skin care: how to make your skin smooth and glow – part 2

I am on a quest to rid blast my black heads and whittle away the wrinkles! I blogged a load of tips back at the end of November  but there are heaps more out there so this is part two of skin care: how to make your skin smooth and glow!

Exfoliate

Generally my skin, although very dry, does ok but one thing that constantly bugs me, is my large pores and black heads. Pores appear larger when they're filled with dirt, oil, and dead skin cells, so removing this and the pores will be clearer and smaller. To clear out the gunk, start exfoliating regularly! I do it every other day otherwise it dries out my skin too much. Look for products with salicylic and glycolic acid. I am currently using Neutogena deep clean invigorating scrub for an everyday use and a microdermabrasion one from No7 that I use twice a week which I blogged about back in April. 

exfoliating is key to glowing skin! 

Drink lots of water

It is amazing how something so simple is so effective. It’s your cheapest beauty trick by far! Why? Water helps clear out toxins that cause inflammation and blemishes, as well as keeping you hydrated AND it assists in transporting nutrients and oxygen to skin cells.

Avoid too hot water

Whilst getting enough water into your body is a good thing, be mindful of water on your skin – a long soak in a hot bath may sound like a treat but it’s bad for your skin! Hot water will deplete your skin of essential oils, as well as causing flushing and redness.

pic from lilsparoom.com

Moisturise ASAP

Most moisturisers work by  creating a protective barrier on the surface of the skin to lock in moisture, and because skin cools itself by evaporating water, you only have a few minutes before that hydration is gone! Especially with serums!

Look after your neck and chest

I must admit, I have only just started this and I was one of the many that stopped my skin care routine at my chin My dad always says, “you can tell the real age of a woman by looking at her neck and décolletage” and he is actually right! The skin on your neck and chest is thinner so if anything, these areas need even more tlc. You can buy specialist neck and chest creams but at the moment I am using my normal face cream but a lighter amount.

Stop picking, touching and probing

Every time you press, touch and pick at your skin and spots, it causes inflammation and only adds to the bacteria build up, causing more spots. I know it’s hard to resist but stop picking.

Anti bac your phone

This is something I have only just started doing and even then it is a half arsed attempt, only happening when I remember. Apparently, each square inch of your mobile contains roughly 25,000 germs, making it one of the filthiest things you come in contact with on a daily basis. To keep your phone (and face) bacteria-free, wipe it down with an anti bac wipe. I keep a pack by my desk, as it’s the office phone as well as you’re mobile that’s a house of germs.  

Protect and repair 

I once read that you're best to protect your skin in the day and repair the skin at night. 

Since then, I have changed my facial skim routine with making sure I use a good serum, moisturiser and SPF in the day and at night, I focus on cleansing, anti wrinkle creams Day and nourishing the skin. 

If you have any tips, please leave a comment! 

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