The whole New Year, New You idea is very tempting – particularly given that by December, we’re all strung out at work, staying up late, drinking too much champagne and getting sunburnt at the beach. Circumstances that tend to show themselves all too clearly on our skin.
But make it your mission to follow the below beauty rules and your skin, hair and nails will thank you for it. Here’s to a more beautiful 2018 *champagne clink*
1. Thou shalt double cleanse
We all know we’re meant to, but how many of us actually do? (cue tumbleweed). “The first cleanse removes the surface make-up, pollution, dirt, oil and grime from the skin allowing the second cleanse to really target the condition of the skin and allow for a deeper, more thorough cleanse,” says Dermalogica Corporate Training Manager Dennille Ludenau. “We recommend performing a double cleanse morning and night.”
2. Thou shalt start dry body brushing
Miranda Kerr does it, and therefore you should too (her goat milk detoxes… not so much). Dry body brushing exfoliates dead skin cells and encourages cell renewal for smoother skin all over, plus it assists circulation. You can do it daily, but we’re starting small and aiming for three days a week *baby steps*
3. Thou shalt commit to weekly at-home face and hair masks.
Set aside time on a Sunday night for a mini pamper sesh and reap the benefits. The best beauty cabinets are stocked with a range of masks for all skincare situations – think hydrating for dry patches, detoxifying for congestion and exfoliating for radiance. As for hair: if you hate standing in the shower waiting for your treatment to work its magic, try the Percy & Reed Perfectly Perfecting Wonder Overnight Recovery. It’s a sleep-in version that you can comb through while you Netflix and chill.
4. Thou shalt not skimp on eye cream
The delicate eye area shows the first signs of ageing, and prevention is a zillion times better than a cure. Invest in an eye cream or gel appropriate for your skin type and start applying religiously each evening.
5. Thou shalt not leave thy house without SPF
“We should always apply and reapply SPF to protect our skin from the damaging effects of UV, which causes premature ageing in the form of lines, wrinkles and pigmentation,” says Dermalogica Corporate Training Manager Dennille Ludenau. “No one wants to age faster than they have to!” See also: skin cancer.
6. Thy make-up brushes shall always be clean
“Make up brushes can harbour all types of bacteria, and this can in turn be transferred to your make-up!” says Laura Mercier head of artistry Anne Salem. “I recommend a weekly clean of brushes, and treat the natural bristled brushes as you would your hair, delicately. Wash synthetic brushes daily, as cream products can cake up and make the brushes stiff.” Salem also cautions against sharing make-up brushes.
7. Thou shalt treat thyself
To regular facials. The experts recommend monthly, but if the budget doesn’t stretch that far, try to factor in seasonal appointments to ease your skin into changing temperatures.
8. Thou shalt refrain from sleeping with thy make-up on
The skin repairs itself most effectively at night – but it can’t do its job properly if it’s not squeaky clean. “This can lead to the skin looking dull, more congested, dehydrated and can aid in accelerated premature ageing,” says Salem. The solution for those nights when you simply cannot be bothered? Stash make-up wipes in your bedside table drawer so there’s no excuse not to wipe the day away.
9. Thou shalt get enough sleep
Eight hours. Every night. It’s worth it.
10. Rethink thy routine
Start the year afresh by doing a stock take of all your products and binning any that are past their use-by, you never use or just don’t work. Then hit the shops: investing in products that are right for your skin type is the best way to ensure you see through 2018 with a clear complexion.
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