In the spring, it is necessary to radically change the skin care system. It’s time to reconsider the methods of cleansing, to do moisturizing and nutrition. To do this, Dr. David Orentrek, Clinique’s leading dermatologist, compiled eight important beauty rules, and the column editor Natalia Udonova told how to follow them.
Winter has badly damaged our skin, dried it out, made it sensitive and irritated. And now we have dark circles under the eyes, a gray complexion and, as a memory of the months spent in the cold, a couple of pimples on the forehead. There is only one thing that pleases me in this situation, that with competent and quite elementary care, the problems can be corrected.
How to prolong the youthfulness of the skin
1. Follow a daily skin care regimen of cleansing, exfoliating and moisturizing, and use complementary skin care products (retinoids, whitening creams, antioxidants, etc.).
Moisturizing is perhaps the most important thing for young skin. Don’t skimp on water treatments, moisturizers and thermal water sprays. The latter are enriched with minerals and trace elements that are good for the skin, many of which do not contain any cream (such as zinc and selenium). If you develop puffiness in the morning, change the program for your evening skin cleansing. For example, instead of cosmetic milk, remove makeup with a foam or gel for your skin type.
If your skin feels tight after washing, then the water is hard. Begin to wipe it down with a cotton pad dipped in regular drinking water. The 0,33 liter bottle will last for a long time. Such an elementary technique will quickly relieve you of unpleasant sensations and, importantly, remove the remnants of dirt.
2. Get enough sleep. Your skin condition, body health, and mental alertness will improve markedly if you get enough sleep.
On average, the body needs 6-9 hours of sleep.
Poor skin condition is a clear sign of sleep deprivation. When the body does not have enough time to recover, the natural antioxidant system that protects the skin from free radicals begins to weaken. External protective barriers are reduced, the lipid film that protects the skin from moisture loss is damaged, microcirculation of nutrients deteriorates, resulting in pallor, puffiness and dark circles under the eyes.
It’s amazing how well the skin is able to repair itself during sleep. More often, but better always give her this opportunity. Add special night care and then you will save yourself from the appearance of wrinkles for a long time. Moreover, the wrinkles that have already arisen will stop growing and will remain unnoticeable for a long time.
3. Always protect your skin from the sun. Wear sunscreen and glasses.
Spring is the time to get these fashionable bright accessories. The frosts have receded, but the wind and high humidity are no less insidious. In addition, the sun’s rays penetrate the skin even in bad weather. Walking around the city without a protective cream will have an effect: the skin will begin to lose its ability to regenerate, its protective functions will decrease and will make it possible for all harmful substances to freely penetrate inside.
Solution: apply a cream with an SPF of 15-20 to the skin daily. Fortunately, these are now produced by all self-respecting cosmetics manufacturers.
4. Exfoliate your skin properly. Use products for your skin type. But remember: frequent treatments or the use of different cosmetics can irritate the skin.
The lack of vitamins and nutrients in the body immediately affects the condition of the skin. For example, if you are deficient in vitamin B, lip sticks appear.
Fruit and laser peels will improve the color and structure of the skin, make the pores invisible and smooth out fine wrinkles. The beginning of spring is the time for such procedures: the sun is not yet active and there is more moisture in the air than pollution. However, you should not get carried away with these procedures, peels thin the skin surface and can provoke not only irritation, but also pigmentation. It is enough to do one procedure and further supplement the care with cosmetics.
5. Consume antioxidants and essential fatty acids. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals.
Essential fatty acids are found in fish and flax seeds, they support the process of cellular repair and have anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative properties, and also help maintain the moisture level of the epidermis.
In the spring, the amount of nutrients consumed is significantly reduced. Largely due to the fact that there are practically no healthy foods in our diet. Farmed fruits and vegetables do not provide any benefit. There is only one way out – to take vitamins.
Exercise should be fun. Only in this case you are guaranteed the beauty of your face and body and a good mood.
6. Avoid stress
Stress has a negative impact on many systems in the body. We’ve evolved enough to deal with stress. Exercise, meditation, breathing exercises will help. Plan a time for relaxation and follow this routine. For example, leave your office every afternoon for a walk outside. Nice little things can help reduce stress levels and improve health and, with it, the appearance of your skin.
7. Eat well
Diet (we recommend foods with a low glycemic index, Mediterranean cuisine rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, fish, whole grains and monounsaturated fats like olive oil) affects the overall health of the body and the appearance of the skin. Avoid processed carbohydrates and sugars, which compromise the stability of insulin levels. Avoid saturated and trans fats. Adequate fluid intake is also important for maintaining the health of the body in general and the skin in particular.
8. Maintain a healthy weight
Rapid weight loss or weight gain causes the skin to stretch, which can become flabby, and has a negative effect on insulin levels. Take some time and devote it to dancing, yoga or fitness. By the summer, your body will thank you very much!
If you can’t follow all the rules at once, learn the main three: proper skin care, a healthy lifestyle and vitamins!
Choose care products
Clarins Multi-Active Nuit Night Cream will let you forget about early wrinkles and signs of fatigue, even if you don’t sleep much.
Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief is designed for dehydrated skin.
Vichy Aqualia Thermal Moisturizer has a light texture that will quickly moisturize your skin.
The Beautycycle Vitamin C Hyaluronic Acid Renewal Serum will energize your skin and restore radiance.
Clinique’s Pore Minimizer Refining Serum will instantly shrink pores, improve skin tone and texture.
Clarins Fluid Eclat du Jour SPF 15 Daytime Luminous Lotion will energize your skin and protect it from UV rays.
Vichy’s Normaderm Moisturizer Corrector fights all signs of problem skin.
Thermal water from La Roche-Posay will saturate the skin with mineral salts and trace elements, including selenium.
Biotherm’s Biosource Soothing Mist will relieve inflammation and hydrate your skin any time of day or night.