I have been obsessed with skincare probably since grade 5, back then I thought that using a moisturizer and a body lotion for kids (the only products that my parents allowed me to use) would make me a real, mature ‘woman’. Today, I try to stop the time and preserve a youthful look of my skin for as long as I possibly can. 🙈In order to do so, I have developed some beauty habits (with help of my beauty guru – my grandma) that I would like to share with you in this blog post to hopefully inspire you to appreciate your youthful skin and try to preserve it from aging too quickly when you still can!
1. Actually use SPF everyday
I have probably said that SPF should be a part of everyone’s skincare routine all year around like a million times, but I still have a feeling that most of the people reach out for sunscreen only if it is sunny outside and tend to forget that the sun is always there no matter if it is cloudy or rainy or snowy. Sun damage is such a serious problem (not only a skin concern but also a health issue) that can be really easily avoided – simply by applying a sunscreen every single day.
My go-to sunscreen, perfect for the face, is Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch sunscreen from Neutrogena. Its technology offers broad-spectrum protection from aging UVA and burning UVB rays. The product goes on easily and absorbs quickly, leaving skin feeling soft, clean and fresh – with a matte finish (perfect for people with combination or oily skin like mine).
When I know that not only my face but also the rest of my body will be exposed to the sun, I like to use Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist sunscreen. Similarly, to the Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch sunscreen, this spray also protects against UVA and UVB rays making it super easy to apply since it is in a spray form.
2. Get into the habit of massaging your face
You do not need to book any expensive spa-like experiences, a DIY facial at home is enough (for now!). It can be as simple as massaging serums or moisturizer into your skin with a little bit more attention than just applying them. Face massage increases blood circulation and improves the oxygen flow, when you do it regularly it sculpts the face and makes it look more youthful. There are many techniques on how to massage your face, but the main point is to always massage upwards (never pull you skin down that will only cause more wrinkles!). As I have mentioned before in one of my blog posts, I love a jade roller for massaging my skin. It helps firm the look of skin through gentle massage – I use the smaller side for my nose and under-eye and the bigger one for the rest of my face. It also aids in supporting the lymphatic system, the body’s main major detoxification system. Jade roller does this crazy thing that my skin looks plump and bright as it helps products absorb better. Moreover, it stones are always cold, so face rolling is not only very relaxing and de-stressing, but also amazing in reducing my under-eye swelling and minimizing pores!
3. Remember to moisturize your whole body (not just your face)
We all know how important it is to always ensure that our skin is hydrated, but we tend to forget that our skin is the biggest organ and is not limited just to the face.
Our bodies are always in motion and the constant movement can cause stressors that affect the delicate moisture balance. Moisture levels are different across the body – for example, skin on legs can have up yo five times less moisture than parts on the face! Hands, feet and other areas involved in daily tasks are even more stressed to maintain the delicate moisture balance that is why brining face level skincare and hydration to the rest of the skin is crucial in order to maintain a healthy looking skin.
Starting hydration with the face (don’t forget your neck!), I love using Vichy Mineral 89 which is a fortifying and hydrating daily skin booster. Its non-greasy gel formula combines all the power of high-dose Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Water with natural origin hyaluronic acid to strengthen skin’s barrier function.
I use it after I cleanse and tone my face to prep my skin for the rest of my skincare and protect it against aggressors such as cold weather, pollution or stress.
Moving on to the rest of my body, these days I use Hydro Boost Whipped Body Balm from Neutrogena. This rich gel whip works to quench skin’s thirst in an ultra-light and velvety formula. Its unique polymers amplify the water-absorbing power of hyaluronic acid leaving the skin so supple, fresh and hydrated.
It is said that if you want to know a woman’s real age you should look at her hands – this is so true, hands can give away your age since they are exposed to a lot every single day! To take care of the skin on my hands, I use Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hand Gel Cream. This non-greasy softening cream moisturize the skin leaving my hands softer and smoother.
