Up your game and protect your canvas with 10 healthy skin habits.
1. SCRUB A DUB DUB
Investing in a good body- and face scrub will do wonders to reveal your gorgeous skin. When it comes to your body, grainy scrubs are fine, but as far as your face goes, avoid anything that contains large beads, as they can cause micro-tears in the skin. We recommend Clinique Clarifying Lotion 1.0 Twice A Day Exfoliator which is gentle enough to use on your face and neck.
2. HYDRATION STATION
Hyaluronic acid keeps skin healthy and lubricated. It already occurs naturally in our bodies and is great at retaining water, so adding a hyaluronic acidinfused serum to your routine will keep your skin looking younger and feeling supple. Our favourite pick is Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler Pore Minimizer Skin Refining Serum.
3. STAR CHILD
Retinol – according to skincare guru Kate Somerville, this wonder ingredient has endless benefits. ‘It stimulates collagen production, repairs environmental damage, aids wrinkle reduction, reduces scarring … it does it all!’ Start by using Dr Brandt Glow by Dr. Brandt 2% Retinol Complex Serum For Face every second or third day until your skin adapts to it.
4. DRINK UP
You’ve probably heard this a million times, but nourishing your skin starts from the inside, so chug some H2O. Keep a bottle filled with water on your desk at work so you don’t forget.
5. ON THE UP
Chances are that you probably use downward motions when washing your face, pushing the product and water down your face and neck. Instead, try washing upwards – gravity already pulls skin down, which contributes to the formation of wrinkles. Keep this in mind when applying products too – they should be massaged into your skin with gentle upward strokes. We love Clarins Hydrating Gentle Foaming Cleanser for gentle, soap-free cleansing.
6. PILLAR OF STRENGTH
Collagen is found in the skin and other connective tissues in the body. Our bodies produce less of it as we get older. Incorporating more of this structural protein into your daily diet through foods and supplements means strong hair and nails, mobile joints and plump, glowing skin.
7. STROKE OF GENIUS
Dry brushing is a fantastic way to buff away dead skin cells, improve blood circulation and diminish the appearance of cellulite. Pick a body brush with firm bristles and use long upward strokes working your way up your body. Do this before a shower and follow with a rich body lotion, such as Nivea Cherry Blossom & Jojoba Oil Body Lotion, as your pores will be ready to receive moisture.
8. EYE SPY
The delicate skin around your eyes is prone to wrinkling faster than the rest of your face, so it definitely deserves some extra TLC. Pick an anti-ageing formula, such as Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle Correcting Eye Cream, to help prevent further wrinkles and crow’s feet from forming.
9. APPLES AND ORANGES
Already popping a daily multivitamin? Using topical products that contain vitamins doubles up your dose of goodness. Vitamin C helps visibly brighten your skin, reduce the appearance of dark spots, and improve overall texture. Try vitamin C-packed Elizabeth Arden Skin Illuminating Brightening Night Capsules.
10. RAY OF SUNSHINE
Applying sunscreen needs to become a daily habit, one that you do without even thinking. You really should be protecting your skin regardless of the weather (your skin can still burn when it’s overcast and even raining). L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renew Advanced Restoring Day Cream SPF 15 is an anti-aging moisturiser and sunscreen all in one.
Words: Tracy Branfield | Photography: HMimages.co.za
