Make a pact with your skin this year and pay it more attention...
Here’s how to bring back that glow again. Words: Sarah Brooks-Wilson | Image: Grace Alyssa Kyo
1. Get into sheet masks, no really
Not only are these skin wonders quick and easy to use, but they also pack a powerful punch when it comes to skin regeneration. Look for ones containing hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and antioxidants to help repair and restore skin. Keep in the fridge for the ultimate skin cool down.
2. Keep your hands off your face
Ever wondered why you get pimples around your chin, on top of your forehead and even on your cheekbones? Just the act of touching your face with your fingers brings pore-clogging oil and dirt to the skin, so it’s no surprise that it freaks out. Think before you touch and always cleanse your skin at night.
3. Upgrade your sun care
Research out of Germany has shown that infrared rays and the heat they generate penetrate the dermal layers of the skin and stimulate the production of elastin degrading enzymes. Unfortunately, this means is a loss of skin firmness and wrinkle formation. Don’t panic, brands are now including IR (infra-red) protection in their sun care ranges.
4. Use an essence everyday
It’s the new toner come serum and by wiping this thicker formulation over your face after cleansing will it will give skin another gulp of nutrients to hydrate and give it a boost.
5. Schedule a skin treatment
Make it your once a month beauty treat. A peel with LED light only takes 40 minutes, so you can be in and out in your lunch hour. Part L-Lactic Acid, part manual scrub this Blueberry Smoothie peel is great for dull, ageing skin and congested pores. Add on the LED light therapy and you will boost cellular activity, increase blood flow and promote collagen production leaving skin peachy again. Try CosMedix Blueberry Smoothie Peel, $140, and LED Light Therapy, $95 for 20 minutes at Skin Clinic Blyss.
6. Include some naturals in your product line up
Gone are the days of natural beauty products not being effective. Performance natural actives are big news in skincare and really do work. Introduce a natural serum into your regime and see results after just four weeks.
7. Clean your makeup brushes
Makeup and skin oil build up on your brushes create a breeding ground for bacteria that can cause skin irritations. Wash your tools monthly with liquid hand soap and lukewarm water (hot water can cause bristles to fall out), then rinse well, squeeze out excess water, reshape and allow brushes to dry thoroughly.
8. Get a skin check
Assess the current state of your skin so you are aware of the visible and non-visible areas that you need to focus your skincare regime on. The SK-II Magic Ring is a state-of-the art skin analysis tool that uncovers the skin’s age, firmness, radiance, texture, spots and wrinkles. It only takes 10 minutes and is free with purchase on SK-II counters in Myer and David Jones.
9. Try something new
Feel like upping your skincare game? This mask is next-gen. Formulated with magnetic particles with electromagnetic currents, it coaxes out pollutants while improving skin circulation. Just slather a thin layer over the entire face, leave for 5-10 minutes and glide the magnet over the face to remove product. This lifts away the stress leaving skin looking radiant.
10. Get into Cryotherapy
By including the ageing preventative Cryotherapy (the use of extreme cold) in your skincare regime it will plump, brighten and instantly lift your skin. These ice-cold treatment applications come in an ice cube infusion that incorporates actives to regenerate and stimulate the epidermis. Literally take them out of the freezer, insert into the muslin cloth and wipe over your face until it melts.
