Wellbeing

Boost your glow

Time-freezing beauty hacks you may not have heard about before…

An ever-youthful glow is high up on the wish list for most of us, but as we age, changes to our skin mean that it can be harder to maintain a dewy complexion. Along with your beauty routine, radiant skin is down to specific lifestyle choices. Smoking, alcohol and too much sun exposure show up on your face over the years, so implementing healthy habits will help to offset any damage that’s already been done. Here are our top tips to help you look your best as the years roll by.

1. Mix aloe vera into your moisturiser

Injecting moisture back into the skin will leave it looking hydrated and supple, but a bog standard moisturiser won’t cut it. Look out for products that contain emollients to help combat dryness. These act by replacing lipids to rebuild the skin barrier. “Linoleic acid is a key ingredient in anti-ageing moisturising creams. It delivers moisturising properties to keep strengthen the skin’s natural barrier and keep skin plump,” reveals Jessica. Mix an emollientbased moisturiser with equal parts aloe vera to help calm down any inflammation and redness, dabbing onto skin before massaging in.

2. Apply serum to damp skin

Well-moisturised skin helps in maintaining flexibility and elasticity of the upper layers of the epidermis. “Along with daily moisturiser, a hardworking serum should be on your beauty list,” believes Sophie Glowb, founder of Glowb (glowb.shop). Applying serum to damp skin is the beauty secret for those in the know who want their products to work harder. Wet skin is more permeable than dry skin so the absorption of vitamins and minerals in the product sinks in deeper. “Doing this is a really good way to treat signs of ageing, tackle skin damage, boost hydration and get glowing in one application,” she continues.

3. Keep your products cool

Mini skincare fridges are all the rage since appearing on TikTok, but your regular refrigerator will work just as well at storing your beauty products as one of these little chillers which are designed to prolong the shelf life and efficacy of certain products like jade rollers, eye creams and night moisturisers. The idea is that when you apply chilled products to your skin, the cooling sensation helps to de-puff and invigorate the skin – and believe us it works. Avoid putting oil-based products in the fridge, though, as it can change the consistency and colour.

4. Exfoliate with baking soda

Speeding up skin turnover will help skin look radiant, so weekly exfoliation is crucial. “A gentle cleanser that includes antioxidants and gentle exfoliating ingredients will remove dead cells and reveal a brighter complexion,” says Sophie. You don’t have to splash out on pricey face scrubs to get the skin-boosting effects. Simply mix three parts baking soda with one part water and apply to your complexion in circular strokes before rinsing and you’ll be surprised how skin naturally glows.

5. Head to the barre

Exercise helps to boost circulation around your body which can help to keep you looking youthful, and if you want to keep everything lifted in all the right places a ballet-style barre workout is just the ticket. Regular low impact workouts such as barre have been proven to be very effective in the improvement of overall health. “Static lunges (holding the lung position) are my favourite way to get a quick fix workout in,” says Fabia Black, barre instructor at East of Eden (eastofeden.uk). “The focus is kept on the alignment of the shoulders, engaging your abdominal wall and strengthening your quadriceps and glutes to tighten and tone.”

6. Use a cleansing brush

Taking off the day by cleansing your skin helps to prevent breakouts, and double cleansing is all the rage at the moment. The first cleanse helps to remove make-up, whilst the second cleanse will help to clean deep into the pores, prepping skin for your nightly routine. In addition, once a week, use a cleansing brush to enhance the effects. These bristle or silicone-made tools help to penetrate the pores for a deeper cleanse. Silicone brushes are good for those with sensitive skin, whilst bristle brushes are designed for those with oily skin.

7. Apply an overnight masque

From the kitchen to the bathroom, turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory benefits and there is also evidence that this golden spice helps your body to maintain levels of elastin, which gives skin its natural structure. Make an overnight face mask with a few drops of turmeric essential oil, mixed with coconut milk and honey. Slather on to skin and rinse off in the morning. Place a towel on your pillow so none of the residue leaks off onto your bedding.

8. Sleep in a supine position

Most of us have heard that sleeping on a silk pillowcase can help to ward off fine lines, but the position you lie in also makes a big difference. Snoozing on your back is the best position to help keep fine lines at bay as it minimises pressure on your face. And to wake up with a youthful glow, prop your head up with an extra pillow. The elevation helps to prevent fluid build-up which can lead to puffy eyes.