moisturising

We always talk about how important your cleanser and your moisturiser are to your skincare regime and how they can be the key to healthy and glowing skin. One thing we rarely touch on is the importance of exfoliation. Exfoliation goes hand in hand with your moisturiser as it prepares the skin for optimal moisture absorption. As your face is an area where your skin is thinnest and most delicate you need to be careful not to use anything too harsh that could cause irritation. So you can see why, when it comes to exfoliating, there are lots of factors that we need to think about to make the right choice for your skin.

So why should you exfoliate?

If you find your complexion looks a little dull or lacklustre, it can sometimes be a result of poor diet, lack of sleep, stress or hormones. What many don’t know is that poor exfoliation habits can cause a dulling complexion too. Exfoliation is key to maintaining a healthy glow that makes your skin radiate as it’s essential to remove dead skin cells to prevent pores from becoming blocked and spots forming. Without it, dead cells build up on the surface, trap oil and sebum, and cause a vicious circle of blemishes, dullness and uneven skin tone. So pretty important I’d say people.

So how do you go about finding the right product for you?

When it comes to exfoliators, there really isn’t a one size fits all approach. Depending on your skin type and condition, you need to choose the right products that will give you the best results.

Skin type: Normal and/or Sensitive

One of the best exfoliators for normal skin types is the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant. It is gentle enough to be used daily, but powerful enough to rid your skin of dead cells and leave you with a glowing complexion. This rice-based exfoliating powder activates upon contact with water, releasing Papain, Salicylic Acid and Rice Enzymes that micro-exfoliate dead cells, instantly leaving skin smoother and brighter.

Skin Type: Dry/Dehydrated

This is a skin type that benefits the most from a good exfoliation routine. Dry skin leads to a build up of dead skin cells, oil and impurities that need to be cleansed away so your skin can begin to heal itself. I recommend Thalgo Softness Exfoliator. This product uses jojoba oil micro beads to make sure your skin is cleansed but still maintains its natural protection. The deep cleansing lotion removes dead skin cells to leave your face looking fresh and feeling healthy.

Skin Type: Acne Prone

For acne prone skin types, you want to opt for a non abrasive formula that is more chemical based. You don’t want to irritate any blemishes or cause scarring, but you still need to remove any impurities. I opt for Dermalogica Gentle Cream Exfoliant. This baby dramatically improves skin texture with this two-in-one masque/exfoliation treatment. Its non-abrasive formula contains Lactic Acid and Hydroxy Acid to help detach dead skin cells, increasing cell renewal while improving texture for dramatically smooth skin.

Time to dust off those wellies and dig out that tent…Summer festival season has arrived! Whether you’re off to the muddy fields of Glastonbury or the more chilled vibe of Secret Garden Party, festivals can spell danger for your oh so precious skincare routine. With just a few small changes to your product arsenal you can make sure that your summer glow stays intact.

Step 1. Cleanser

This is not the time to go to bed with your make-up still on people. I do appreciate though that hot water and clean flannels are at a premium while you're stuck in a field, so here’s my secret (not so secret) weapon; Garnier Micellar Water. Make sure to pack a small bottle of rinse-free Micellar Water and some cotton wool pads so you’ll be able to cleanse your face and remove makeup every night, even if there’s no running water available. Micellar waters actively cleanse your skin as well as freshening it. They contain micelles – tiny ball-shaped structures formed from cleansing molecules that start working when they make contact with your skin. Garnier Mini Micellar BB Gift Set is the perfect addition to your backpack.

Step 2. Sun Protection

I realise that our good old British Summer might not always produce glorious sunshine, but you’ll be spending 90% of your time outside at a festival, so you need make sure your sun protection is working hard to offset any sun exposure (yes even if it’s cloudy. See my last blog post here). Choose a product with a high SPF rating and re-apply it as needed during the day on all areas of exposed skin. Bring a hat to shade your face and neck from the sun, too (this comes with the added bonus of looking festival “chic”). I say you can’t go wrong with Dermalogica Protection 50 Sport.

Step 3. Change up your base

Time to switch up your foundation for more of a multi-tasker. A good quality BB cream will do most things your foundation does, i.e. covering blemishes and evening out skin-tone, but with the addition of sun protection and skincare benefits too. When choosing a BB cream, look for one that suits your skin type, especially if you have sensitive skin, or want to target specific skin concerns like signs of ageing, pigmentation spots or blemishes. I reach for Ambre Solaire BB Cream Sun Protection SPF50+ 50ml.

Step 4. Hydration

Sun exposure, camping (why?!) and late nights can add up to skin that looks dull and dehydrated. Cue a lightweight serum to hydrate your skin comfortably. I always go with one that contains light-reflecting properties, as it helps to restore the skin’s healthy glow. I LOVE Dermalogica HydraBlur Primer. A serum and hydrating primer in one, this product is a staple for me.

Step 5. Refresh and Revive

Feeling a bit groggy after a night in a tent? (let’s face it, who wouldn’t be?!) Refreshing facial mists are your friend as they help give energy to tired a devitalized skin. Try Thalgo Reviving Marine Mist for radiant, festival ready skin.

Send me your pics of your festival skincare kits and let me know how you find your new routine! #festivalskincaresurvival

xoxo

Recently I’ve been giving loads of you advice about which products I feel would work wonders for your skin and would be a great addition to your skincare regime. In addition to these products though, there are loads of great things that you can do to help yourself and get your skin’s health back on track. Obviously everyone is different, but here’s a few of my top tips that have helped my clients see great results in their skin. (I know they may seem obvious, but you’d be amazed how many people don’t do the basics).

Cleanse your skin every night. No excuses. It seems obvious, but you’d be amazed how many people fail at this crucial step in the skincare regime. Always make sure to double cleanse if you are wearing make-up or sunscreen - which means most of you I’m sure. I find a quick dive in the shower before bed to cleanse my skin not only works wonders for my face, but also helps me get a better sleep. Win win.

Cleanse your skin every morning. I know your skin won’t have faced the same aggressors overnight as in the day, but it’s so important to cleanse your skin in the morning. Of course, it doesn't have to be as full on as at night – but a quick cleanse wouldn't go amiss to get rid of the overnight sweat and (ewwww) skin shedding. I won’t go into the details, but trust me, wash your face in the mornings just like your mum told you to.

Sugar. Sorry people, but sugar is not your friend if you want healthy, glowing skin. Sugar is the devil, fizzy drinks too. They will tempt you, but please don’t sell your soul. They are empty calories. Drink water. One of the best things you can do for your health and skin.

Get some sunshine. For some, skin and the sun are not firm friends. Some skincare brands insist it’s the ultimate enemy. It’s not, as long as you respect it and protect your skin. Believe me when I tell you, a little sunshine is good for you. As long as you remember the crucial SPF (most of the time you can easily get this from your moisturiser or even your make-up base). The fact is that yes, obviously too much sun is damaging to the skin. But in small amounts, sunshine it can be amazing for your skin.

Do not smoke. Need I say more?

Spend some money on your skincare routine.  I’m a big believer in you get what you pay for. There’s a reason that professional products cost a bit more, and it’s because they spend more time on research, testing and getting their products right. If it seems too good to be true that a £5 cleanser will cure the signs of ageing, it definitely is. Spend more, get results.

Let me know your tips for keeping your skin healthy in the comments below.