We’re in a new era where we embrace our growth and don’t shy away from showing off the years we’ve lived. But that doesn’t mean we can’t work towards having a healthy skin, one that stays resilient in times of stress and hardship, and inevitably prevents us from looking our best. Like our skin, the usage from our beloved bags can also wear them out, and can show signs of aging. There are a few things we can all do to keep our skin - and bags - healthy, and by following these steps, you’re sure to go a long way.
Cleanse
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Skin
Not only will a mental cleansing allow you to be your healthiest self, using a gentle cleanser can remove oil and bacteria from your pores. Using one that is not harsh and suits your skin is key. Start from the mildest cleanser if you’re just starting this skincare routine.
Bag
For calf leather, use a gentle leather cleaner, and a soft damp cloth to remove dirt. Avoid wax or silicone products as they can damage the bag. For suede, use a suede-cleaning block (gently!) to refresh your bag. Make sure to slowly and softly cleanse the surface for both types.
Exfoliate
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Skin
This step relies heavily on step one. A cleanser exfoliates on a less deep level, but if your skin is extremely sensitive, it’s best to skip this step entirely. However, a very gentle exfoliator can improve the texture of your skin by getting rid of dead cells on the skin’s surface.
Bag
Sometimes our bags can be met with stains. For soft stains, a gentle soap can be used to easily remove surface-level bacteria that can damage MDLR products if they are built up.
Moisturize + hyaluronic acid
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Skin
Is this any surprise? Keeping your skin well hydrated can keep it looking supple and minimizes signs of aging. Take it a step further by locking your moisturizer with hyaluronic acid to prevent the moisture from leaving your skin’s barrier.
Bag
Our water repellent and absorbent material keep your bags safe from water. But, using protective sprays to prevent water stains can make your bag last a long time.
Retinol
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Skin
Another popular ingredient that skincare experts are raving about. Retinol is a natural chemical found in our skin that turns over skin cells. As we age, the frequency of turnover lessens, paving the way for our skin to be damaged. A retinol serum can assist in maintaining the frequency of cell turnover and is your best friend. Use it a few times a week and you will see great results. Make sure to start with a low dosage and work your way up to prevent any further damage to your skin.
Bag
Although we would not recommend routinely trying to put any sort of retinol on your bag, sometimes things get stained! Fear not, any deep stains can be taken out in one of two ways. First, use the suede-cleaning block for suede textures; re-use them as much as needed, ensuring that you’re not rubbing on the material too hard to damage it. For oil stains, use rubbing talcum powder. Leave on for several hours and then brush it off. Repeat if necessary!
Protect, Protect, Protect
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Skin
By now you should’ve heard the importance of sunscreen, even in the harshest of winters when the only thing you can see are clouds. But the all important debate about whether you should re-apply sunscreen throughout the day is settled: you must! Re-applying sunscreen at least three times a day will keep your skin protected from harsh sun rays. Check out our article on sunscreens to see which chemical-free formulas are best for you.
Bag
By now you should know that protective spray is your bag’s best friend. But, we would still recommend keeping the bags out of the sun, especially if it’s strong. This will keep your bag happy and live for a long time!
In Summary...
Our bags are a reflection of ourselves. Taking care of your things should also extend to taking care of yourself. Sometimes things can get tricky, so reach out to info@mariedelaroche.com for personalized information regarding any bag-related questions you may have!