I’ve heard it’s almost spring although here in the PNW it feels quite wintry with a low of 32 degrees this morning. But I will say, that for the first time this year I’m feeling a little spring in my step! Flowers are coming up, birds are chirping and I’ve seen so many Hummingbirds recently!

I’ve had a number of reader questions regarding my morning routine, skin care, and home devises for skin rejuvenation so I thought trying to summarize the basics might be helpful. Besides running Lemon Grove Lane, I am a Licensed Medical Aesthetician with decades of experience. These questions come up all the time. There are always new options for products and treatments. Here are my favorites and trends for 2025.

Morning

In the morning I pull up my shades and open the window (just a few minutes) while I make my bed. Next I’m splash my face with cold water, use my tongue scraper, and brush my teeth. Here are my favorite products for good oral hygiene.

Although I don’t meditate in a traditional sense, I do put on Spotify and listen to a meditation APP or put on music. If I can remember, I turn on my diffuser and roll Stress Release on my pulse points.

Next is my beauty water ;) Water, lemon, electolytes, and vitamin C. I’ve been using the Cymbiotica brand and really like their Liposomal Vit C. I add it to my water in the morning or take it to the office for later.

Reader Question: Skin care

This question is one I answer almost daily. “How can I keep my skin looking youthful without going into a plastic surgery or derm office” ..

Most of us would like to avoid invasive facial procedures and to age gracefully, myself included. With so much information available it’s difficult at times to figure out what to do. Here are a few suggestions that will hopefully help.

The Basics

1. If you aren’t wearing sunscreen daily (year round) you might as well forget about most of this. Yes, sad but true. UVA/UVB is damaging and when you get tha glowy tan, what you are seeing is the result of UVA damage to your skin. This causes premature aging – fine lines and wrinkles, damages the collagen and elastin in the skin and creates free radicals. Check here for sun protection favorites. May I suggest SELF TANNING as an option? There are some great options and I use tanner all the time. Here are my favorites.
2. Exfoliation: This is important to do at least a few times a week. Avoid scrubs and try gentle exfoliating products like an enzyme cleanser (also love this brand!) or glycolic acid topicals.
3. A Retinol. Once you reach your mid-20’s you stop making collagen and loose 1% of your collagen every year. This reduction leads to fine lines, reduced firmness and uneven texture over time. Retinoids are a class of products that can help reverse these visible signs of aging. Contrary to what you might think retinoids will not thin out your skin. In fact when used as recommended, retinoids boost collagen, helping to thicken the outer layer of skin resulting in improved skin tone and texture. Over the counter retinols are generally more mild than prescription varieties. Barefaced Retinol and Oak Essentials retinol are both gentle and for most, easily tolerated. I apply the retinol first, moisturize, and add the moisture rich balm from Oak Essentials if I’m feeling dry. I also like the Luminous Body Lotion . It’s so good and the perfect gift idea for Mom or a girlfriend. I also want to share RoC Retinol (save vs. splurge) as another option. I haven’t tried it I’ve heard good things about it. Retinols are best used at night.
4. Vitamin C. Very important for collagen production as well and can also help reduce the appearance of sun spots. Vit C is a free radical scavenger, helping to neutralize the damaging free radicals your skin comes in contact with. This product should go on first, after skin is clean and dry. Followed by your moisturizer and then sunscreen. Not Vit C is created equal – it’s very unstable so stick with reputable brands. I’ve listed a few of my favorites here.
5. At home devices to stimulate collagen. Here’s the big one! For years at home devices haven’t been worth the time and money spent. The FDA has approved Current Body LED light therapy as an effective therapy to increase collagen and reduce inflammation in the skin. I personally use this device and recommend it to all my patients that need more affordable options for skin rejuvenation. FYI – laser and tightening treatments usually start around $1,000 so this can be a good option for many. Not all RED light therapy is effective though so be careful what you buy. Red light should be 630 -660 nm and NIR infrared light should be (820-840 nm). The FDA has approved this device and states is safe for at-home use. Best part! I have a discount code – Use LEMONGROVE at checkout!

Spring forward with new makeup

Typology is new to me and I love it! If you prefer a less is more look, I think you will like this line. It’s not too pricey and goes on like skin treatment rather than make up. The products are hydrating and light weight allowing you the option to layer for extra color or coverage. This line is perfect for springtime!

Hope this was helpful!

xxLeslie

LME, Master Esthetician