skincare

I love sleep. It’s true…I’ve never been one of those people that can survive on 6 hours a night. I need at least 8 hours or my brain and body will hate me for the rest of the day. For the most part, I’ve always seen the benefit of a good night’s sleep. These days though, thanks to technology, we’re increasingly interconnected and constantly ‘switched on’, so we try to survive on as little as possible. Big mistake, huge.

The hours that we spend asleep are actually among our most constructive. While we sleep our brain recharges and cellular repair increases, which hugely benefits our skin. Your mind and body enter a biological regeneration mode while we sleep, performing reparative functions that don’t occur while you’re awake.

Your skin follows a similar regenerative process. Sleep inducing melatonin is known for its antioxidant properties. Levels of stress hormone cortisol also fall while you sleep, allowing skin to repair and protect itself from outside damage. Sleep also gives time for your body to produce more collagen, which minimises fine lines. If that wasn’t enough, your body releases growth hormones while you sleep which can strengthen skin.

That’s why sleep deprivation can be such a killer for your skin. Just a couple of nights of missed sleep can result in sallow skin, puffy eyes. If you keep that up, you’re in for dark circles and early ageing.

Your body is really working its magic while you sleep to keep your skin in top condition, but there are things you can do to help and maximise the benefits for your skin. Like we said, your skin is in repair mode while you sleep. The increased blood flow means your skin is best able to absorb active ingredients more effectively while you sleep. For example, if your skin’s dehydrated I would always recommend a gel-cream formula for your night cream, as this will help to replenish hydration levels. Try Thalgo Source Marine Hydra Marine Gel-Balm. This hydrating balm has a delicious gel texture, offering a triple anti-fatigue performance for a radiance boost.

If we’re getting serious about active ingredients though, essential oils are the best solution for a night time routine. Plus, they have the added bonus of relaxing the mind and body to help improve sleep quality. Lavender is a well known scent to aid sleep, but it’s skin benefits as an essential oil are proven too. Decleor have long known about the link between sleep and skin health. Their range of night balms are specially formulated to work at night when the skin is most receptive. Their sensual and aromatic balms, such as Decléor Aromessence Iris Rejuvenating Night Balm relaxes the senses before sleep and has a heavenly melt-in texture allowing it to be rapidly absorbed. It intensely moisturises and comforts mature skin to leave it energised, toned, with facial contours redefined.

So take the time to switch off, and let your skincare work for you while you get a good night’s sleep.

xoxo

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

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