Banish Those Beauty Mistakes and Become a Skin Care Expert

Your skin is the largest organ of the body so looking after it is paramount, not only to keep your youthful looks but also for your general health. The skin is your first line of defense; it protects your body from pollution, free radicals and diseases as well as regulating temperature, insulating your vital organs, responding to different sensations, which can alert your body to danger, and it also heals itself when damaged. Our skin looks after us, so it is only right that in turn, we look after it and this guide aims to help you do just that.

Drink Plenty of Water

This advice is constantly repeated when it comes to looking after your body and with good reason too. Not only does H2O help regulate your body’s temperature through sweating, it is also an important transport system which takes nutrients to your organs. It can help with some health problems, such as headaches, tiredness and dizziness and it is a fantastic tool for weight loss because, when we think we’re hungry, in fact our body is crying out for hydration and so, by drinking more and eating less, it helps shed the pounds. Water is wonderful for the skin and there have been many tests and trials to prove the effects that it has such as helping the skin to regenerate new cells which gives a cleaner, glowing complexion. With so many health benefits, drinking water is a great way to start on your quest to beautiful skin.

Cleanse, Tone and Moisturise

Most people will usually just do two or even one of these steps when it is essential to do all three, even if you have oily skin and acne. This routine should be done twice a day, in the morning when you get up and before bed to remove all of the make up, dirt and grime that your skin would have collected throughout the day. Choose the products that will best suit your skin; for dry skin you will want products that will give you hydration whereas combination/oily skin will ones that will prevent oil excess without drying their skin which can cause further outbreaks. The first step is to cleanse by using warm water to open the pores, using an upwards motion to clean the face and then a cotton pad or sponge to remove the cleanser; seal the pores by rinsing in cold water to prevent any bacteria entering.

The next stage is toner; this is used to restore your skin’s PH levels and can be used to kill bacteria that linger on your face or to even help fight spots. It is an essential step for those with oily skin but it is just as important for other skin types to follow this step. Be warned, some toners contain alcohol which can severely damage and dry your skin, if you are wary about using a toner, try a natural one that contains rose extract as this calms the skin and gives a beautiful fresh-faced look.

Moisturiser is not just for those with dry skin, it is an absolute must for every skin type. There are several different types to choose from, such as lotions for hydration, gel for oily and acne prone skin and serums and there are so many on the market that you may have to trial a few before finding the one for you. Whether you want one that contains fake tan, anti-ageing or spot fighting treatment, there is usually something for everyone. A top tip is to get a moisturiser with an SPF factor as it is imperative that you keep your skin safe from the sun due to UV rays speeding the ageing process as well as being the main cause of skin cancer. Many moisturisers now come with SPF but don’t go for anything less than SPF 15.

Exfoliating and Face Masks

There are many who don’t exfoliate which can lead to dehydrating your skin as well as a dull complexion and skin irritation. This step should be done at least 2 times a week to remove the skins dead cells and dry skin and allow new cells to generate. For the face, it is best to use exfoliators with gentle grains such as apricot kernels, jojoba and mineral clays as these are soft, gentle and clear your skin without irritation.

Face masks work in the same way as an exfoliator and are a great way to pamper yourself. There are many on the market such as mud, clay, peel-off but you can just as well make your own from ingredients in your cupboard such as bicarbonate of soda, turmeric, tomatoes, eggs, organic honey and apple cider vinegar which all have incredible effects on the skin and cost pennies.

Go Professional

Even though skin care can be done at home, it is best to treat yourself to a professional facial once in a while to get advice on the best products for you as well as giving your skin a professional clean. For dry skin a microdermabrasion is best to remove this skin of dead cells to make way for fresh, glowing skin cells, where as for oily skin, a standard facial works wonders to unclog the pores and remove blackheads and whiteheads from the skin. The spa treatments London has to offer are vast and there are an eclectic mix to choose from such as Chinese herbal treatments to mud baths and there are many hotels in the city that offer packages that include spa treatments, such as The Marble Arch by Montcalm London. So if you are looking for a professional skin overhaul, why not take a look at the hotel packages and book a relaxing mini break too?