OK, OK, we know that there is a certain element of luck (aka genetics) involved when it comes to having great skin. But even the skeptics amongst us can’t deny that good skincare, great diet and better than average hydration (plus the odd indulgence in a treatment or two) leaves skin looking better than before.
The trick with skincare is to be consistent, and make sure you stick to some basic but important rules. Here are just a few of our favourites tips to help your skin look its very best…
Use the right cleanser for your skin type
For oily or acne prone skin, a salycylic gel or benzoyl peroxide wash works great,” says Dr. Ava Shamban, a dermatologist in Santa Monica. “For dry mature skin, use either a moisturizing glycolic or milky cleanser. For skin with brown spots or melasma, use a brightening wash, such as an alpha hydroxy acid cleanser.”
Maintain a healthy diet
Your skin has a natural barrier to retain moisture, and essential to that is omega-3 fatty acid. Flax seeds on your salad or even walnuts will be an instant boost to your omega-3, thus increasing your skin’s ability to hold onto moisture. And be sure to eat a diet low in foods with a high glycemic index (simple and complex carbohydrates).
Drink the RIGHT liquids
Coffee addict? Try not to reach for the mood booster first thing, instead opt for a shot of chlorophyll every morning to brighten, oxygenate, and hydrate your skin. Not so keen? Try making up green smoothies packed full of green veggies, It will transform your skin in a matter of days — and it helps oxygenate the skin and stimulates lymphatic drainage, so it’s de-puffing, too.
Don’t touch!
Try your hardest NOT to touch your face throughout the day. It increases the chances of spreading bacteria, makes the likelihood of a breakout much higher and even contributes towards wrinkles and colds and flu.
Sunscreen every damn day.
365 days a year, come rain, come shine. Sunscreen is your best friend. It provides a barrier against harmful UV rays even when the sun doesn’t appear to be shining. Trust us, you’ll be thanking us in years to come.
Avoid heat exposure
Don’t just watch out for the sun — getting too close to heaters and fireplaces can also wreak havoc on your skin. “It causes inflammation and collagen breakdown. I recommend staying at least ten feet away,” explains Dr. Debbie Palmer, a New York dermatologist.
Clean those brushes.
Yep, it’s a pain, but if you fail to clean your make up brushes you’re essentially increasing your chances of spreading bacteria every time you apply your foundation. Clean brushes once a week if at all possible.
Here’s how: Put a drop of a mild shampoo into the palm of your hand. Wet the bristles with lukewarm water. Then, massage the bristles into your palm to distribute the shampoo into the brush. Avoid getting the metal part of the brush wet/or the base of the brush hairs because the glue could soften and the bristles could fall out. Rinse the shampoo out and squeeze out the water with a towel. Lay the brushes on their side with the bristles hanging off the edge of the counter to dry.
Last but not least, don’t forget the best skincare tip of all… microdermabrasion – yep, we’re biased but when you look at these before and after results there’s no denying it’s a skin transformer! Find your nearest therapist here.
Good luck!
SkinBase x
