8 skincare habits to look and feel your best

Winter has come and gone and spring is definitely making itself more at home so it’s time to freshen that dull, wintery skin. 

You know the basics already: wash your face before you head to bed; drink plenty of water; get enough rest and wear a good SPF daily – and that’s a great place to start! But here are some lesser known skincare tips that could really make all the difference. 

1. Cut down on the number of products you use at one time

Avoid layering on product after product as this can just lead to clogged pores and breakouts! Added to this, certain ingredients just don’t ‘mix well’ together which can be harsh on your skin. 

1. Moisturise in the morning and evening

Keep your skin topped up with moisture by applying your moisturiser just after you wash your face in the morning and evening to really lock in that moisture. If you spend a lot of time in an environment that has heating or cooling on throughout the day, keep your toner handy and spray it on intermittently during the day to give your skin a boost of hydration.  Keep your skin hydrated too by applying our best-selling lotion after your shower and before you go to bed.

1. Avoid touching your face

This couldn’t be more apt right now. Not only does it reduce the spread of bacteria (ultimately lurking on your hands most of the day) but can also decrease scarring (yes, stop picking!) and reduce the possibility of catching nasty bugs! 

1. Exfoliate a couple of times a week

You are constantly shedding skin cells and, as a result, need to get rid of them to avoid them hanging around making your skin look dull. Exfoliation does just this, as well as increases the absorption rate of your skincare products. Use small upward circular motions and, most importantly, be gentle.  Skin cells come off easily – you don’t need to scrub! 

1. Vitamins

No, not just IN, but ON. Grab that vitamin C serum and get repairing: It helps to even out pigmentation, brighten skin tone and promote collagen and elastin production

too. 

1. Look after your gut

There is a well-documented correlation between the state of your skin and the health of your gut. Nourish your gut flora: pass on the processed and/ or sugary foods and drinks to avoid a gut microbial imbalance. Stock up on healthy fats found in nuts, flaxseed, and avocados as they can help to maintain strong cell membranes as well as dark, leafy greens and berries that are packed with antioxidants. 

1. Keep your makeup brushes clean 

Makeup brushes, bags, and sponges are where bacteria breed if not kept clean. It might be a bit of a challenge to do it frequently at first, but make it a habit to clean them up every 2 weeks. Top tip: baby shampoo is perfect for cleaning your brushes: it’s gentle, effective and inexpensive.

1. Massage

This is not an old-wives tale: massaging your face is a quick way to boost that natural glow. Use your (clean) fingertips or, better yet, a jade roller. Add a drop of your nourishing serum and glide it across your face, neck and decolletage in upwards movements.

And there you have it – 8 skincare habits to adopt to look and feel your best this spring!