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Acne

  • Get Your Skin Into Shape

    While exercise increases circulation and can make your skin glow, there are some downsides, such as dehydration. Your skin completely changes when you’re working out; your pores dilate, you sweat more and you can get over-heated. So, how can you change up your regime to optimise your skin’s fitness while you work out?

    When you get hot, your skin starts to detoxify and build-up can lead to congestion and breakouts. So what’s the solution? Seems obvious, but thorough cleansing. I know it’s tempting to skip the shower, but always make sure to do a quick cleanse before you leave the gym. This will remove the sweat and oil and keep the skin breakout free. Double cleanse first with an oil based cleanser to adhere to sebum (I LOVE Decleor Micellar Oil for this), followed by a second cleanser of your choice (I reach for Thalgo Gentle Cleansing Milk). If you find acne a problem, opt for an antibacterial face wash with salicylic acid to use on the chest and back.

    If you’re anything like me, the biggest skin issue you face post exercise is flushing and redness. This is particularly an issue for those prone to rosacea and sensitivity. Exercise leads to rapid water loss and skin dehydration, which impairs the skin’s natural barrier, so hydration here is key. Both pre and post workout it’s important to apply a lightweight gel formula moisturiser, such as Thalgo Hydra Marine Gel. Using this type of formula ensures that they won’t trap heat or clog the skin, while also ensuring that lost moisture is replaced and locked in to prevent dryness and irritation. Also avoid a sauna or a hot shower; the sooner you cool down, the faster the redness with subside.

    Once you’ve cleansed and calmed your skin, it’s time to restore your skin to it’s best. Post workout, apply Decleor Harmonie Calm Soothing Light Cream. This will help to nourish and protect the skin by strengthening its protective barrier and helping to reinforce skin’s tolerance levels. It will leave your skin feeling soothed and comfortable.

    With just a few tweaks to your skincare product choices, you can keep your skin in top condition while whipping your body into shape.

    What changes have you made to your skincare routine at the gym?

    xoxo

  • Common Cleansing Mistakes You’re Probably Making

    Now I’m not trying to teach you to suck eggs here. I know that most of you have been here for a while and that you probably by now have your cleansing routine buttoned down. I’m so proud. Because it’s a routine though, we do it every day. It becomes mundane and we start to cut corners. We are busy people and bad habits can start to creep in. Let’s all take a moment to reassess and make sure we’ve got this down.

    Common Mistake No.1 - Your Water Temperature is Wrong

    We’re a little complacent when it comes to water temperature. The best tool for effective cleansing is something that costs you nothing: steam. Make sure your water is warm-to-hot (not too hot or you’ll dry out your skin). Use your favourite cleanser to cleanse your skin and then use a flannel to take the cleanser off, allowing a moment for it to rest on your face. The steam from the flannel will help your pores to open for a better cleanse. Although it’s tempting to skip this step, finish with a splash of cold water to calm your skin and close the pores. Plus, it’s a great way to wake you up in the morning!

    Common Mistake No.2. – Too Speedy

    Never be tempted to skip the second cleanse. Our daily lives can take a real toll on our skin, what with makeup and general dirt and grime. One cleanse just isn’t enough to rid your skin of all that and actually cleanse the skin. Yes, one cleanse is better than none, but if it’s worth doing it’s worth doing right no? Use a cleanser strong enough to cut through make up, such as Decleor Micellar Cleansing Oil, for your first cleanse, then ramp it up with a cleanser more targeted to your needs for your second cleanse.

    Common Mistake No.3 – You’re Using Too Many Products

    Less is more. You don’t need to exfoliate every day. Sometimes the simple routines are the best routines and it give your skin time to adjust.

    Common Mistake No 4. - Misunderstanding Your Skin’s Needs

    I see this most commonly in acne sufferers. Most find that the acne is topical and reoccurring in the same areas, such as the chin or forehead. They then of course reach for a medicated cleanser all over. Just stop. You’re just overwhelming the rest of your skin and drying it out. Only use the acne wash where it’s needed, and make sure to keep the rest of the face hydrated with a less intense cleanser. Break your skin down into ‘zones’ and treat each zone according to its concern.

    Are you guilty of any of these common mistakes? Not anymore!

    xoxo

  • How to layer your skincare

    I think we can all agree that these days, very few of us have a simple skincare routine. More often then not, we’ve added product after product into our routine, and rightly so, as they all have their own benefits. Where it can get tricky is understanding the best order in which to layer your skincare for the best results. Let me be your guide.

    No two skincare gurus are the same and very often we’ll never totally agree on the same order of skincare layers. That said, there is a golden rule that helps cut through all the confusion; lightest to heaviest. The lighter the product, the smaller the particle size. That means they can penetrate deeper into the layers of your skin. We’re talking serums and toners here.  Then you can work your way up to facial oils and moisturisers.

    Another top tip that has served me well has to be…less is more. Trust me when I say you do not need more than 3 steps between your cleanser to your moisturiser. Your skin will thank you for it. Don’t confuse your skin. Keep it simple and concise and you’ll reap the rewards.

    So if that’s the case, I’m sure you’re thinking…’how hard can it be to pick an order?!’. Well, there’s a teeny thing you need to be aware of…ingredients. There are a few big ones that you shouldn’t mix unless you’re up for a bad reaction.

    Acne Prone skins: If you’re fond of spot treatments you need to bear this in mind; benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, lactic acid, and glycolic acid shouldn’t be mixed with any retinol products as the Retinol will break down your skin barrier and lead to irritation.

    Serum: The ingredient to watch out for here is vitamin C. While it can be a little miracle worker treating the likes of acne to helping with sun protection, it can also be quite drying and irritating when used with too many other active ingredients. The best way round this is to use your vitamin C products in the daytime and saving any irritants like your retinols or acids until after your evening cleanse.

    Facial Oils: This one’s a bit obvious. Remember kids, oil and water don’t mix, so make sure you layer your water-based serums on before adding a few drops of oil to lock it in…but only after leaving it enough time for the product to be absorbed first. Let each product soak in completely before adding another product on top. My favourite Decléor Aromessence Neroli Hydrating Oil Serum 15ml

    SPF: Don’t skip this step. It’s important for your skins health. SPF should always be the last step of your skincare routine. Adding a layer of moisturiser on top of it can mess with the protection factor of your chosen SPF, and you don’t want that.

    So remember my golden rule, lightest to heaviest and you can’t go wrong. At the end of the day, it’s your skin, your rules. Just bear in mind, less is more and take the time to let your products absorb before adding more layers.

    xoxo

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