9 TIPS for Glowing Skin!

A major component and signal of healthy skin is a natural glow. But causes like lack of sleep, stress, age, and even what you eat can rob your complexion of its radiance.

Transform your skin that looks dull and tired to luminous and glowing with our expert tips and tricks will help your skin stay gorgeous, glowing, and blemish-free all day.

1. CHOOSE THE RIGHT CLEANSER
It’s always important to cleanse well day and night but the ingredients in some cleansers and toners can cause irritation, especially to those who suffer from rosacea or contact dermatitis.

2. DITCH FACE WIPES
Not only are wipes bad for the planet but are, according to experts, a skincare no-no. Skincare experts always advise against using face wipes. All they do is move dirt and oil around. The skin around your eyes is also extremely delicate, and the rubbing motion will drag the skin and could lead to premature aging.

Moist environments are the perfect breeding conditions for bacteria, too, so face wipes need a high amount of preservatives to keep them free from bugs. These, along with the perfumes within them, can be extremely irritating to your skin. Preservatives or perfumes can also cause allergies. Instead, cleanse your skin in the evening with an oil-free cleanser to remove dirt, pollution, and oil.

3. GO MAKE UP FREE
Typically when people stop wearing make-up, especially if the make-up they were wearing was occlusive or comedogenic – i.e. pore-blocking – they notice after a week that their skin looks a lot better.

A skin cycle is typically around 28 days – this means it takes that long for old cells to shed and new ones replace them. So, if you can avoid wearing make-up for at least 28 days, your body will be in a much better position to regulate your skin’s temperature, oil production, hydration level, and natural exfoliation process.

4. WASH YOUR BRUSHES
Your make-up brushes harbour a plethora of bacteria which, when introduced to the skin, can quickly result in blemishes and breakouts, especially when used repeatedly
every day. Wash your brushes thoroughly once a week in a mild washing up liquid,
rinse them well and leave them to dry naturally before using them.

5. SANITIZE YOUR PHONE
Smartphones are a big source of skin contamination, namely acne. High concentrations of microscopic bacteria from your phone’s screen mixed with oil and make-up from your face, along with heat from the phone, breeds more bacteria. This can clog pores and often results in inflammation and acne. To combat these problems, use a headset when on the phone for a long time and regularly wipe your phone with an alcohol wipe.

6. ADD VITAMIN C TO YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that fights free radicals, of which air pollution is just one. Pollutants cause inflammation, which is at the root of numerous skin issues including breakouts, a breakdown of collagen, and excess melanin production that leads to dark spots.

Vitamin C protects the skin from UV damage, suppresses pigmentation, and also promotes collagen growth. Because it’s such a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C is able to help minimize sun damage, brighten your complexion improve circulation, and give an anti-inflammatory effect. It can take 4-6 six weeks to see the benefits of regular application, due to the skin’s cycle.

7. DRINK UP
Hydration ultimately has to come from within your body: skin dehydration cannot be solely reversed simply by applying moisturizer. Dehydration has been found to affect cognition, concentration, and your ability to think clearly and control mood.

Drinking plenty of water is not only essential for your brain to continue to
function well, but it’s also essential for your skin. Advice on how much water you drink a day continues to vary, but most experts believe that around two liters a day is the optimum.

TRY IT…
Swap your morning coffee for water with a generous squeeze of lemon, or your regular caffeinated tea for a mint tea. This helps to reduce your caffeine intake and ensure your body, and skin, are getting the hydration they need. Also, sip plain water during the day.

8. WEAR SUN PROTECTION
There is no such thing as a safe tan. When cells are exposed to UV light, collagen degenerates. This causes loss of volume, fine lines, and wrinkles. Apply a broad spectrum SPF regularly throughout the day and reapply it if you do sport or get your skin wet.

While it’s important to wear an SPF regularly throughout the day to prevent skin cancer and premature aging, you still want to make sure your body makes vitamin D. You can do this by exposing large areas of your body, such as arms and legs, to the sun for 10-20 minutes a day without sunscreen. Vitamin D is essential for optimal health. Low vitamin D levels have been linked to serious health consequences including osteoporosis, depression, and cancer.

9. USE THE RIGHT MOISTURISER
As much as 300ml of water can be lost each day through your skin. This is called trans epidermal water loss (TEWL) and it’s why a regular moisturizer is vital to maintain the skin’s barrier function.

Choose one that suits your skin type. For oily, acne-prone skin, go for one that won’t clog pores. Those who are prone to eczema and rosacea should choose a thicker moisturizer.

What’s your type?
Light-weight, oil-free moisturisers tend to be labelled “non-comedogenic”. Moisturisers containing niacinamide are good as they reduce water loss, reduce excess oil production and improve uneven tone due to breakouts.

For sensitive skin look for soothing ingredients such as chamomile and aloe vera, and avoid potentially irritating fragrances and acids.

For mature skin look for creams that contain retinol or exfoliating acids such as AHAs.