I was once told that “you only have one skin!” Hearing this statement resonated with me because I never acknowledged my skin in this way. I quite frankly took my skin for granted! Yes, I had a routine, but if I fell asleep with makeup on, then, “no biggy!”. If I rubbed my eyes till they turned red or stayed out in the sun until I was crisp, without sunscreen, it was ok because I was not seeing the harm I was causing. I did not respect the one skin I was given to love and protect at all cost. Dramatic, I know! But we are fighting against the clock here!
I like to explain to my clients that our skin is like an elastic band. You can stretch it, and it snaps right back. Over time, the rubber band does not snap back, and we are left with a stretched out dry rotted band. Now replace that image of the rubber band with your skin. How does it look? Not good, right? So, let’s get into how we can keep your skin like that fresh new rubberband straight from the
store. (Bad analogy, I know. But work with me here!)
STEP 1
Analyse your skin to determine whether or not you have dry or dehydrated skin. Dry skin is a skin type, and dehydrated skin is a condition that can occur with all skin types.
STEP 2
Know your skin type. Our skin may appear oily. However, if our skin is overproducing oil, you may have normal skin that is dehydrated. This mix up may cause us to choose products to further perpetuate dehydration and make the situation worse.
Below, you can determine your type.
STEP 3
Use information from steps 1 and 2 to select products suited for your skin type and condition. Your routine will include cleansing, toning and moisturising before bed and when you awake.
STEP 4
Take note of sensitivities that you may have that trigger acne and/or eczema. Personally, dairy triggers my eczema, causing dry patches on areas of my face and ears. My dear friend Shauna is also triggered by dairy in a different way. It causes breakouts. So pay attention to what you are consuming! Limiting your processed foods and eating healthy will do wonders.
STEP 5
DRINK WATER! Do you want to be a grape or a raisin? Water is essential to keeping our skin hydrated and radiant. Drinking one glass is not going to cut it. It is recommended that we drink at least eight glasses of water a day. Get a big bottle and keep it with you. Drink on the hour!
BONUS!
To amp up your routine, include a face mask once a week to take your skin to the next level. I am a strong believer in natural products, and I love to play with whatever I can find in my kitchen!
My all-time favourite mask is organic honey. For those who are acne-prone, you can simply use this alone, but adding coconut oil gives you an extra kick if you aren’t. This would be considered a hydrating mask.
Another best-kept secret is aloe vera. This natural wonder is quite underestimated. Like the honey mask, you can use this alone. However, you can combine the two, honey and aloe, for smooth glowing skin for added potency.
(Use more of the main product in your mixture. Typically use a 2:1 ratio)
P.S. Do a patch test when trying anything new on skin.
HONEY & ALOE BENEFITS:
- Gently exfoliates
- Deeply moisturising
- Cleanses pores
- Soothes sunburn
- Anti-bacterial & inflammatory (Fights acne)
- Reduces the signs of ageing
- Lightens scars
- Skin appears radiant
- Lightens blemishes
- Boosts healing wounds
For those that skipped through, here is a summary.
Great skin starts:
- From within
- Knowing your sensitivities
- Knowing your skin type
- Great hydration
- Maintaining a skincare routine
We can go much deeper, but for now, let’s start here, and we’ll continue to learn and glow step by step.