sudden ‘glam fix’ required for that little black christmas number can leave you feeling less than ’skin fanatastic’!  So what does one do?

Follow my five fabulous skin ‘pick me up’ and maintenance tips below and be the belle of the ball right the way through to New Year!

Tip 1 - ‘Get Brushing’!!!

Body Brushing is a simple but effective way to boost your natural circulation, which in turn speeds up cell turnover and renewal.  This basically results in clearer, smoother and fresher looking skin.  At the same time a boosted circulation enables maximum effectiveness of your bodys natural ‘waste disposal system’ - your lymphatics to break down toxins which can cause puffiness, sallowness and in some areas build up of fatty tissue other wise known as ’sponginess’ or the dreaded cellulite!

 Tip 2 - So whats the best type of brush to use?

You do not need to spend the earth on these, the bathshop area of your local department store should stock loofah and spa accessories.  Otherwise try your local pharmacy or beauty centre, salon, or spa.  The best ones are made of naturally sourced bristles, and wood from sustainable sources.  For recommendations please see the foot of this article. Brushes can last for years if you look after them, wash after use in warm soapy water, and leave out to dry naturally.

 Tip 3 - Where do I start?

Always start brushing from the feet upwards, working with the natural contours of the body, and most importantly in the direction of the natural blood flow always towards the heart.  Never againgst!  This will ensure maximum comfort throughout the treatment, and ensure the best results.

Tip 4 - How much pressure do I use?

This will vary from person to person, initially you may like to keep the pressure quite light until you get use to the feel of the brush.  On subsequent treatments you can up the pressure slightly.  Do not be too over zealous on your first couple of treatments as the skin can come up red in certain areas, particulary around the decolette area - the skin here is naturally more sensitive.  This reaction is perfectly normal, in fact a pinkish appearance in the skin is quite normal as the brush stimulates the circulation, and draws blood closer to the skins surface.  This is a sign that the treatment is working, and the heightened colour will soon subside after treatment.

Tip 5 - When should I body brush?

This again is quite personal and will vary.  Some people enjoy body brushing so much that they do it every day!  The best time is either on dry skin prior to showering followed by your favourite exfoliating treat - for extra skin conditioning benefits.  Or I personally like to apply some ‘energising’ in the morning or ‘calming’ at night toning/conditioning massage body oil onto damp skin after a bath or shower.  I then body brush until the oil is mostly absorbed into the skin.  This certainly ensures that the moistursing, and sensory therapy effects of the oil are experienced at their maximum.  Resulting in an intensive luxury treatment suitable for use up to three times a week.  Dry skin brushing can be done every day, and is best done in the morning - physically and mentally it will ensure that you wake up after feeling energised!  This should take five minutes out of your everyday morning routine.  Try for a month and see the difference:

• Smoother skin
• Clearer skin
• Tighter skin
• Reduced puffiness
• Slimmer feel

So ladies, get brushing and get sexy for the festive season!

Take it a step further…

If you find body brushing awkward to do yourself or would like to enjoy an intenser type of treatment, contact a local massage therapist.  Most would be happy to do an all over body massage with the brush.  A great stress reliever, and also soothing for aching muscles after the gym!

For more information on body brushes and related spa accessories see:

www.urbanspauk.com - information site only but UK stockists list featured.

Lastly:

5 Fabulous Party Tips :

• Dont leave things to the last minute try and paint nails the night/day before.
• Do pluck your eyebrows but not an hour before!  Try and do these a day or so prior to the day so any redness has time to go down!
• Apply fake tan on the morning of the day of the party, that way you can shower away in the evening before you go any tell tale smell!
• Always have a light meal before you go as you never know what the food will be like there.  That way your stomach is well lined before the alcohol to come!
• Drink wise alternate alcoholic ones with a glass of water here and there. Alcohol is very dehydrating, and keeping your water intake up will help keep your skin ‘tip top’! and also reduce the painful hangover thats to come!

Drink wisely, and stay safe, roll on December! Ho, ho, ho!