BUFF, POLISH, GET-SET GLOW!

We have all been there; that double-take in the mirror as you notice your skin looks a little more tired and lacklustre, peering closer you see the start of a breakout that definitely wasn’t there yesterday.

You run your fingers over your skin to feel it a little uneven, patchy.

Your skin is sending out an SOS.

Time to take back control of your skin’s health and vitality!

 

Your Skin Dimmer Switch - What causes dullness?

Often, a combination of factors that relate to lifestyle, environment and genetics impact luminosity. It may be that stress or hormonal fluctuations are impacting your sleep, many of us are dehydrated; your lifestyle choices may not be optimising your skin health (diet, alcohol, smoking, inactivity). A significant influence to our skin radiance is exposure to environmental aggressors and UV.

Perhaps the wrong choice of products and how we use them that is causing a build-up of dead skin cells. This surface congestion then leads to patchiness, uneven texture and tone, perhaps a sallow or sluggish appearance that leaves us looking tired. You may notice make-up does not sit evenly, or other products appear to lose their slip and glide in application.   

Your face tells a story and reflects what’s going on with you from the inside out.

 

Our Skin Cell Turnover – Revived, Renewed, Radiant

Skin cell turnover is a natural biological function known as desquamation. This process brings new, fresh skin cells to the outer surface of the skin (epidermis) replacing the dead cells which are dry, dull and patchy. If functioning well, this natural process leaves skin luminous, smooth and revitalised.

But, as with so many things, as the years pass, this natural process slows down, indicating the production of skin cells in the lower layers of the skin becomes less prolific. In young adults, cell turnover time is approximately 20 days, whereas in older adults this slows by over 10 days. After 50, this decline becomes more dramatic.

 

Exfoliation -  The Benefits?

I’m all in favour of jargon free explanations, so, simply put exfoliation is removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, giving the natural cell turnover process a helping hand. 

In short, exfoliation helps:

• unclog pores
• prevent breakouts
• reduce wrinkles and fine lines
• give you softer, smoother skin
• improve tone and texture of the skin
• skincare products to be absorbed more effectively
• energise the skin and promotes a radiant appearance

 

Where do you start?

Simplicity is the key to maintaining consistency in good habit forming. Start gently and explore different styles of exfoliation to understand how your skin behaves.

There are many methods of refining the skin surface, from scrubs to masks - muslins to mitts; manual, or mechanical exfoliators, acids and enzymes. Some you can do from the comfort of your own bathroom, others you need a professional skin expert to carry out in clinic.

 

How often should you exfoliate?

Your skin’s personality, life-stage and resilience will determine which style and frequency of product will best suit your needs.

As a starting guideline;

Normal skin -  you can probably build up to exfoliating two to three times a week.

Dry skin – you may want to exfoliate only once a week or every other week. Steer clear of more harsh, physical scrubs as they can unsettle more fragile, dry skin.

Oily skin –  you may be able to exfoliate 3 – 4 times a week with an textured Muslin cloth and product, but be cautious not to overdo it as this can exacerbate the issue of oil production through over-stimulating. Build up the regularity and stay connected to your skin’s behaviour to adjust.

So, now we know the what, why and how of exfoliation, it is time to unlock the beauty of your most radiant skin. We have techniques and products at your fingertips to empower you as the guardian of your skin health; you are in control.

 

Smoothing things over - Exfoliating Treatment Mask

Drawing on the rituals and practices from the Himalayas from where my family heritage originates, I created our Exfoliating Treatment Mask

I have always been inspired   by the use of natural nutrient-packed ingredients with simple, effective tools and techniques, to improve skin health and overall wellbeing.  This therapeutic balm, rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory oils,  coupled with our natural Muslin cloth; creates a simple, effective and sustainable way to get your daily skin glow.

Effective exfoliation is a balancing act of nourishing active ingredients to gently slough away dead skin cells, minimise disturbance to the delicate balance of the skin barrier, bolster protection and reveal a refined, hydrate and radiant complexion.

 

What is the magic in our Exfoliating Treatment Mask:

Our mask really does have it all for your skin health:

Exfoliating actives – fine grained organic sugar, oat kernel flour ensure skin is not overwhelmed by harsh scrub particles.

Nourishing Actives – organic oils including, pomegranate, black mulberry, sweet almond, apricot and fig; form a nourishing elixir that is rich in anthocyanins and resveratrol. These powerful antioxidants defend the skin from damaging external aggressors such as UV and lifestyle. Phytosterols, oleic, stearic and palmitic acids help rejuvenate the skin, restoring suppleness and resilience to the crucial skin barrier, which helps minimise damage and keeps the skin hydration levels optimised.

Brightening Actives – Turmeric root extract has been used for thousands of years to help protect skin elasticity, soothe reactivity and inhibit melanin production that can trigger hyperpigmentation damage in the skin.

Hydrating Active – glycerine is a natural humectant that draws water and binds it to the skin, protecting the skin barrier to defend against the impact of external aggressors, while also helping to improve skin texture and accelerate healing.

 

So how do you introduce this pot of transformation?

I’m guessing there are days when your skin needs a “pick me up”, when you feel a little “meh”?

Instant gratification is in your hands. Use this luxurious balm to help you feel your best, whether that is the evening before a special day or when you need to just relax, calm the senses and pamper yourself.

Texture is so important and this feels indulgent, delicious and comforting. Unique and balm-like, this feels like a cocoon applied to dry skin after cleansing. Then simply massaging gently to slough dead skin cells and impurities away. When you apply water to rinse away, it blooms to comforting milk, to help clarify congestion, minimise breakouts, optimise delivery of expensive actives, reducing the appearance of dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles.

Skin glows. Instantly.

My final word to you.

Slow down, be kind to yourself.

Life can feel an impossible juggle sometimes – we rush between responsibilities, cramming in a career, motherhood, family time and busy social lives. Time flies, life demands and often the last person we end up loving, respecting and caring for is ourselves.

This is not sustainable.

I want to help you to put you first, just moments where your wellbeing is front and centre. I want you to feel good about who you are and remind you that by taking a moment, just 5 -10 minutes a day, can help you to connect with your feelings, your mood and just draw breath.

A simple daily skincare routine can bring positivity and a moment of calm in your day – it truly can. Putting your hands on your skin, connecting with how it feels, tapping into your energy and really listening to what it’s trying to tell you, is restorative and affirming. When you breathe in natural and therapeutic aromas, massage in sensual oils and feel your skin come alive you will truly submit to looking after yourself.

Permit yourself to be in the moment with your skin, create simple and attainable daily routines that help you feel confident.

It’s your time, Own It!

Unfiltered – confident – real; this is me.