Category: Skin Health & Natural Beauty

1. Skin Hacks To Improve Your Complexion

   Posted on 10:00am Wednesday 10th Mar 2021

   Skincare Tips for Healthy, Glowing Skin

   Let's be honest, who doesn't want healthy, glowing skin?

   There are hundreds of skincare products, treatments and beauty hacks promising to transform your complexion, but you don't need a complicated routine or a bathroom cabinet full of products to look after your skin.

   In my experience, the most important thing is understanding your own skin and creating a simple routine that works for you.

   Here are some of my favourite skincare tips to help you achieve healthy, comfortable and radiant-looking skin.

   Create a Regular Skincare Routine

   The most important skincare advice I can give you is to find a routine that suits your skin type and stick with it.

   A basic routine doesn't need to be complicated.

   For most people, this means cleansing and moisturising regularly and using an appropriate SPF during the day.

   You can then add other products according to your individual skin concerns.

   If your skin is dry, you may want to focus on hydration and supporting the skin barrier.

   If your skin is oily or congested, you may need products that help manage excess sebum and blocked pores.

   If your skin is mature, you may want to incorporate ingredients that support firmness, texture and overall skin health.

   And if your skin is sensitive, keeping things simple and avoiding known triggers is often the best approach.

   Don't assume that more products automatically mean better skin!

   Exfoliate, But Don't Overdo It

   Exfoliation can help remove excess dead skin cells and leave your complexion feeling smoother and looking brighter.

   However, more isn't necessarily better.

   Over-exfoliating can irritate the skin and damage its protective barrier, particularly if your skin is sensitive or already feeling dry.

   Choose an exfoliating product or treatment appropriate for your skin and don't feel that you need to scrub your face every day.

   A professional facial can also provide controlled exfoliation as part of a treatment tailored to your skin.

   Have a Regular Facial or Face Massage

   Your face can hold tension just like the rest of your body.

   We spend our days frowning, concentrating, smiling, talking and making hundreds of different facial expressions, often without even noticing how much tension we're holding.

   A holistic face massage is a lovely way to release some of this tension while also giving you dedicated time to relax.

   During a professional facial massage, the techniques are much gentler than those used during a body massage and can be adapted to the delicate tissues of the face, neck and décolletage.

   Massage can also temporarily increase local circulation and help reduce the feeling of facial tension.

   If puffiness is one of your concerns, gentle massage techniques can also encourage fluid movement through the tissues.

   A regular professional facial can also help address specific skin concerns such as dullness, congestion, dryness, fine lines and uneven texture.

   If you're not sure which facial would suit your skin, a consultation is always a good place to start.

   Be Careful With Beauty Hacks

   There are plenty of skincare hacks online, but not everything you read on the internet is necessarily good for your skin!

   One example is the idea that repeatedly dunking your face into icy water will prevent wrinkles or rejuvenate your skin.

   Cold water can temporarily make the skin feel refreshed and may temporarily reduce the appearance of puffiness, but there isn't good evidence that regularly exposing your face to very cold water will prevent ageing or stimulate dramatic skin regeneration.

   You don't need to shock your skin to make it healthy.

   A gentle, consistent skincare routine is a much better long-term strategy.

   Adapt Your Skincare As Your Skin Changes

   Your skin isn't exactly the same throughout your entire life.

   Hormonal changes, ageing, stress, medication, lifestyle, the seasons and environmental conditions can all affect your skin.

   The products that worked brilliantly for you ten years ago may not be the best choices for you now.

   This doesn't mean that you need to completely replace your skincare every time you get older.

   Instead, reassess your skin from time to time and adjust your routine when your needs change.

   Useful skincare ingredients vary according to individual needs, but commonly used ingredients include vitamin C, retinoids, peptides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin and ceramides.

   And whatever your age, daily sun protection remains one of the most important things you can do to protect your skin from premature sun damage.

    

   

    

   Change Your Pillowcase Regularly

    

   Your pillowcase comes into contact with your face for several hours every night.

    

   Over time, it can accumulate oils, skincare products, sweat and other debris.

    

   Regularly washing your pillowcase is therefore a sensible part of good hygiene.

    

   You don't need an expensive silk pillowcase to have healthy skin, although some people enjoy using them because they feel comfortable and can create less friction against the skin.

    

   The most important thing is keeping your bedding clean and choosing materials that feel comfortable for you.

