Top tips for looking after your skin
Our skin is the body’s largest organ and one of the hardest working. How many of you have gone to bed without cleaning your face or taking make-up off? Most of us are guilty of this from time to time. Cleansing, alongside a couple of other key steps, helps to achieve and maintain healthy skin. Fiona Stewart from our Beauty Therapy and Wellbeing department shares her tips.
To keep skin looking at its best, it needs a little TLC
The good news is that cleansing is quick and easy. There are a range of effective cleansing products available to suit different skin types and you don’t need to spend a lot of money. Budget ranges can be just as efficient as more expensive ones, the trick is finding one that suits you, using it correctly and regularly.
Step away from the Facial Wipes
Facial wipes, although quick and easy to use, are not the answer. They are also bad for the environment. Did you know they contain plastic, and most are not biodegradable? They also often contain alcohol which dries the skin as well as other ingredients which are known irritants. Most people don’t wash their face after using wipes which means these ingredients stay on the skin, making the irritation worse.
How do use cleanser?
Your cleanser of choice should have instructions on the packaging as to how to use it properly.
Not sure how to cleanse? Try this routine
Dampen your skin then take a 20 pence coin sized amount of cleanser into clean hands and apply to your face and neck, massaging it in gently. Next, take a clean face cloth and dampen with warm water (not too hot). Wring out the cloth and use it to gently remove the cleanser from your face.
Should I double cleanse?
If you are wearing make-up and/or Sun Protection Factor (SPF), you should repeat this process to ensure that everything has been removed. Use the other side of the cloth to remove the product.
What’s the best way to finish the routine?
Gently pat your skin dry with a clean towel. By doing this you will remove oils and debris from your skin that could cause blackheads to form and breakouts to occur.
When should I cleanse?
Cleansing should be carried out morning and evening. In the morning, you should ideally follow your cleansing routine with moisturiser and SPF. In the evening, an application of moisturiser will help to keep your skin hydrated and supple.
Is there anything else I can do to keep my skin looking good?
Eating a balanced diet that incorporates foods from the major food groups, including a range of fresh fruit and vegetables, will ensure that you are nourishing your body with the essential vitamins and minerals it needs to stay healthy. Skin cells have a lifespan of around 28 days depending on our age. Skin cells receive nourishment from their blood supply, the quality of this will be influenced by our diet. Eating a diet of freshly cooked meals, rather than processed foods or take away, is not only a cheaper option but will be far more beneficial to our health in general and our skin specifically.
Thankfully, the odd treat will not do any harm - it is a myth that eating chocolate gives you spots! Keeping hydrated is also important, drinking 8-10 glasses of water a day is recommended.
Does the cold weather/central heating effect our skin? Is there anything we can do to counteract it?
At this time of year, going from warm, centrally heated buildings into the cold and back again can have an adverse effect on the skin. Keep moisture levels up by using a nourishing moisturiser. You may need to use a formulation that contains more oil in winter if your skin is dry.
Do you recommend getting a professional facial?
Having a facial in a salon can be a relaxing treat. Therapists are trained to analyse their client’s skin and make recommendations for beneficial treatments using the most appropriate products based on their findings. There are many different types of facial, from the traditional hands-on manual treatment to more high-tech electrical offerings. A range of electrical equipment can be used to tone, tighten, boost collagen production (the substance that gives our skin its natural volume), reduce the appearance of fine lines etc. All facials will stimulate blood circulation improving the quality of nutrients that reach the newly forming cells as well as ensuring that waste removed more efficiently. Dead skin cells will be removed from the top layer of the skin giving an enhanced appearance. Skin conditions such as oiliness and dryness will be addressed and rebalanced. Facials also work on a psychological level as the processes and products used help to relax the body and reduce stress. Having clear, healthy skin can also improve confidence levels.
Visiting a skincare professional will set you on the right track. It is however important to be realistic. To achieve your goals may take time and investment. To get the best results, you will need to commit to doing your bit at home by cleansing twice a day, using Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 50 during the day (even in winter) and a suitable moisturiser at night. As well as this, you should follow a healthy eating plan and take regular exercise to stimulate your circulation as this will help the newly forming skin cells to be as healthy as they can be.
