Model Karolina Kurkova is a woman after our own hearts–at least when it comes to skincare (one of our favorite topics around here!). Like us Dumplings, Kurkova finds that no time put into one’s skin is wasted time. As she told Into the Gloss,
“For me, beauty is a lot about the skin. Having great skin, that radiance, comes from taking care of yourself. I also think that being in sports—I was a professional gymnast from age six to 13—I’ve learned that nothing comes for free. Everything is about the effort you put in. So, I’m very disciplined with what I put on my skin. I’m all about good exfoliation, steamers. I love acupuncture, a good massage, and a good facial.”
Although not all of Kurkova’s skincare standbys are accessible to everyone (few of us can walk down the street and have a blood facial, for example), some of her best skincare strategies are doable (yay!). The following are of some of the model’s secrets for maintaining her clear, luminescent skin.
Karolina Kurkova’s Full-Body Routine
When it comes to full-body care, Kurkova is a fan of dry brushing. “It’s so good for circulation, cell life, and skin quality.” Dry brushing is certainly worth trying if you’re looking for a way to exfoliate your body from head to toe, aid lymphatic drainage (depuff), and feel more alert in mere minutes. Here’s the scoop on dry brushing and how to integrate it into your skincare routine.
goop dry brush made with natural sisal
Karolina Kurkova’s Favorite Skincare Products
Kurkova’s skincare secret weapon hails from France and is a bit of a cult favorite: “P50 Lotion from Biologique Recherche was such a big game changer for me because my skin tends to be dry and sensitive. It’s a purifier and exfoliator, so I do it every day, and it balances your pH. At first it’s pretty scary—I got all red, and I freaked out. I’ve learned that’s normal for your first time. You have to do it for a while until your pH gets balanced, and then you don’t get red anymore. Really, that just makes my skin so smooth, like a baby.”
Kurkova is no stranger to the philosophy that healthy skin is maintained by the perfectly balanced cleansing regimen.”I’m all about really keeping your skin nice and clean. I’ve been using the Biologique Recherche Cleansing Milk at night because it doesn’t strip your natural oils, and it’s really moisturizing and gentle. But then also at night, I use the Equal Beauty Cleansing Cloth because it’s got little bumps to take makeup off.”
“If I feel like I’m starting to break out,” she explains, “or the makeup didn’t react to my skin well, then I like to use the Exfoliating Cleanser from Cosmedix because it has tea tree oil. It’s balancing and anti-inflammatory, so it gets inflammation down and kills [acne] bacteria.”
Karolina Kurkova’s Enzyme Facial
Kurkova’s favorite facialist knows the ins-and-outs of the model’s skin and helps her stay radiant by applying a blueberry enzyme and probiotic mask to Kurkova’s skin. While probiotics are best known as the “good bacteria” that we ingest with our fermented foods (and sometimes supplements), applying healthy bacteria to skin is associated with reduced inflammation and breakouts. Meanwhile, blueberries are packed with antioxidants, and the enzymes in blueberries can help gently exfoliate skin. Fortunately, you don’t have to have an elite facialist on speed-dial. The following DIY blueberry-probiotic enzyme mask inspired by Karolina Kurkova will get you glowing in 15 minutes!
Ingredients
1 handful of fresh organic blueberries
1 tablespoon unsweetened, unflavored organic coconut yogurt
Directions
In a small bowl, mash blueberries and combine with yogurt. Apply to clean skin using small circular motions to stimulate circulation; allow mixture to sit for 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water and follow with your favorite serum and moisturizer. (Leftovers may be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.)
Pro Tip
Feel a breakout coming on? Whip out your yogurt for this genius zip-zapping protocol.
Have you tried any of Karolina Kurkova’s tried-and-true skincare tips?
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Photo: Respective brands, Karolian Kurkova via Instagram
