Ask Kitty Magoo: Prepare to Bare!

Dear Kitty,

The weather is finally warmer, but my skin is not ready to be seen! How can I prepare before I bare?

Signed, Crusty in Crandon

Dear Crusty,

As a born-and-raised Wisconsinite, I know all too well how hard the transition to skin-bearing season can be! Lucky for you, I’m something of an expert when it comes to simple and inexpensive ways to prepare to bare your skin for spring.

The best way I can think of to polish up your body is with an exfoliating scrub. Try this recipe from Dina Falconi’s Earthly Bodies & Heavenly Hair — the sea salt removes dead, dry skin and stimulates circulation, while the almond oil softens and moisturizes. Just mix 5 tablespoons of sea salt with 1/2 teaspoon of almond oil, a little water, and 4 drops of any essential oil in a bowl until well combined. Massage into skin and rinse your winter blues away!

With warm weather comes sandal season, but how can you possibly show these rough and scaly feet to the world? Falconi suggests rubbing a rich blend of nutritive oils into cracked skin. Combine 2 oz. of jojoba oil, 2 oz. of avocado oil and 1 oz. of almond oil in a glass bottle with a lid. Cap, shake well and rub 1-2 teaspoons into feet.

When the seasons change, many people struggle with breakouts. To help combat facial freakouts this spring, try this recipe for Sebum Balancing Formula from Naturally Healthy Skin by Stephanie Tourles. Mix 2 tablespoons of almond oil with 4 drops spike lavender, 4 drops eucalyptus, 3 drops blue cypress, and 2 drops lemongrass essential oils in a 1-oz. glass bottle and cap tightly. Gently press 2-4 drops into skin after spritzing with hydrosol or toner. Kept refrigerated, this formula should last about a year.

Meow!