Love is in the air this February – and whether you’re spending this V cuddled up watching your favorite rom-com, going out on a date…or just hanging at home with a pint of ice cream (we’re not judging), why not show how much you care by treating the true love of your life? Ie. YOU.
Self-love comes in all forms, and if your love language is, well, skincare, you’re in good company. So, by showing our love to you, here are six of our favorite skincare tips you can practice this month and for the rest of the year:
1. Apply your skincare in the correct order
There are two types of people in this world, people who have a skincare routine and people who have a skincare ritual. Whether you’re a 10-step guru or prefer something minimal, the way you apply your skincare can make a big difference. Skincare experts recommend you use your products from the thinnest to the thickest. So after you wash your face with a cleanser (like ours!), you’ll want to follow up with a toner, serum, treatment and a hydrating moisturizer.
To take your skincare routine even further, you’ll want to take your time applying each product. Massage each product as you apply, and let it dry completely before moving on to the next step. This ensures that the product has been thoroughly penetrated deep into your surface. You can use your own fingertips to apply and then massage into your face, or a skincare tool like our Petal 2 cleansing brush and ultrasonic rose quartz roller, Riya.
2. Keep your skin hydrated
Any dermatologist will tell you that hydration is the not-so-secret to plump and healthy-looking skin. Keeping your skin hydrated will also help strengthen your skin’s barrier, which plays a crucial role in your skin’s overall health. So even if you have oily and acne-prone skin, don’t even think about skipping out on your moisturizer! Well-hydrated skin can be achieved with a good quality moisturizer, one for the face and one for the body, as well as a hydrating toner and serum. But the other key secret to hydrated skin? Drinking water! Drinking plenty of water (a recommended 8 glasses a day) will help your body flush out any toxins, boost your blood circulation, and maintain your skin’s natural elasticity. Studies have also found that those who drink large amounts of water during the day are less likely to develop scaring, inflammation, and deep-set wrinkles. So, get drinking!
But - if you have dehydrated skin or are taking any it’s also best to avoid any product that may contain any alcohol or drying properties. Instead, look out for products that cater to sensitive skin, like our own Aloe Coconut Body Lotion.
3. Wear sunscreen daily
If you really want to give your skin the love it deserves, you also need to protect it. As much as we love soaking up the rays in the summer, overexposure to the sun can lead to some really harmful damage. Too much exposure to the sun can lead to harmful UVA and UVB rays, weakening your skin’s natural defenses. UVA rays are closely linked to the development of premature wrinkles, and UVB rays are the leading cause of sunburn.
By wearing SPF every day, you can reduce the chances of developing wrinkles and other signs of aging and skin damage. Leading dermatologists recommend using an SPF30 throughout the day, even when you plan on staying indoors or the sun isn’t visible. Apply sunscreen on your face and body throughout the year – and yes, even in the winter!
Pro tip: If you’re an IPL handset user, it is imperative to apply sunscreen and avoid direct sunlight on any area you are treating. For information about this, check out our on how to keep your skin protected from the sun.
4. Make sure you’re getting enough Zzzs
Getting in your eight hours of sleep can feel like a luxury, especially with a busy lifestyle. Every medical expert will tell you that sleeping through the night has mental and physical health benefits, but good sleep can also help improve your skin’s health. When we sleep, our skin cells regenerate, which helps to increase our collagen production and recover from any stress we may have endured during the day. When we cut back on our sleep, our skin won’t have received the amount of time it needs to restore and repair.
A found that those who slept for 7-9 hours were more likely to retain moisture in their skin than those who slept for 5 hours or less. People who slept for less than 5 hours were also more likely to develop dark circles and swollen eyes, affecting their overall appearance.
If sleeping through the night is difficult for you, consider practicing meditation or journaling before going to bed to help reduce stress and ease your mind before going into dreamland.
5. Eat plenty of yummy Vitamin C
Diet is another crucial factor for skincare, but don’t worry – we’re not here to tell you to stop eating your favorite donut. As mentioned before, it’s essential to drink plenty of water to help regulate your blood flow and maintain good hydration levels. To add to that, it’s also important to make sure you also eat enough fruits and vegetables. We recommend focusing on products that contain plenty of Vitamin C for good skin.
Vitamin C is known as a super antioxidant that not only boosts your immune system but can also promote glowing skin and reduce the signs of blemishes. As a result, vitamin C is a popular natural ingredient for skincare products that target hyperpigmentation and anti-aging. This antioxidant has also been shown to have qualities that can help increase collagen production and strengthen your skin’s barrier. Fruits and vegetables that contain Vitamin C include oranges, blueberries, broccoli, strawberries, and sweet potatoes.
6. Exfoliate your face and body regularly
Regular exfoliation on your face and body is one of the best ways to achieve healthy-looking and glowing skin. Exfoliating can help remove dead skin cells and clean out any dirt, debris, and oil that might have seeped into your skin’s barrier. It’s effective on most skin types, including dry, oily, and acne-prone, and works as an effective deep clean method for your skincare routine. Regular exfoliation can also help add some extra smoothness when you’re shaving, especially when you’re using a shaver like our 4D electric shaver and can help prevent ingrown hair and strawberry legs. It’s also recommended that you spend some time to exfoliating your body with our Deep Exfoliation Glove the day before you use an IPL device (like our brand-new
Many leading dermatologists recommend exfoliating 3 times a week, using natural and gentle scrubs and tools. We’re a big believer in a DIY scrub, especially one you can easily make in your kitchen. (Check out our old post on DIY Coffee scrubs). Plus, our Deep Exfoliation Glove was explicitly designed as a pre-treatment for IPL users or anyone with drying skin concerns like keratosis pillars and works best on its own and without any other products.
To check out all products mentioned in the blog, or to view the rest of our collection of beauty tools and skincare, click here to visit our main homepage.
