Keep it Simple!
Keep your skincare routine simple. Don’t overload on products. And when you do add a new product, do it gradually so your skin has time to adjust. Each skincare or makeup product has an average of 20 to 40 ingredients so you are introducing 20 to 40 potential allergens to your face every time you try something new. Don’t overcomplicate things as your skincare regime should be simple, easy and fuss-free so that it is easy to stick to.
Double Cleanse
Cleansing is the most important part of your skincare routine. It is especially important to cleanse the skin twice in the evening as the first cleanse is to remove your makeup, dirt, dust and debris from the skin. The second cleanse is what really deep cleans your skin.
Topical Antioxidants
Did you know that over 90% of the signs of aging are caused by free radical damage? Your skin is constantly exposed to potential sources of free radical damage such as UV radiation, sun exposure, ozone in air pollution, irritating synthetic chemicals in personal care products that can cause inflammation and harsh chemicals in acne treatment products. Topical antioxidants play an important role in your skincare routine as they repair past damage, help to prevent future damage, promote healthy ageing, help to fight the visible signs of accelerated ageing, and offer a sophisticated army of protection for your skin, that neutralise free radicals and therefore reduces oxidative stress. The outcome – your skin becomes younger looking, healthier, more luminous and happier. But be careful choosing skincare packed with antioxidants, as antioxidants lose their power when exposed to light and air and are sometimes added to products at insignificant levels!
Exfoliation
The correct type of exfoliation can lead to visibly brighter, healthier and younger looking skin and enhance the effects of your other skin treatments. If you are using expensive anti-ageing or treatment serums you can be wasting some cash! The best way to get younger looking skin, reduce or remove skin damage like acne scars or sun damage or redness, is to apply your treatment products straight onto your freshly polished buffed skin. So regular exfoliation not only gently buffs your skin into perfection, but also ensures the rest of your skincare arsenal can work really hard to delivery optimum skincare benefits.
Tapotement
Show your skin a little TLC with ‘Tapotement’. This is a facial massage technique that instantly lifts and rejuvenates the skin and leaves a tingly and refreshing sensation. When you apply your facial serum or oil, simply tap gently on your skin, focusing on areas that show signs premature ageing such as the forehead, for 30 to 60 seconds. This stimulates the blood circulation to the skin and reveals a glowing, radiant complexion.
Sleep
Your skin repairs itself while you sleep, so if you don’t get enough of it, it will show – in the form of a pale, ashy skin tone and more pronounced wrinkles and under eye circles. Shoot for 7 – 8 hours a night. Our skin regenerates between the hours of 10pm and 2am, so ensuring that you have completed your skincare regime by this time is essential if you want to get the best out of your products. For best results, sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase.
Hydration
This is one of the oldest tricks in the book, but drinking enough water is essential for good skin health. I recommend drinking around 500mls to support healthy skin function and to restore clarity to the complexion. Keeping your fluid levels topped up will help to flush out toxins from the body that could lead to inflammation and break outs. Staying hydrated inside also helps to keep your skin looking dewy on the outside, and prevents dry, flakey patches from forming.