    

   Get Enough Sleep

    

   Your skin is constantly renewing and repairing itself, and sleep is an important part of overall health and wellbeing.

    

   If you're regularly exhausted and not getting enough sleep, it can certainly show in your face!

    

   Dark circles, puffiness and a dull complexion can all make you look more tired.

    

   So one of the simplest beauty treatments of all is free:

    

   Get some sleep!

    

   Don't Worry About Sleeping in a Particular Position

    

   You may have heard that sleeping on your side or front causes wrinkles.

    

   There is some evidence that repeated mechanical pressure and skin compression can contribute to sleep lines, but this doesn't mean you need to force yourself to sleep on your back if that isn't comfortable for you.

    

   Good quality sleep is much more important for your overall wellbeing than worrying about which position you are sleeping in.

    

   If sleeping on your back is comfortable, that's absolutely fine. If it isn't, don't lose sleep over it!

    

   Give Your Skin a Break When You Need To

    

   There's nothing wrong with wearing make-up if you enjoy it.

    

   However, it's important to remove make-up properly at the end of the day and cleanse your skin appropriately.

    

   If you notice that a particular make-up product seems to irritate your skin or contribute to congestion, try removing it from your routine for a while and see whether your skin improves.

    

   Going make-up-free occasionally can also simply be lovely!

    

   Your skin doesn't need to look "perfect" every day.

    

   Wash Your Hands Before Applying Skincare

    

   This is such a simple tip, but it's easily forgotten.

    

   Before applying your skincare products, wash your hands.

    

   Your hands come into contact with countless surfaces throughout the day, so clean hands are a sensible way to avoid transferring unnecessary dirt and bacteria onto your face.

    

   And if you can, try not to constantly touch, pick or squeeze your skin.

    

   This is particularly important if you're prone to blemishes, as picking can increase inflammation and increase the risk of scarring.

    

   Look After Your Skin From the Inside and Outside

    

   Healthy skin isn't just about the products you put on your face.

    

   Your overall lifestyle matters too.

    

   Eating a varied, balanced diet, drinking enough fluids, getting sufficient sleep, managing stress, staying active and protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure can all contribute to your overall health and wellbeing.

    

   And don't forget that stress can affect your skin too.

    

   If you're constantly feeling overwhelmed, taking time to relax isn't just a luxury. It's part of looking after yourself.

    

   Your Skin Is Unique

    

   There is no single skincare routine that works perfectly for everyone.

    

   Your skin type, concerns, lifestyle, age, environment and personal preferences all need to be taken into consideration.

    

   So rather than constantly chasing the latest beauty hack or buying every new skincare product that promises miraculous results, take some time to understand your own skin.

    

   Keep your routine simple, be consistent and make changes gradually.

    

   And if you're unsure what your skin actually needs, that's where professional advice can be really useful.

    

   At Revive, I offer a range of professional facial and holistic face treatments in Stockport, and I'm always happy to help you choose a treatment that's appropriate for your individual skin.

    

   Sometimes healthy, glowing skin isn't about doing more.

    

   It's about doing the right things consistently.

    

   Until next time,

    

   Zoe

    

   x

   PS Do you need help with your at-home skincare routine?

   Check out my Skin Care Guide - only £5 - Ebook PDF

   • Identify your skin type and skincare issues
   • Create a skincare routine suited to you
   • Help you choose products that are suitable for your skin type and skincare issues
   • Key information on common skincare issues and which products can help: acne and breakouts, dehydrated skin, dull skin, hyperpigmentation (uneven skin tone), mature skin concerns, rosacea and redness, sensitive skin.
   • A to Z glossary of over 40 popular, effective skincare ingredients 

    

2. The Benefits of Water for your Skin

   Posted on 9:00am Tuesday 15th Dec 2020

   The Benefits of Water for Your Skin

   We all know that drinking enough water is important for our general health and wellbeing, but what about our skin?

   You've probably heard the advice to "drink plenty of water for healthy skin", but is there actually any truth behind it?

   The simple answer is that staying adequately hydrated is an important part of looking after your body, and healthy skin is part of that picture too.

   However, drinking more water isn't a magic cure for every skin concern. Your skin is influenced by many different factors, including your genetics, hormones, age, diet, environment, skincare routine and overall health.

   So let's take a closer look at the relationship between water, hydration and healthy skin.

