1. PICK PRODUCTS – THAT WORK
Make sure your day-to-night regime is not only moisturising but promotes skin renewal to delay the first signs of ageing. Try adding an essence lotion into your routine between your cleanser and serum steps. Essence lotions add a micro-light layer of moisture while preparing and activating the skin for what’s to follow.
2. BOOST YOUR BEAUTY SLEEP
The importance of beauty sleep isn’t a myth, ‘catabolysis’ or purification of your skin cells is most active when you’re in deep sleep mode. You can also help replenish your complexion overnight with clever skincare.
3. PRACTICE SAFE SUN – EVEN IN WINTER
While most of us change our skincare routines seasonally, SPF should be mandatory whatever the weather. It’s thought that up to 80% of the sun’s rays can penetrate clouds. Sunscreen can not only prevent potential skin cancers, but it slows down the ageing process. It’s a no-brainer.
4. CLEAN YOUR PHONE
Your mobile is regularly touching your face, so keep it clean. A recent study revealed that 92% of tested phones had bacteria on them, with 16% harbouring E. coli (that’s faecal bacteria, fyi), so remember to apply the same principles to your phone as you would your hands and cleanse it with some antibacterial wipes or spray on a cloth.
5. STOP TOUCHING YOUR FACE
We all touch our face more than we realise, but not only does this subconscious habit ruin our makeup, it spreads germs and can worsen and aggravate skin conditions like acne, eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. Plus, frequently fiddling with the eye area can decrease the elasticity of the thin skin there causing broken blood vessels which enhances the appearance of bags. Not pretty.
6. DRINK YOUR GREENS
From the purifying chlorophyll in leafy green veggies to the damage-delaying antioxidants in richly pigmented berries, vegetables and fruit help boost your skin’s collagen production and radiance no end. To ensure you get your daily dose, juice them and blend them into smoothies and soups.
7. EAT YOUR WATER
In the winter skin calls for extra hydration (especially post-party season), but if you find it hard to drink eight cups a day, remember you can also eat your water. Raw fruits, salad and veg contain ‘structured water’, which can help you stay hydrated for longer.
8. GIVE UP THE TOXINS
Your skin health is another reason to ditch the cigarettes, caffeine and excess salt and refined sugar this New Year. Overloading your body with toxins can cause dehydration and inflammation in the skin, plus a breakdown in collagen which keeps skin bouncy.
9. WORKOUT YOUR FACE MORE
Your face needs to move to stay youthful, so forget the Botox and incorporate manual massage into your regime. Your skin tone will visibly improve from massage, which boosts the circulation and stimulates drainage to reduce puffiness and wrinkles. A more toned face awaits.
