DISCLAIMER: If you’re a rich, super clued-up beauty blogger, this is not the article for you. I spend no more than five minutes a day on skincare, and have never spent more than £15 on any product. But if you want a few quick, easy ways to change up your daily routine and help keep your skin looking and feeling healthier, here are some simple tips.
1. Always take your make-up off before bed
I know we’ve heard it a million times, but sleeping in make-up clogs your pores, attracts bacteria leading to breakouts, and can cause eye irritation and infections. But did you know it can also cause fine lines and wrinkles (something to do with ‘free radicals’ apparently, whatever they are) and stops your skin from renewing itself at night: who wants to wake up with ‘old’ skin?
sleeping in make-up clogs your pores, attracts bacteria leading to breakouts, and can cause eye irritation and infections
2. Use a moisturiser
Putting on a moisturiser after washing all the natural oils from your face stops it from drying out, and should be an essential part of your daily routine. I highly recommend Simple Kind to Skin Hydrating Light Moisturiser: it’s inexpensive, not too heavy and very effective
3. Tea tree:
Tea tree is a recent discovery, but I have genuinely been amazed at the difference it has made. The Body Shop has a whole range of products: toners, gels, cleansers, scrubs and more, so there really is something to address every problem and to fit every routine. I use the Anti-Imperfection Daily Solution twice a day, and whilst initially sceptical about its claims predicting visible results in just one week, it really does work.
4. Be sensible
Three little things with a big effect: water, diet, and suncream. You need to drink a lot of water before it really starts hydrating your skin as it goes to organs and cells first, while eating foods like carrots, broccoli, squash and spinach can give your skin a ‘healthy glow’ within six weeks. Even without burning, longterm UV exposure can make skin look dry as well as causing wrinkles and ‘age spots’, so make sure you put on some suncream even if you don’t think you’ll burn.
eating foods like carrots, broccoli, squash and spinach can give your skin a ‘healthy glow’ within six weeks.
5. Give your skin a bit of proper TLC
Every now and then, take more time to treat your skin. Go make-up free and let it breathe, and make time for exfoliating, cleansing and applying a facemask. Think of it as a thank you to your skin for dealing with everything you put it through. It deserves it!