   Why Does Your Skin Need Water?

   Water is essential for almost every process in the body, and your skin is no exception.

   The outermost layer of your skin helps form a protective barrier between your body and the outside environment. Maintaining this barrier is important because it helps your skin retain moisture and protect itself from environmental stresses.

   When your body doesn't have enough fluid, you may become dehydrated. Dehydration can affect your overall wellbeing and may also make your skin feel dry or less comfortable.

   However, it's important to understand the difference between dehydrated skin and dry skin.

   Dry Skin vs Dehydrated Skin

   Dry skin is generally a skin type. It tends to produce less sebum, or natural oil, and may feel tight, rough or flaky.

   Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, is a lack of water in the skin and can happen to any skin type, including oily skin.

   You can therefore have oily and dehydrated skin at the same time.

   This is one reason why simply applying more moisturiser isn't always the answer to every skin concern.

   Does Drinking More Water Improve Your Skin?

   If you're already drinking enough fluids, drinking excessive amounts of water isn't going to suddenly transform your skin.

   However, making sure you drink enough to meet your body's needs is an important part of maintaining good health.

   There is some evidence that increasing water intake in people who previously consumed relatively little water may have a positive effect on skin hydration. However, the relationship between drinking water and specific skin concerns is much more complicated than the beauty industry sometimes suggests.

   So my advice is simple: drink enough water to stay adequately hydrated, but don't feel that you need to drink enormous quantities of water simply to improve your complexion.

   How Much Water Should You Drink?

   There isn't one exact amount of water that everyone needs.

   Your fluid requirements vary according to factors such as your age, body size, activity levels, the weather, your diet and your individual circumstances.

   A useful general approach is to drink regularly throughout the day and pay attention to your body's signals, including thirst.

   Tea, coffee, milk and many foods also contribute to your overall fluid intake.

   Water and Your Skincare Routine

   Drinking enough water is only one part of looking after your skin.

   Your skincare routine is also important.

   For healthy-looking skin, consider the following:

   Cleanse your skin gently rather than using harsh products that leave it feeling tight, moisturise regularly, protect your skin from excessive sun exposure and use a suitable SPF during the day.

   If your skin is dry or dehydrated, look for moisturising products containing ingredients designed to support the skin barrier and attract or retain water, such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid and other humectants.

   It is also important not to over-exfoliate. While removing dead skin cells can leave your complexion feeling smoother, excessive exfoliation can irritate the skin and compromise its protective barrier.

   Other Things That Affect Your Skin

   If you're concerned about your skin, don't automatically blame dehydration.

   There are many factors that can affect the appearance and condition of your skin, including hormones, stress, sleep, diet, environmental conditions, temperature, central heating, smoking, alcohol, sun exposure, medication, underlying health conditions and the products you use.

   This is why a good skincare routine needs to be personalised to you.

    

   

   Professional Facial Treatments

   Sometimes your skin simply needs a little professional attention.

   A facial can provide a thorough cleanse, appropriate exfoliation, a suitable mask, facial massage and moisturisation, with the treatment adapted according to your skin type and current concerns.

   If you're unsure whether your skin is dry, dehydrated, sensitive, oily or combination, a professional consultation can also help you understand what your skin needs.

   At Revive, I offer a range of facial treatments designed for different skin types and concerns.

   You can find out more about my facial treatments or contact me if you're unsure which treatment would be most suitable for you.

   Don't Forget the Rest of Your Body!

   Although we often focus on our face when talking about skincare, your skin covers your entire body!

   If your hands, elbows, knees or legs become particularly dry, regular moisturising can help keep the skin feeling comfortable and soft.

   And just like your face, your body benefits from gentle cleansing, appropriate exfoliation and protection from the elements.

   The Bottom Line

   Drinking enough water is an important part of looking after your overall health and wellbeing, and staying adequately hydrated supports your body in many ways.

   But if you're hoping that drinking gallons of water will cure dry skin, wrinkles, acne or every other skincare concern, unfortunately it isn't quite that simple!

   Think of hydration as one piece of the skincare puzzle.

   Drink regularly, eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, protect your skin from excessive sun exposure and use skincare products that are appropriate for your individual skin type and concerns.

   And if you're still struggling with your skin, that's where a professional skincare consultation can be really useful.

   Your skin is unique, so your skincare routine should be too.

   Until next time,

   Zoe

   x