Healthy, glowing, supple skin demonstrates the pinnacle of health. You know that natural glow I’m talking about, the type that turns heads and gets people talking. If you want supple, self-repairing and elastic skin, that turns heads and get you questions about what you use, then read on for the skincare rules that will change your skincare routine forever.
Reduce Hot Showers and Baths
The skin naturally produces healthy oils that keep it elastic and moisturised. Long, hot showers or hot baths will wash away these healthy oils. Without the natural oils present to seal in moisture, the skin then begins to present as dry.
Dry skin can lead to a host of problems including cracking, easily bruising, and more serious conditions such as atopic dermatitis.
Switch up your showering routine, have a cold shower sometimes, it not only positively shocks the skin, it wakes up the brain and stimulates the immune system.
Limit Shaving
Shaving damages the top layer of your skin, which stops it from being able to lock in moisture.
When this protective top layer is damaged and overly stressed, your skin will begin to dry out and cause other issues.
It becomes more vulnerable to outside irritations and can lead to excess acne or flakiness.
Most hair removal techniques will cause this damage, however, because you shave more often, it tends to cause more damage than waxing or epilating as those are done less frequently.
Cleanse Your Skin at Night
Moisturising the skin in the morning after waking up is important because you prepare it for a full day of exposure to the elements. However, even more important is cleansing your skin at night.
As you go about your day, you may not notice, but dust, dirt, pollutants and toxins are all gathering on your skin. Think of what your car looks like the day after you wash it.
At the end of each day, washing all of this gunk off (including makeup), will help your skin breathe better and allow it to regenerate itself better as you sleep.
Keep Your Skincare Routine Simple
Less is more. It’s a simple but powerful statement especially when it comes to caring for your skin. Whilst it’s important to have a routine, it’s just as important that it doesn’t cause more harm than intended.
Your routine should have 2 elements, cleansing and moisturising; that’s it. Cleanse to get rid of dirt, debris, bacteria, dead skin cells etc, and moisturise to protect the skin whilst it replenishes some of the natural protection that was washed away in cleaning.
I’ve seen and tried routines that have many, many steps. I was left flustered and not wanting to try again because it’s too much.
I write alot about leaving your hair alone because over manipulation can cause damage, it is very similar for the skin. You don’t need a 7 step morning routine nor a 10 step nighttime routine. Keep it simple.
A good nighttime moisture routine will also help your skin not work so hard to stay supple. I love my night time facial oil, my skin feels radiant when I get up in the morning.
Keep Your Skincare Tools Clean
It’s easy to overlook the biggest culprit when it comes to our skincare routine, your tools.
If you use makeup brushes, tweezers, sponges or other items that are constantly in contact with your skin, then you need to keep these tools clean.
It is easy to transfer germs and bacteria from a dirty tool onto our face which can lead to skin breakouts.
Wash your brushes at least once per week with hot soapy water and let them air dry completely before your next use. Tweezers and other stainless steel items can be washed with soapy water and sterilised with rubbing alcohol.
Manage Your Stress
Some stress, especially in western countries, is part and parcel of everyday life. How you deal with stress and the amount of stress you take on or hold in is a totally different matter.
Stress shows through in many areas of the body and your skin is no exception.
Stress is mental so it makes sense to do things that will keep your mind off whatever is causing you stress; such as going for a long walk, dancing, listening to upbeat music, cozying up in the sofa and engulfing yourself in that novel you’ve been putting off or stretching out on your yoga mat.
Get More Sleep
You’ve heard it before and I’m saying it again. Get more sleep. As a business woman and mother I am dragged in many directions, which means I don’t always get enough sleep.
The entire body’s ability to function at its best is dependent on our sleeping habits. Different cycles happen throughout the body whilst you sleep, that helps regenerate it. This is why it is said that getting 7-8 hours of sleep every night is optimum for your health.
Sleep helps manage stress levels too, and as we have stated, stress is another big factor in the health and quality of your skin.
Drink More Water To Hydrate Your Skin
Water is not only amazing for flushing toxins and making the move in the body more easily, it also helps keep up the elasticity of your skin from the inside.
It is nice to apply lotions and oils to the skin to encourage moisturization from the outside. Still, not enough water in your system will make external moisturising seem ineffective.
Consuming more water contributes to less skin scarring, fewer wrinkles over time, and even minimising the soft lines that appear as we age.
Eat More Greens
Having a balanced diet is directly related to the quality of your skin. It plays into your skin’s ability to repair itself and keeps you looking youthful and rejuvenated over time.
Green vegetables are filled with antioxidants such as chlorophyll, Vitamins C, B, phytonutrients and minerals. All of which are highly valuable to the skin.
If you’re not a fan of eating greens, another option is a daily green shot. Include veggies such as spinach, kale, cucumber, ginger (i know it’s not green but it adds flavour), chlorophyll powder and green apples.
Make it simple, one concentrated shot daily will do a fantastic job of keeping your skin supple.
Keep Your Skincare Routine Simple
Less is more. It’s a simple but powerful statement especially when it comes to caring for your skin. Whilst it’s important to have a routine, it’s just as important that it doesn’t cause more harm than intended.
Your routine should have 2 elements, cleansing and moisturising; that’s it. Cleanse to get rid of dirt, debris, bacteria, dead skin cells etc, and moisturise to protect the skin whilst it replenishes some of the natural protection that was washed away in cleaning.
I’ve seen and tried routines that have many, many steps. I was left flustered and not wanting to try again because it’s too much.
I write a lot about leaving your hair alone because over manipulation can cause damage, it is very similar for the skin. You don’t need a 7 step morning routine nor a 10 step nighttime routine. Keep it simple.
Greatness does not happen overnight, it takes planning, dedication and consistency. Create a routine that works for your lifestyle and watch your skin transform.
I am here for the updates and the routines if you feel inclined to share. Let me know in the comments your favourite takeaway and visit the site often for more updates.
Until next time,
Be Well x