When I was younger, I would fork out a fortune on unnecessary consumables that were obsolete by the end of the season, instead of spending any money on proper skincare products and to be honest I have been fortunate enough to never really needed it. Blessed with clear skin but for some sun damage and hereditary dark circles, I never really needed to put a lot of effort into a skin care regimen. I have had my fair share of nights, passing out with a full face of make up and not thinking twice about it. My secret was to just "cover-up" - I used to just put tons of make up on and hope that I was covering any blemishes or imperfections.
However, I have found that as I get older, keeping my skin healthy from the inside out, is a foremost priority. It might have to do with entering my thirties and understanding that there is no fountain of youth - or if there is I definitely have not found it and I need to actually take care of my aging skin. Now I realise that if I take care of my skin, I don’t actually need all that make up. I just need healthy, glowing skin – which I am a little obsessed with now. A beautiful canvas for the make-up I do still love (but need less of and use for enhancements rather than covering up). I understand now that what you put in is what you will get out. AND – it doesn’t actually have to cost a fortune to look after your skin.
It just takes consistent, healthy habits – which I will be sharing below.
Keep reading for my Holy Grail do’s and dont’s for healthy skin and keep an eye out for an upcoming video series where I will be sharing my own skincare regime and product reviews.
MY GOLDEN RULE
Do: Make sure you always, ALWAYS remove your makeup before you sleep. Our skin needs to breathe while we sleep and makeup prevents this, clogging the pores which may cause blemishes and/or blackheads. An easy solve if you don’t have make-up remover is to use a safe oil based substance such as baby oil or olive oil. Use a cotton pad and gently massage the oil onto your face to get rid of the makeup and dirt.
Don’t: Forget that exfoliation is indispensable. At least once a week, exfoliate your skin to remove the layers of dead skin, sure to leave you with a healthier glow and brighter skin. An easy solve if you don’t have an exfoliating cleanser on hand, is to make your own with granulated sugar or turmeric.
Protect your skin
Do: Apply sunblock with a high SPF of at least 15 that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Sun exposure can cause wrinkles, age spots and other skin problems. I never leave home without sunscreen. Make sure the label reads ‘noncomedogenic’ or ‘nonacnegenic’ so that the product does not tend to block pores.
Don’t: Skip the sunscreen, whether it's overcast or cold outside (no excuses). If you’re heading to a beach, lather your skin up with some more sunscreen with SPF of at least 30.
Eat well and be well
Do: Eat fresh fruits, greens, sufficient protein and vitamins. A diet rich in vitamin C and low in fats and sugar promotes radiant skin. Drink lots of water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside. Spices like turmeric also have amazing health benefits. (I will be sharing a few of my go-to home-made masks in an upcoming post).
Don’t: Eat too much salty foods and try to avoid sugar or excessive amounts of alcohol and caffeine which can cause dehydration and premature aging. Sugar has two major effects on skin—it activates inflammation and binds to the collagen to make the skin stiff. Processed sugar can eventually cause long-term damage because of chronic inflammation.
Hydrate
Do: Drink lots of water daily, at least 6 glasses if not more. Also, eats fruits and vegetables that have a high water content such as watermelon, cucumber, orange and grapefruit and cantaloupe. A tip to try increase your water intake is to get a cute bottle (like the ones from Typo) – it might seem silly but it really works as it motivates you to pick it up more often! You can also measure how much you are drinking this way.
Don’t: Drink fizzy or sugary drinks. As mentioned above, you should try avoid sugar as this causes inflammation to the skin – as well as acne if in high excess as this is stored in the skin.
Routine
Do: Have a regular skin care regimen. It’s really important that you give your skin TLC. Taking good care of your skin health daily will save you money in the long run. Skin problems like deep wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, acne scarring, or other skin issues can be prevented with a daily skin care routine. Cleanse, exfoliate, tone, and moisturise. When you exfoliate, moisture is removed from the skin, which is why this should be limited to once or twice a week only and followed by a hydrating mask - put back in what you took out!
Don’t: Forget to pamper yourself. This will result in beautiful skin and a relaxed you. The soul gets some TLC too. Also, never drag the skin down – dab your skin dry with a soft towel and apply moisturiser in an upward motion and when using a toner swipe in circular motions upwards to avoid dragging the skin downward. We don't need to help gravity with that!
Beauty Sleep
Do: Try to sleep at least 7 to 8 hours every night. If you don’t get enough shut eye, your skin gets tired just like you - it sags and you get bags (and dark circles). So don’t risk it, it’s not worth it.
Don’t: Forget to wash and moisturise your face before going to bed. Apply lots of moisturiser, and avoid very hot water as it dries out the skin excessively.
Sweat It Out!
Do: Exercise regularly. Running, jogging and yoga will give your body the necessary blood circulation, and also accelerate the cleansing process of your entire body. You will notice a glow on your face after working out. Even a brisk walk around the block will do wonders! (with mental clarity and energy too)
Don’t: Skip skincare before and after a workout. When you work out, your pores and sweat glands open up in order to cool down your body—wearing make up can block your pores and glands, hindering your skin's ability to breathe, which in turn can result in breakouts, blackheads and skin irritation. Apply a toner to help minimize oil production before heading out. Cleanse/exfoliate after, and then moisturise the skin.
Healthy Habits
Do: Take out time for yourself, and try to avoid stress as much as possible (I know easier said than done in the times we live in). But when you are stressed, you tend to break out more. This is because stress causes your body to produce cortisol and other hormones, making the skin oilier. Practice stress management techniques like breathing exercises, yoga and meditation. The more you meditate, the more you radiate. Mantra!
Don’t: Neglect your jawline and facial muscles. Have you tried face yoga? You should! For just 5 minutes a day, perform a few facial exercises. You can jut out your lower lip in such a way that wrinkles are created on the chin, then lower your chin to your chest. Another exercise that works wonders is to look up towards the ceiling and pout. It stretches out the muscles making the skin more firm. Did I say there wasn’t a fountain of youth?!
I don't know about you, but everything in life seems so much better when I have glowing skin. I really believe that if you follow the above rituals, you will see results and be radiating like the Goddess you are!
I will be posting a few videos in upcoming posts to take you through my skincare routine as well as some product reviews but for now, read below for some quick tips and tricks that I follow to maintain healthy skin.
Some quick tips & tricks
Dap/tap face dry.
Dap/Tap on products (don't rub).
Upward motions, never downward.
Morning = cold water.
Evening = lukewarm water (never hot).
H2o +++
Avoid sugar.
Limit caffeine.
Exfoliate and mask up at least once or twice a week.
Take collagen supplements and vitamin C.
Use hydrating skincare products - moisturise, moisturise, moisturise!
Mositurising - this also applies when you have an oily skin type. The reason that the skin excretes oil is because it is dehydrated. The key is to use products that a re non-greasy but packed with moisture and drinks lots of water.
Morning routine
Cleanser
Toner
Eye cream (brightening)
Serum
Moisturiser
Sunblock (SPF 50)
Night routine
Cleanser
Toner
Eye cream (Anti-puffiness)
Serum
Moisturiser
PSA: I am in no way an expert and the above is not intended as medical advice and should not be substituted for a medical opinion. The above tips are based on my personal experience and what works for me however everyone is different and all skin is different. Should you have a serious skin concern, please contact a dermatologist and seek medical advice.
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