With spring already upon us, it’s a question most of us are asking: how to transform a drab winter complexion into luminous, glossy skin.
The answer? A regular step-by-step skincare process, great products and a dollop of patience, though if you’re short on the latter, there are still plenty of quick-fix solutions, too.
Skin changes during the winter months and can easily lose radiance. Factor in stress, a lack of sleep, too much stodge, being run down and even using incorrect skincare products and you’re left with dull skin. But, getting a complexion that looks healthy, radiant, and clear is easier than you think, whatever your age. In fact, every skin type has the potential to reach that full 100-watt gleam and glowing lit-from-within radiance.
From moisture sandwiching to the latest hybrid products that lie in between skincare and makeup, I can shine a light on how to get you glowing to your healthiest complexion yet.
I am always surprised by the number of women who think a half-hearted cleanse, or a quick swish with a wipe followed by a slick of any old moisturiser is all it takes to look after their skin. As for exfoliation, it’s a once in a blue moon treat! But gentle exfoliation – no scrubbing – is the backbone of good skin care and an excellent way to roll back the years safely and quickly. In fact, you can achieve near miraculous results with a regular weekly skin blitz as this will remove dead skin cells, and restore the glossy glow that we lose as we get older. More importantly, it will also allow any ingredients in your skincare to penetrate and work more effectively.
*Wash and glow: Cleanse twice a day – am and pm. A morning washing will wake you up but if you don’t thoroughly cleanse your skin at night, the time when your skin repairs and regenerates itself, it will not be able to detoxify efficiently. Steer clear of cleansers containing sulphates, which strip the skin and instead go for a gentle cleansing balm, foam cream or oil. Cleansing should take at least a couple of minutes – apply cleanser to face and using your fingertips, rub in circular movements for at least 30 seconds then let it sink in a minute or two before removing with a warm washcloth. Try: Cerave Hydrating Cleanser, £9.50, boots.com.*Strengthen your skin barrier:
Use chemical exfoliator twice a week – i.e., a peel, toner or serum that uses AHAs, BHAs, or PHAs, which tend to be less abrasive on your skin. Chemical exfoliators also have a bonus when used regularly increasing cell turnover, which means you’re going to encourage the creation of new collagen. Try: Medik8 Press & Glow PHA Tonic, £25, medik8.com
*Moisture Sandwiching: This the latest skincare technique that promises to help you achieve plump, glowing skin and involves applying layers of skincare after cleansing to lock in moisture. First mist the skin so it is damp then apply a hydrating serum. After your serum, spritz another layer of your face mist onto the skin before locking everything down with a moisturiser. Look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and ceramides designed to replenish the skin. You can also add a couple of drops of facial oil on top to seal in for even more moisture.Try: Cultured Biomecare Biome One Serum, £55, culturedbiomecare.com and seal with Curl Intensive Moisture Facial Cream, £19.50, boots.com.
