Welcome to my Tips & Tricks series, I am doing a series on skin types, skin problems with tips & tricks
What can I say … skincare is my favourite hobby
So often I hear skin care routine is high maintenance, in reality the steps for healthy skin are not only necessary, they’re easy to implement too at any age
You know, you only get one skin for your lifetime “Investing early in the health of your skin, with regular skin care, will not only better protect it from the harsh effects of winter, but also keep you looking and feeling your best throughout the year,” says Dr Steven Nwe
He says “The key to skin resiliency is knowing your skin and treating it well.” Oh how true !!
So your fist step is to understand your skin .. we all consider the 5 skin types to be:
- Normal a well-balanced skin, with smooth texture, fine pores. No blemishes, few or no breakouts and no sensitivity
- Dry flaky in appearance, can appear course and uneven texture, prone to itchiness and feels taught … screaming for moisture
- Oily greasy appearance, enlarged or open pores, prone to breakouts
- Combination oily T-zone with dry cheeks, breakouts can occur on that famous T-zone. Cheeks can also be sensitive
- Sensitive
- Feels itchy and tight
- Oily in summer
- Dry in winters
- Reacts to skincare, chemicals, washing powder
- Irritated after a hot water bath and becomes red
- Feels itchy while wearing tight clothes
- Flushes easily after eating spicy food
No 1. in our series for Normal Skin
Eat well and exercise but what many of us forget is hydration…..
Be well hydrated
If you don’t drink enough water throughout the day, your skin may dry up and start getting flaky. It can also lead to excess sebum production giving a waxy oily appearance this can lead to clogged pores.
Health experts commonly recommend eight 8-ounce (approx. 250 mls) glasses, which equals about 2 litres. This is the 8×8 rule.
That sounds a lot but it is easier to sip on water constantly throughout the day, even when you’re not thirsty.
Other factors to consider
- Where you live. You will need more water in hot, humid, or dry areas. You’ll also need more water if you live in the mountains or at a high altitude
- Diet do you drink a lot of coffee and other caffeinated beverages? You can lose more water through extra urination. If your diet is high in salt, spice or sugar these will deplete you of necessary water, so you need to replenish the water you have lost. Be honest about your diet, do you eat enough fresh or cooked fruits and vegetable these are hydrating foods. So, eat up on these!
- Seasons we live in Australia this summer some of us have experienced temperatures in excess of 35c. You may need more water in the warmer months than cooler ones due to perspiration. Oh I am so over the humidity…
- Our environment Australians, we are known for our love of the great outdoors, you no doubt spend more time outdoors in the sun or hot temperatures or in a heated room, you might feel thirstier faster. Remember the environment you are in all year round surfing, snow skiing, jogging, running, walking, sitting in air conditioning all day. Remember to top up your water level.
- How active you are. If you are active during the day or walk or stand a lot, you’ll need more water than someone who’s sitting at a desk. If you exercise or do any intense activity, you will need to drink more to cover water loss.
- Your health. If you have an infection or a fever, or if you lose fluids through vomiting or diarrhoea, you will need to drink more water. If you have a health condition like diabetes you will also need more water. Some medications like diuretics can also make you lose water.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding. If you’re pregnant or nursing your baby, you’ll need to drink extra water to stay hydrated. Your body is doing the work for two (or more), after all.
Sunscreen
Don’t forget our environment, sunscreen is a must for overall skin health maintenance. Direct sun exposure will dry out your skin, resulting in premature ageing with a weather beaten face with wrinkles and dark patches. Doesn’t sound attractive. Remember your skin lasts a lifetime! I recommend an Oil-free sunscreen this will prevent clogging your pores.
Moisturise
Moisturisers are a must for any skin type. They keep the skin moist and prevent it from overproducing sebum. Moisturise morning and night !!!
Remove Your Makeup Before Sleeping
Makeup will clog your pores and lead to breakouts. You want to avoid that by taking your makeup off after a long day. For that fresh, radiant skin it is imperative to remove all make up and grime at the end of the day. Apply your night cream and have a good night’s sleep.
Cleanse Your Face Before Sleeping
Even if you don’t wear makeup, cleanse your face every night before you sleep. Dirt and bacteria from outside can clog pores.
Normal skin requires a basic skincare routine, don’t forget to stay healthy and well hydrated.
