Taking Care of Your Skins Needs
Our skin is the body's largest organ and plays an important part in protecting us from external aggravators and eliminating toxins from the body; and we, in turn, should look after our skin. But we all lead busy lives, and sometimes we neglect our skin; forgetting to take your make-up off before falling into bed, not drinking enough water, neglecting to apply sunscreen, etc., etc. we've all been there!
But just making a few adjustments to your routines and investing in your skin's health, can really pay dividends. And what better time to start, than the beginning of spring!
7 Tips for looking after your skin's health.
1. SPF: We can't express the importance of using a high SPF, enough. While it goes without saying, It is especially important in the warmer months; the sun's rays are still strong enough to cause premature ageing, age spots and melanomas all year round. Apply a high factor facial SPF such as Solar Defence Booster daily and an all over SPF to any exposed areas of skin.
2. Wash your make-up applicators: Brushes and sponges harbour germs and bacteria, and can cause anything from breakouts to allergies. Wash your brushes and sponges at least once a month with a specialised solution or a gentle wash such as baby shampoo and water.
This also applies to fingers; it's pretty obvious but always apply make-up and products with clean hands.
3. Squeaky clean: Spending a little extra time on your cleansing routine can mean the difference between cleansed and clean skin. Using a product such as PreCleanse, before your usual cleanser will help to remove waterproof and stubborn make-up as well as environmental pollutants; which over time, have a direct effect on the skin. Short-term, this can cause sensitivity, allergies and dry skin. In the long term, premature ageing.
Follow your cleansing routine with your recommended toner, to remove any last traces of products.
4. Drink more water: We're all guilty of not drinking enough of the pure stuff, once in awhile. But chronic dehydration can lead to dry skin and fine lines. Water is crucial for detoxing your body, inside and out. Making an effort to drink at least eight glasses of water daily will help to flush out toxins, for brighter, plumper skin. Adding a slice of lemon to your water has extra detoxing effects, as well as adding a hint of flavour.
5. Exfoliation: Exfoliation is vital to remove dulling and dead skin cells. Preparing skin for the absorption of further products and allowing them to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin. Spend 5 minutes dry body brushing before you shower, to get your circulation going, exfoliate and detox your skin. Start at your feet and work upwards, in the direction of your heart, using circular motions. Follow up with an Exfoliating Body Scrub once in the shower.
Using a facial exfoliator such as Daily Microfoliant, gentle enough for use everyday, will have the same effect on your facial skin.
6. Mindful eating: Certain foods are known to have adverse effects on our skin. And while eating the odd chocolate bar won't directly give you acne, too much sugar causes a spike in hormone levels, which in turn may cause inflammation, and excess sebum production. Research also shows that a diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates can accelerate the ageing process. Cutting down on processed foods and adding more natural and antioxidant-rich foods to your diet, such as fruit (no more than two pieces a day) and vegetables, will help to protect skin from the inside and add a healthy glow.
7. Cleansing Bath: Adding Hydro Active Mineral Salts to your bath, will help to detox, exfoliate and smooth skin, as well as soothe aching muscles. Mineral salts, have in some cases, helped to relieve dry skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Look after your skin, and your skin will look after you.