Now that Janu-‘worry’ has finally come to end, we can start focussing on what really matters; self-care. “Starting the year off on a good note when it comes to looking after ourselves will stand you in good stead for the months to come, especially when winter hits and our moods tend to be lower. Taking care of our skin benefits both the body and mind, so it’s important to implement good routines early in the year,” explains Su-Marie Annandale, Clere skincare brand manager.
Annandale shares 23 skincare tips to take into the rest of 2023 with you:
- Drink at least two litres of water a day to keep your body and skin healthy. We need water for our body to function normally, so keeping hydrated is key. If you struggle to drink plain water, try infusing some of your favourite fruits or even try a hot or cold herbal tea. It’ll help you feel more alert and stave off dehydration headaches.
- No matter the weather, apply sunscreen first thing in the morning. In summer you’ll need to re-apply more frequently.
- The amount of sleep you get directly affects your skin. Your skin needs sleep so it can carry out its vital processes, like repairing damage from UV exposure and making new collagen which gives you plumper, more elastic skin. Try and get at least seven hours every night to get the best benefits for your skin.
- When it comes to your skin, hydration is everything. Even if you have oily skin, you need to keep your skin hydrated; otherwise, it’ll produce more oil to compensate. Make sure you’re moisturising twice a day. Applying lotion right after stepping out of the shower seals in the moisture that your skin has just absorbed. Plus, since hands are often the first indicators of ageing, keep a thicker moisturising crème in your bag, car, and at your office. Clere’s crèmes and lotions will keep your skin hydrated. Clere’s Vanilla Honey Cream and Berries & Cream body lotions, enriched with tissue oil and pure glycerine, help reduce the appearance of stretch marks* and moisturise the skin.
- Keep a positive mindset and curb the negative self-talk. When you speak kind words to yourself and are mindful of your inner dialogue, you’ll notice the difference in your appearance, and your mood.
- Walks in the fresh air are great for your body and mind. A daily stroll is also excellent for your skin as it helps to get your blood circulating around your body leaving you with a healthy glow.
- Skinimalism means putting the least products on your skin and focusing on only the relevant ones. Minimalism is the key to success and mastering the art of skincare in today’s time. As we all know, ‘less is more,’ so try to put minimum products on your skin this year, and do not let those pores get clogged with lots of layers. The more your skin breathes, the more it glows.
- Sleep on your back wherever possible to avoid facial wrinkling from your face being squashed up against your pillow at night. It’s also a good tip to invest in a silk pillowcase which helps to prevent the wrinkles forming on your skin over time thanks to the smoothness and slip of the material.
- It’s all about the body! Taking care of your body’s skin is as important as your face. Exfoliate your body skin once a week. A good body care treatment and regimen can be a therapeutic experience, so make sure not to miss it.
- Understanding and getting to know your skin type is the most important thing you can do for your skin. If you’re not sure, you could compromise your skin’s natural balance and trigger irritation, inflammation, breakouts, and even premature ageing by using the wrong products.
- Before you start using a new product, you should always do a patch test to avoid the risk of irritation or an allergic reaction. Apply a small amount of product to your inner arm to see how your skin reacts.
- Hanging onto products past their expiry dates is a big no-no. As a rule, if you can’t remember when you bought your moisturiser, SPF, foundation, mascara or eyeliner – get rid of it!
- Switch up your skincare routine throughout the year. The weather is an external factor that can wreak havoc on your skin, so it’s essential to combat the opposing temperatures with different products throughout the year.
- No matter how many miracle products you slather on your face, if your diet isn’t up to scratch, your skin won’t be able to bring its A-game. To get that glow, you need to be supplying your body with beauty-boosting vitamins and minerals, and the right nutrients to strengthen your gut. Similarly, there are some foods that you need to avoid if you’re munching with your skin in mind.
- As tempting as it may be to pop a pimple, try to resist the urge as you’ll most likely spread the bacteria and you could even leave a scar. While it may feel like you’ve sanitided the area and cleaned the pimple, there’s so much happening under your skin that you can’t see, and it’s these bacteria you’ll spread.
- Can’t figure out why you have dry skin? Caffeine may be the culprit. Replace your cappuccino with water, and add fruit slices, like orange or lemon, to enhance the flavour.
- Tearing yourself away from Instagram on your phone may seem like too high a price to pay. However, your skin is paying more. Keep antibacterial wipes handy to swipe your phone clean and help your skin stay clear. Make cleansing your cell phone – and yourself – of toxins part of your weekly to-do’s.
- If your skin feels dehydrated, it may be time to give up your secret salty snack stash. Excess sodium in your diet can suck the moisture out of skin and leave it dull and dry.
- Squinting in the sun can contribute to crow’s feet, so always wear sunglasses with UV protection. Those with light-coloured eyes have heightened light sensitivity, but brown-eyed beauties should shade their peepers, too.
- Whether it’s a facial, massage, or even a pedicure, be sure to pamper yourself. Your health and appearance are positively influenced by increasing your emotional and mental well-being.
- They say, ‘spilling the tea’ (a venting session) can feed the soul and apparently the herbal kind is good for you too. Antioxidants have proven to be extremely important as an ageing preventative. Look for products that have a complex of antioxidants, such as green tea.
- Next time you’re in the mood to snack, reach for some protein. It plays a vital role in the production of collagen and elastin, so feed your complexion by including healthy portions of meat, fish, eggs, cheese, beans, soy, and lentils in your diet.
- You’re not going to love this but avoid the sweet stuff whenever possible. Proteins in your skin react with excessive sugar, which causes your skin to age faster.
*8 out of 10 women saw an improvement in their stretch marks and it helped even their skin tone
Clere’s range of crèmes and lotions are available at all leading retailers at an estimated cost of R41.99 and R28.99, respectively.
