When it comes to self-care, there are a few different things that I can easily build into my daily routine that can really help prevent my skin from ageing. Here are my top tips...
HOLISTIC
KEEP STRESS LEVELS TO A MINIMUM
I appreciate that this can be a very difficult thing to do, but there are a few things I do to help myself.
Practice yoga - I find for me, yoga helps distract my mind from the world around me. To begin with, it can really take your mind away from any stress going on (as you're trying so hard to keep your balance/not fall over), but as time goes on, it teaches you how to follow your breath. The breath is so so important especially with relieving stress. I now practice around 4 to 5 times per week and never go away with out my yoga mat.
Meditate - So yoga can easily be linked to meditation as they can be quite intertwined. However, meditation is something I like to do before bed. Again, it helps to distract my mind, focus it on something else and then allows me to fall asleep without the 'whirl' of my life going round and round in my head.
SKIN
PROTECT FROM THE SUN
Too much sun can cause a breakdown of collagen and elastin. This is when you can get sagging and a crepey skin. Avoiding sun exposure, always wearing a sunscreen daily (minimum of factor 40 - this is my favourite) and wearing a hat and sunglasses when out in the sun should keep you protected. I am a true 'shade-bather' and never sit out in the sun.
KEEP YOUR SKIN HYDRATED
Skin looks youthful when it's dewy and plump. Keeping your skin well hydrated by drinking plenty of water and using a good moisturiser will definitely help. I have used The Face Cream for nearly 10 years now. It keeps my skin hydrated without being too heavy or rich.
Try and drink your two litres of water a day when possible and sometimes more if it's really hot or you've been working out.
ALWAYS CLEANSE AND EXFOLIATE
We want to keep those pores squeaky clean and also keep your skin glowing. Ensure you cleanse twice a day with a good cleanser - I love my Cleansing Beauty Balm as a first cleanse and then follow with The Cleansing Beauty Cream as a second cleanse.
Then twice a week I will exfoliate my skin with The Exfoliating Pearls to keep it looking fresh, dewy and alive!
HAVE A FACIAL
I try to do a face mask twice a week (after my exfoliation). I do my own treatments, but if you're a bit unsure what's best for you, it's always good to have a treatment. Not all clinics will tailor your treatments to suit you, so make sure (if you can't get in with me) that you can find a place that does.
HEALTH
DON'T SMOKE
Just don't! Nothing ages you faster or more than smoking. I also make a habit of avoiding walking through smoke when I'm out (I'm the obnoxious person with their hand over their face!) It will breakdown collagen and elastin, make your skin dull, oh, and cause cancer. Yeah, you don't want that!
EAT ALKALINE
An alkaline diet is what the likes of Elle McPherson is known for. I try and focus on this around 60-70% of the time. It's not always easy, but if you can incorporate as many greens into your diet as possible, you're already halfway there!
CUT PROCESSED FOODS/SUGAR & ALCOHOL
Listen, if you want a treat now and again then that's fine. It's good though to try and be conscious of how much sugar you're consuming and that includes alcohol too. Avoid any foods that are heavily processed and work towards making foods from scratch instead - with a few ingredients as possible. Sometimes it can take a little more prep, but it's worth it in the long run.
TAKE A GOOD SUPPLEMENT
I take a multivitamin everyday. I also have some omegas and an Evening Primrose Oil (with Starflower built in) . I do have a healthy diet, but as I don't eat meat, it helps keep my levels topped up. Plus, I do have caffeine now and again throughout the week (around 2 cups of coffee and 2-4 cups of green/Earl Grey tea), which can deplete your vitamin levels.
LIFESTYLE
EXERCISE
Go for a walk or run. Do some yoga. Go to that class. Walk to the gym. Just keep your body moving for around 30 minutes a day. Not sure how much you're doing? Treat yourself to a Fitbit or track your steps on your iPhone. Keeping the body moving increases your blood flow which in turn stimulates the lymphatic system and detoxifies your body. When we rid toxins from our body, our skin glows, our eyes sparkle and we have more energy.
If I have a week where I don't get to work out, my body just doesn't function properly. I am super lethargic and my digestion is completely off. I now build it into my calendar and try my best to never miss a class or practice.
These are probably the most important things I try and do each week to keep my skin and body feeling as good as possible.
Thanks so much for reading,
Emmaline