Helping our skin look its best all the time, thankfully does not always require high tech beauty gadgets and expensive skincare products.

Sometimes, its the littlest changes that make the most difference or actually undermines the effects of high performing skincare products/ gadgets.

 

Here are a few lifestyle changes / habits we can form to make a difference in how our skin feels and looks:

1. Go easy on alcohol/ cut down on sugar

Avoiding excess alcohol intake is obviously the right advice for your skin. It’s about changing what you drink. While a glass of red wine can be  beneficial, consuming a whole bottle, however, will do the opposite.

You should especially avoid sweet cocktails – which is a double whammy for skin which loses collagen with excess sugar.

“Reduce your sugar consumption to protect skin, this also includes starch intake, as every single starch molecule is cut down into sugar molecules as soon as it enters your body,” .

Sugar molecules mean higher insulin levels, inflammation and a breakdown of insulin and collagen, sagging skin and wrinkles.

2. Stay out of the UV light

Minimise the amount of UV light exposure on areas that will always be on show. That’s the face, side of neck, upper chest and backs of hands. Incorporate a good quality high-level sunscreen every morning, 365 days of the year, “Never leave the house without applying a good SPF.

“We recommend SPF 30-50. Nowadays there SPFs for all skin types so there is no reason not to include it in your daily skin care regime. A good protector encourages the prevention of future skin concerns”.

Don’t rely solely on your sun protection cream, but instead actually avoid direct sun as much as possible.

BSN tinted sunscreen is a mineral sunscreen with Zinc and Titanium Oxide  (SPF 30) that blends into the skin without leaving a white cast on the face.

3. Massage your face

Fantastic for stimulating your skin, massage boosts the vital supply of oxygen and nutrients into skin cells while draining toxins from the lymph nodes to de-puff and prevent the blockages which can cause congestion and breakouts.

4. Clean sensibly

Choose the right cleanser; there are so many cleansers out there and it’s important that you choose the right one for your skin type.

Good skin starts with the right cleanser and the selection of the wrong type can, over long term, cause damage to your skin and lead to poor skin health.

Face wipes may be convenient, but they aren’t great for the skin. Instead cleanse makeup and grime off thoroughly particularly in the evening using cleansers such as  DEEP CLEANSING FACE WASH that are formulated to repair the delicate skin barrier

5. Catch up on your beauty sleep

Never, ever, ever accumulate sleep debt over prolonged periods of time – put sleep first.

“Lack of sleep causes the hormone cortisol to rise, which in excess amounts, breaks down collagen which keeps our skin bouncy and thick.”

6. Antioxidants are for the AM, Acids & Retinols for the PM

Use Topical antioxidants each morning and exfoliating products/retinol (including retinol or retinaldehyde, or intermittent prescription strength tretinoin, lactic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid) in the evening to strengthen your collagen levels.

 

7. Go light on acne

If you suffer with breakouts, avoid lipid-rich, heavy skincare. Use oil-free products including make-up, and if you suffer with dry skin, avoid foaming cleansers and bubble baths. BSN clear skin serum has actives that can help tackle acne on the skin, mildly.

8. Diet

Greens are natural agents of helping to support detoxification processes so try and have some on a daily basis – broccoli, spinach, watercress, rocket, spring green, chard, kale, any herbs, just add them to your plate or a morning smoothie.

We need healthy oils in the diet to nourish skin and keep it supple. Often acne is mistaken for excess oil but sometimes it can be the total opposite. In fact eating healthy oils doesn’t make your skin oily. Think cold water fish, eggs, avocados, cold pressed oils such as olive, pumpkin seed, linseed (all unheated), coconut oil and butter,

9. Protect your eyes

Wear sun glasses as often as socially acceptable to protect the delicate skin around your eyes,

10. Go pro with skin problems

If you suffer with breakouts make sure to seek professional help, we can help you recommend skincare products that can help you get some positive results . Just send us a message.