Skincare Do's & Dont's!

We all want nice skin! Some people are more fortunate than others and don't suffer with skin issues. But... if you're like me and suffer with either acne, blemishes, oily skin, dry skin, blackheads, scarring, spots, dullness or anything else... then please read on.

Firstly, all the above skin types I have experienced (luckily not all at the same time), and I have learnt the best things to use on my skin. 

So after visiting GP's, researching and testing many products out I have finally learnt the DO's and DONT's. 

Firstly, do you know your skin type?

So here we go... what should we avoid?

DONT

-Don't pick or squeeze your skin!! As much as this may be tempting and look gross, it does not help! Why? this makes the area red and more prone to scarring! It also gives bacteria more room to invade! This means you are more likely to get the spot again in the same area. Bursting or squeezing spots can cause infection or scarring. Instead, use acne or blemish creams, gels or lotions to combat those spots.

-Don’t Drink Too Much Coffee

Yes we all love coffee (especially on a Monday morning) but did you know... Like sodium and alcohol, caffeine dehydrates our bodies. ... Dehydrated skin causes inflammation (redness) and premature aging (collagen loss). Additionally, without enough water flushing your system, toxic buildup in the skin can also cause acne.

-Don’t Touch Your Face: This spreads bacteria! Leading to more spots. 

-Don’t use too much moisturizer. All skin types need moisturizer but rich, heavy creams can sit on the skin’s surface and block pores. Use easily absorbed creams and lotions or water-based products for oily or combination skin.

-Don’t wear makeup to bed. Leaving makeup on your skin can clog your pores leading to breakouts, so use a makeup remover before cleansing every night.

DO

- Exfoliate: exfoliate once a week. It unclogs pores, helps prevent blackheads and removes dead skin cells for fresh, radiant skin.

-Cleanse your face properly. Using a gentle soap or cleanser, wash dirt, oil and makeup from your face every night before bed.

-Eat Healthy: A healthy diet packed with essential vitamins and minerals will enhance your complexion from the inside out.

A balanced diet, with plenty of fruit, vegetables, whole grains and some lean protein, will be reflected in your complexion. Avoid too much alcohol, which can dehydrate your skin and make it look older. And smoking is a big skin sin: strong evidence links it with premature ageing.

Although the link between spots and diet used to be considered a myth, there’s now evidence a diet high in dairy and high-GI foods may exacerbate acne. So try switching to dairy-free foods and swapping high-GI foods like white bread and rolls for whole grain versions.

-Use SPF Protection: The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are the main cause of skin ageing and can cause skin cancer. If you’re out in the sun, protect your skin with a minimum SPF 15.

-Limit Alcohol. Alcohol has a dehydrating effect which can lead to tired looking skin.

-Drink Water & Green tea (and Im not talking about 1 glass)

green tea is rich in antioxidants, which help fight against free radicals in the body, the steam gives your skin a direct shot of these antioxidants. Also, it soothes irritated skin and its anti-ageing properties prevent wrinkles, fine lines and other skin diseases.

Drinking an adequate amount of water daily is important for overall good health because water aids in digestion, circulation, absorption and even excretion. ... your skin is made up of cells. And skin cells, like any other cell in the body, are made up of water

Acne

So what did I learn from the professionals? If you want to know more, I will be uploading a post specifically on acne in the upcoming weeks! 

This will be updated and uploaded on 27th September 2018.

So, if you do give my advice a go, let me know what worked best! 

Sarah xo 

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