advice

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

Hair breakage is my nemesis. Years of monthly hair bleaching and constant styling using heated tools left my hair in a sorry state. Don’t get me wrong, I tried my best to take care of it, but the bleach eventually won the day. I had to surrender, reassess my hair colour choice and make sure I stuck to the best products to help bring my hair back to it’s former glory.

Breakage happens when your hair is just too brittle; from hair colouring, from the elements, styling etc., that it snaps right off. If this sound like you, I beg you to consider the following precautionary steps to avoid the avoidable. Your hair is the only hair you’ve got and I don’t imagine many of us would consider shaving it off and starting again. Just saying!

Tip 1: Go Sulphate-Free

If you find that your hair is dry, try avoiding sulphates in your shampoo, as they will dry it out even more. Sulphates can be harsh on the body as they emulsify and pry dirt and grime from your skin and hair. Look for the word SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate) in the ingredient list. If you find it, put it down and step away. Your hair will thank you for it.

Kérastase Aura Botanica Bain Shampoo 250ml is the ultimate sulphate free shampoo. Unlike most sulphate-free shampoos the sulphates have been replaced with natural origin agents to make sure your hair is truly nourished. Great for brittle hair types, obviously.

Tip 2: Protein is your friend

This one is good news for those of you who’ve jumped on the smashed avocado on toast train. Protein-rich foods help sustain hair growth and body. As with skin, hair health starts from within, so if you pay more attention to what you are feeding your body, you’ll see the results in your hair.

Tip 3: Step away from the heat

One of the biggest changes I’ve made has been to move away from my hair dryer a few days a week. All you need is a change in routine. I was stuck in a morning hair routine, which meant I was low on time so had to use my hairdryer. Thanks to a new set of products by Redken, I’ve been able to switch up my routine, and let my hair air dry. I just wash my hair in the evenings, towel dry a little and add in a bit of Redken No Blow Dry: Just Right Cream 150ml. I comb it through, part my hair as usual and just leave my hair to it. It’s been a revelation. My hair’s always dry by the morning, so I just brush through and add some curls in using a wand. I will always use Kérastase Resistance Ciment Thermique 150ml, a strengthening and anti-breakage milk for damaged hair straight after the Redken cream, to layer in the heat protection ready to use the wand in the morning.

I can’t recommend this step enough. Even doing it once a week will make a difference.

Tip 4: Reconsider your hair brush choice

Hair brushes have a lot to answer for when it comes to breakage. You need to make sure that you’re using a brush that is kind to the hair and that actually removes tangles and knots rather than just snapping them off. Say hello to a Tangle Teezer to keep your hair in the best condition. They are great for detangling wet and dry hair without any tugs or pulls, keeping breakage to a minimum.

Now there are obvious ways to stop hair breakage; such as not colouring your hair, never using straighteners or curling wands, but we all know that’s not feasible for 99% of us. Making a few simple changes, like I’ve mentioned above, will help save your hair and keep it in the best condition possible, without sacrificing style.

What are your anti-breakage tips?

xoxo

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