How to have radiant and young looking skin
Let’s face it, do we ever stop wanting hydrated, radiant and young looking skin? I think not. Whether it’s winter, spring or summer – whether we’ve eaten like pigs, drunk like fish and watched far too much TV; or dieted, detoxified and been to the gym when we look in the mirror it never goes away. Ways to keep our skin hydrated and radiant and how to stop the visible signs of ageing are usually high on our agenda. As the weather plays havoc on our health – our hands, lips, legs, faces and moods all suffer if not cared for properly. With this in mind, I’ve put together a few tips to keep you looking and feeling as glamorous as you can right now.
1. Cleanse
Soaps, harsh chemicals, hot water and detergents can all aggravate the skin as they remove more oil from the skin’s protective fatty layer. A strange as it may sound; even water can actually dry it out and aggravate it. So if your regular spring and summer cleansers are leaving your skin feeling dry and tight, you need to change your cleanser to a product that is more emollient and doesn’t strip away too much sebum from your skin. Avoid soaps and detergent based products as these can be too drying. Opt instead for a crème cleanser for effective smoothing and renewing of the skin’s surface. Look for botanically based and organic products to keep your skin hydrated, radiant and young looking.
2. Exfoliate
If your skin looks flakey and dull exfoliate at least one to three times a week but don’t exfoliate daily. Although your skin may look better initially over time it can severely damage your skin and may make certain conditions like redness, thread veins, acne, etc. worse. Gentle cellular exfoliation visibly improves skin tone and texture, minimises the appearance of pores and provides skin with an immediate, radiant glow. Try gentle natural exfoliants like certain fruits (such as strawberries), sugar, alpha and beta hydroxy acids, or oatmeal. Many people also like using microfiber.
3. Use a Ph correct toner
Using a toner is actually the first step in moisturising your face. A good toner contains water-attracting agents that bind water to themselves (and to you), when you apply them. Use your toner immediately while your face is still damp. A non-alcoholic Ph correct toner is essential. Closing the pores is a chemical – not a physical act as you are restoring the protective acid barrier to your skin. Using a good non-alcoholic Ph correct toner means using less moisturiser.
4. Moisturise – hands, face, lips and body!
It sounds obvious, but many people still forget to apply a moisturiser when their skin most needs it. So find a good one to avoid tight, itchy, dry skin. Usually people who have dry skin conditions are offered rich emollients and petroleum-based /mineral oil products. However, these must be avoided, as there are better products in the market that are free from this harmful toxin.
Skin needs both water/water rich ingredients and oils (or butters) to be healthy. Find a product that mimics the skin’s natural moisturising and oily secretions. Creams contain greater amounts of oils and butter than lotions, while lotions contain more water/water rich ingredients.
Be sure to use unrefined oils and butters whenever possible since they contain more vitamins, antioxidants, and nutrients than highly refined oils and butters. Shea butter is good for most skin types and forms a breathable, non-greasy, non-pore clogging barrier on the skin. Aloe is good for hydrating the skin and lavender or chamomile hydrate and soothe. Lavender also balances dryness and oiliness.
For your face, always chose a mosituriser with SPF protection – 20 is ideal. You may also want to use a serum (combinations of carrier oils and oil soluble ingredients like essential oils) to seal in moisture. Always apply before your moisturiser and just after your face has been spritzed with a Ph correct toner.
Lips lose moisture and can split and crack if not cared for properly. Use a lip saver sunscreen with SPF protection (15 or higher). Find one that’s antioxidant rich for refreshed and supple lips and when you are out in the sun apply it regularly.
5. Use a face mask
Use a hydrating mask – ones with alpha and beta hydroxy acids and stabilised vitamin C are good – at least one to three times a week. This will soften and add moisture and nutrients to the skin. Some can be quite strong so consider doing a patch test before.
6. Drink lots of water
Dehydration is hard on the entire body, but it shows first on the skin. Treat it kindly, as it is constantly handling incoming bacteria and releasing toxins through perspiration. Drinking plenty of water – at least 8 to 10 eight ounce glasses a day helps the body to do the job of housecleaning.
7. Consume the right nutrients
Without a doubt the best way to consume the right nutrients is by eating a balanced diet. Consuming the right nutrients will strengthen your immune system, increase your energy levels and may give your skin a boost. A poor diet lacking in essential vitamins and minerals will show signs. Many people boost their immune system with a regular, high-quality multivitamin. Antioxidants are key so look out for the main ones – vitamins C, A and E – in any supplements you buy.
For more information on how to have radiant and young looking skin all year round and stop the visible signs of ageing please complete the contact form.
