We believe in a holistic approach to skincare - mind and nutrition included, and in keeping these as simplistic and enjoyable as possible. Skincare shouldn't be complicated and reserved for 'gurus'. Everyone deserves to feel great! Therefore, we've put together this guide to help get you back to balance with your skin feeling nourished + healthy again.
The Skincare Ritual
Most of the time, skin problems are closely linked to barrier issues. When your skin barrier is damaged it can no longer seal in moisture and nutrients, nor keep bacteria out and often presents as dryness, redness and other common inflammatory skin conditions. Yes, it's certainly tempting to vigorously 'scrub' away the dryness and pick at irritations, but the absolute best thing you can do it leave it well along and focus on repair. Be as gentle as possible. We recommend the following ritual to heal barrier damage:
Oil Cleansing. By far the most important and under-appreciated step in any skincare ritual. Be sure to use a good, non-stripping cleanser that doesn't harm the delicate PH of your skin barrier (we recommend our 'Remove the Dirt' Oil Cleanser). A good cleanser aims to removes all makeup, impurities and bacteria from the surface layer to prevent it getting into pores causing irritation.
Stop with the harsh exfoliants. Let your skin rest for at least a week, ideally more.
Slather on the moisturiser. As counter-intuitive as this may sound for inflamed acne-prone skin where the natural reaction is to try and dry it out, hydrated skin actually helps combat the formation of pimples. Hydrated skin is less likely to try and fix the dryness with its own over production of natural oils. Therefore keeping the surface balanced.
Focus on barrier repair. Utilise an oil as the final step to lock in hydration, actives and help seal and repair the surface of the skin. Our 'Everywhere' Oil is formulated to closely match our skins natural oils and is PH balanced - so is particularly nourishing. For extra inflamed or sensitive skin, an oil can be used directly after cleansing / showing to lock in water and as the only step in your routine (skip the moisturiser!).
Nutrition
Try incorporating more of these skin-loving foods into your diet. Rich in essential fatty acids, antioxidants and Vitamins, not only will they give you a health boost, but a skin boost too.
- Salmon and Mackerel: for Omega 3
- Avocados: for essential fatty acids and biotin (for hair)
- Walnuts: for Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Zinc and Selenium
- Sunflower Seeds: for essential fatty acids, Vitamin E, Zinc and Selenium
- Carrots: for vitamin A, Selenium and Zinc
- Soybeans: for isoflavones (essential for elasticity) and hormone balance
- Dark Chocolate
- Green Tea: for antioxidants
- Plenty of water: for hydration.
Mind
Reducing stress is an essential component in skincare. When you feel stressed, your sympathetic nervous system releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Cortisol can increase oil production in your skin glands, which can lead to clogged pores and exacerbate inflammatory skin conditions. To destress, try the following:
1. Take a walk daily. Even 10-20 minutes is enough, just get moving!
2. Carve out 'you' time. Take 5-15 minutes each morning to yourself - whether that's journalling, meditation or simply making a cup on coffee and enjoying it in silence. Make this a daily ritual, it'll help set your mind up with intention, and clarity - enabling better focus throughout the day.
3. Take a break. If something is causing you to tense up - take 5 minutes away from the stressor. That could be plugging in your headphones and listening to music, writing, moving your body, stretching or just calling a friend or family member to take your mind off things or to talk it out. If you're going with the last option, try not to ruminate too much on the stressor - give your mind a short break from it before or after the call but by all means don't avoid talking about the issue if it provides relief.
4. Listen to your body. Don't overdo the exercise - stress manifests from physical to mental, so a tired overworked body is going to create a tired and overworked mind.
5. Get a good sleep. This is essential to allow the body and mind to rest, reset and recharge. This can only happen when you sleep, so be sure to head to bed early, jump off all tech devices at least an hour beforehand and make sure your room is dark and quiet to give your body the best chance of rest.