Makin’ Waves: 5 Simple Steps to Becoming Beach-Ready

Our favorite time of the year is here… Spring! For many of us that means Spring Break, Easter festivities and maybe even an upcoming vacation to the beach.

Not quite ready for the beach, you say?! Don’t worry, we’re not quite there yet either. We are, however, working on it and you can as well… with just a few things you can do before burying your toes in the sand.

Here are a few simple steps to help you become beach ready too:

1. Invest in a swimsuit you love and try it on weekly up until your vacation.
Purchasing new swimwear (whether you’re a guy or a gal) is a great way to get both your mind and your body right for your upcoming vacay. And when you keep trying it on every week you are reminding yourself of a few things: not to get carried away at Easter brunch, maybe to consume less alcohol or fewer sugary drinks and maybe even to get back to that exercise routine you may have abandoned after Valentine’s Day (we might also be guilty of this).

2. Start cleaning up your diet.
Most of us attempt to clean up our diets when we cross over to the New Year, but it’s easy to fall back into some of the unhealthful habits we have developed as a result of a hectic work schedule or busy family life. That’s totally okay—It’s never too late to start all over again! By cleaning up your diet now you can definitely start losing some weight (if you’re hoping to shed a few pounds before you leave town), and even getting rid of some of the inflammation caused by the not-so-good-for-you foods we consume or from other environmental factors.

3. Give dry body brushing a try.
Achieving a beautiful bronze tan and a sun-kissed glow can be more attainable than ever if you prep your skin properly… and dry body brushing can do just that! In fact, brushing your body (with the proper brush, of course) is an extremely effective way to get rid of dead skin cells and revitalize your skin. And get this: it can also help with reducing the appearance of cellulite, boosting collagen production, improving your circulation and even promoting lymphatic drainage. If you’ve never tried this ancient Ayurvedic beauty secret, now is the time to start!

4. Invest in a quality moisturizer you can wear before, during and after your getaway to the beach.
The key to having healthy looking skin year round is to make sure you are using a really good lotion, skin cream or body oil ALL YEAR ROUND. We recommend you find one that works best for you based on your individual skin type, and lather it on generously as well as frequently. Also, don’t forget to pack your moisturizer and wear it religiously while you are away from home!

5. Create your own Operation Beach Bum bundle.
This should include everything you need to enjoy the sun, so you can avoid reaping the negative effects from overexposure as much as possible: swimsuit cover-ups, flip flops, beach towels, a big umbrella or tent, lots of sunblock, equipment for building sand castles, plastic baggies to keep your cell phone/lip balms/snacks dry, etc. The more prepared you are to conquer the seashore, the easier it will be to enjoy your vacation.

With these 5 simple steps, you will be well on your way toward being “beach ready.” All you may have to do next (as the famous saying goes) is just add water!

Here’s to a Spring filled with splashing, sun and lots o’ fun!

Rub a Dub: 5 Effective Types of Baby Massage

You know the drill: As soon as you put your little one down, he or she starts screaming… but as soon
as you pick baby back up, he/she is all smiles again! 

If simply cradling your cooing kiddo can be so calming, imagine how he or she can benefit from a full body massage. 

Studies have shown that infant massage may actually reduce fussiness and help them sleep better (what better reason to give it a try, right?!).

Here are 5 types of baby massage our BON Skincare family recommends you try on your bundle of joy:

1. Belly Massage
Place your hands at the level of your baby's navel. In a clockwise motion, rub your fingertips firmly and gently over her tummy in a circular motion. Repeat.

2. Leg Massage
Gently but firmly wrap your hands around your baby's leg and glide your hands down from thigh to ankle. Do this a few times; then repeat on the other leg.

3. Arm Massage
Gently roll your baby's arm between your hands, starting at his shoulder and moving down to his wrist. Repeat two to three times, and then switch to his other arm.

4. Colic-Relief Massage
First give your baby a belly massage. Then bend his knees up to his tummy and hold for about 30 seconds before releasing. Repeat a few times. Then place the edge of one hand on your baby's belly, gliding from the belly button down in a rhythmic pattern, to help release pent-up gas. Repeat if needed.

5. Neck Massage
Support your infant's head and upper body with one hand. Place the thumb of your other hand on one side of her neck and your first two fingers on the other side. Then use your fingertips to gently rub your baby's neck in a circular motion. Repeat these circles a few times.

Massage is a great way for you and your partner to bond with your baby. Using an oil will make it easier for your hands to glide over your sweet angel’s delicate skin to help him/her feel more relaxed. 

While a gentle massage can calm and soothe your baby, the natural oils will nourish their skin. Click Here to learn more about BON Natural Skincare Baby Massage Oil TODAY.

Here’s to smoother skin, fewer colicky cries and maybe even a more restful night’s sleep for everyone at home!
~Your BON Skincare Family