Our Top 10 Tips for healthy, glowing skin

We get asked a lot in salon what our top tips would be to keeping your skin clear and healthy. Whilst we love the product range we use in salon, as it contains a high level of active ingredients that really get to work on your skin, correcting any imbalances that may be causing a breakout, we also have some good old fashioned tips that will help you achieve that glowing complexion, and most don’t cost a penny. So here are the ultimate rules we like to follow….

Sunscreen- a girls’ best friend

 90% of wrinkles are caused by sun damage, and as we know, prevention is much better than cure. When choosing a sunscreen, be sure to check the ingredients and invest in one that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These ingredients act as a mirror on the skin, allowing the harmful UVA and UVB rays to bounce of your skin before penetration. They are far superior to any chemical sunscreen that works by soaking into your skin and blocking harmful rays from underneath the surface. Be sure to use your sunscreen daily, even through the winter months for maximum protection. We recommend investing in a daily moisturiser with SPF30 or above which contains zinc oxide. We like to use any product from the use Image prevention plus range.

Drink your 8 glasses of water daily

We know this is easier said than done, but water really is vital for clear skin. It prevents dehydration which can cause premature ageing, and clears toxins that cause inflammation and blemishes. If drinking water is a struggle, you could always try adding some flavour such as lemon, limes and grapefruit for an added energy boost or chamomile for soothing effects. One glass of warm water first thing in the morning is a great way to kick start your day.

Exfoliate without scrubbing

As we get older, our natural enzymes in our skin work less effectively at removing dead skin cells, resulting in dull, grey skin. You can speed up the cell turnover making your skin appear smoother by adding AHA’s or a glycolic cleanser into your regime. However, be aware of products which don’t contain a high enough concentration of ingredients due to the laws on active ingredients in products sold over the counter, these could be a waste of money. You will want to look for a product which contains around 8%. Expect some initial stinging and dryness at first, whilst your skin gets used to the product. We love Image ‘Clear Cell’ salicylic cleanser and Image ‘Ageless’ glycolic cleanser.

Have patience with your skincare products

Be patient with your products. We’re all guilty of being in a hurry to see instant results from our new products. But patience is the key. It takes around 6 weeks for a new product to get to work and change the structure of your skin. It’s also always a good idea to start by using new lotions and potions only once every other day, whilst your skin gets used to them. Especially when using a good quality product that contains a high level of active ingredients.

Clean your makeup brushes regularly

 You should be cleaning your makeup brushes around 2-3 times per week ideally. Our brushes collect dirt and bacteria which can cause breakouts.

Cleanse your makeup of before bed

Cleansing your makeup off as part of your bedtime routine, not only leaves you feeling fresh and saves your pillow cases from gathering bacteria, but it also prevents a build up of dirt and bacteria on the skin, which can clog pores and cause excessive dryness.

Get your beauty sleep

 If you’re lucky enough to be able to get your 8 hours in, your skin will benefit greatly. Sleep deprivation lowers circulation, making your skin look pale, grey and washed out. Our bodies do most of it’s repairing whilst we sleep so when we’re catching up on our z’s, this will be the best time to rejuvenate our skin. Applying products before bed is also the best time for them to really get to work.

Avoid hot water

 If you suffer from red, ruddy skin, try avoiding very hot baths and showers first thing in the morning. The hot water strips essential oils and aggravates capillaries, creating redness. The older we get, the longer it takes for our skin to return to normal and not look ruddy. When you cleanse your face, be sure to use luke warm water to prevent redness.

Drop dairy

If you suffer from oily skin, it would be a good idea to try cutting out dairy from your diet. Even organic milk contains cow hormones which stimulate oil glands and pores, which can lead to acne. If you must drink milk, then skimmed milk is the best option, as the hormones are concentrated in the full fat kind.

Eat your greens

Eating vegetables or salads which contain a high level of antioxidants and vitamin C, such as spinach and broccoli will help clear skin of free radicals that cause wrinkles and sagging. So make sure you add at least 2 portions of fruit and veg to your diet daily.

RJ’s xxx