4. Invest in a good eye cream
I take my under eyes very seriously as like most of the people I have naturally darker pigmentation there and not getting enough sleep doesn’t help get rid off dark circles. I have learnt that eye creams are my best friends when it comes to brighting up my under eyes and faking that I sleep 10 hours every night.
In the morning, my eyes are usually puffy, so I use Bioderma Sensibo Eye Contour Gel for sensitive skin. It moisturizers and soothes feeling of discomfort or irritation. Its decongesting agents like caffeine help to reduce puffiness while smoothing active ingredients including hyaluronic acid minimize the appearance of wrinkles. This eye cream is very lightweight and strengthens the sensitive skin around the eyes.
When the day is over, my eye area becomes dry and the signs of tiredness are clearly visible under my eyes, so in the nighttime I use Belif Moisturizing Eye Bomb to put the moisture back into my skin and make my dark circles disappear by the time I wake up. This eye cream is a lightweight, refreshing eye cream that smooths fine lines with a 26-hour burst of moisture, boosts elasticity, and increases the resilience of the skin. Formulated with hydrating herb, comfrey leaf, and elasticity-boosting pennywort herb, this eye cream provides a flood of intensive moisture for radiant and youthful-looking eyes. Its cooling and silky texture instantly bursts with hydration and blends seamlessly, keeping the eye area supple and hydrated while prepping it for a smooth crease-free makeup application.
Remember to always use your ring fingers when applying an eye cream. Ring fingers are the weakest; therefore, they are gentle enough for the sensitive skin around the eyes and will not cause more wrinkles.
5. Start incorporating some anti-aging products into your skincare routine
By starting using anti-aging products, I don’t mean that you should develop a whole new skincare routine based just on anti-aging products, but incorporating some into your existing beauty regime is definitely a good idea. Anti-aging ingredients may be found in many products (not necessarily only in labeled as ones), just make sure to read the labels and be aware of what you put on your skin (you definitely do not want your skin to age way too fast). Considering products with collagen, vitamin C and retinol is a great start. These ingredients improve skin elasticity, smooth out the texture and even help reverse signs of aging. Personally I really enjoy Pixi Beauty products as my anti-aging component in my skincare routine (I usually use them 2-3 times a week).
Collagen Plumping Mask is a volumizing leave-on mask that helps with signs of dryness and improves skin elasticity. Infused with botanical collagen, peptides and amino acids, it helps rejuvenate complexion, plump fine lines, soothe the skin and firm the face.
I cleanse my face once I come back home in the evening and when I don’t have to go anywhere that day, I like to apply this face mask and leave it on for as long as I can (I usually wash it off in the shower). I love how it leaves my skin moisturized and glowy.
Vitamin C Lotion is a brightening moisturizer that enhances radiance and softens skin. Formulated with Vitamin C for its potent antioxidant power to promote healthy collagen production and boost skin’s luminosity. Rich with powerful ferulic acid and probiotics, this moisturizer provides an antioxidant boost, protects, balances and promotes more youthful complexion.
I use this moisturizer in the PM after I use a toner (my skin tends not to like if I mix Vitamin C with any serums or acids). Every time I put it on, I can’t believe how quickly it softens my skin and brightens my complexion.
Collagen and Retinol Serum is a volumizing serum. Its unique concentrated formula of collagen, retinol, chamomile and peptides helps calm the skin and reverse the signs of aging by restoring natural plumpness and elasticity to the skin. This youth preserving serum softens fine lines while strengthening and reviving skin’s natural radiance.
I like to massage 2-3 drops of this product onto cleansed, toned skin (before moisturizer). I apply this serum only in the PM since sun exposure is not recommended when using products with retinol (if you do use products with retinol in the AM, make sure to always apply sunscreen).
Have you developed any beauty habits to maintain a healthy and youthful skin? Let me know in the comments below! xx
