We know it’s still winter and the sun keeps hiding behind deep, dark clouds but you can still have glowing, healthy skin whatever the weather.
We have some easy to follow tips that will have you looking, and feeling, a million dollars before spring arrives.
Go pro with sunscreen
You’ve heard it a million times, but wearing sunscreen everyday is the easiest way to look younger. It’s easier to prevent sun damage than fix it, so no slacking over the winter months because the rays can still be strong especially when they reflect off of buildings and water. The Dermalogica Daily Defence Block is a multi-tasking, light-weight daytime lotion that defends against skin ageing and a must-have even when it is raining.
Take a dairy break
Most dairy products, even the organic ones, contain hormones that stimulate the oil glands and pores, which can lead to acne. These hormones tend to be concentrated in fat, so go for the skimmed options if you must have dairy and watch out for hidden sources in many ready meals and processed foods.
Get your zzzzzzz
It’s called beauty sleep for a reason. Your body’s cellular renewal takes place when you sleep and this is when your skin gets the nutrients and hydrating ingredients it needs to look, and feel, good. At least three nights a week get those magic eight hours and you will feel the benefit, not only with your skin but your mood and energy levels too.
Use a serum
These were once considered a luxury, but a small amount of serum on your skin is a must have. Many contain antioxidants that help the skin falling foul to free radicals and stress is a good choice and will boost collagen so your skin has a firm, youthful appearance. For best results, apply to freshly cleansed skin and of course follow with an SPF moisturiser to lock in hydration.
Snack on watermelon
Watermelon is a lycopene-rich food and as such eating it can help reduce damage and redness caused from sun exposure, prevents future wrinkling and possibly even lowers skin cancer risk. Aim for one cup a day, which isn’t hard as it is so delicious and as well as being eaten alone it can be used in smoothies, salads and sorbets.
Go for glasses
As well as looking stylish, sunglasses protect against lines and wrinkles. The skin around your eyes is the thinnest on your body and where you’ll most likely see the first signs of aging. Each time you squint from sunlight, you’re creating and deepening lines. Go for a pair of good quality, polarised glasses with a dark tint and ones that fully cover the eye area.
Drink more water
As well as clearing the toxins that cause inflammation and blemishes, water also helps transport oxygen and nutrients and to skin cells. This helps with hydration which makes the skin appear fuller and healthier. It is recommend you drink at least eight glasses of a day and if you want to jazz it up added slices of lemon, lime or ginger as well as ice.
Don’t mess with spots
Picking, even a little, at spots can cause permanent damage. Each time you press a pimple, it further inflames and distresses the skin. At the same time, bacteria is pushed deep inside the pore, and the oil glands burst, causing more damage. The result is more acne, discoloration, soreness and scarring. Use gentle products, don’t cover with tonnes of make up and don’t pick.