For some of us, especially over the winter months, getting up in the morning can be tough. We are inclined to snooze our alarms for a few more minutes wrapped up in our warm duvets. When five minutes turns to ten and ten to fifteen we suddenly jump up, surrendering breakfast and our skincare routine to find our keys and run out of the door – with or without kids in tow.
With the lighter mornings, now is the best time to spring in to your day with a morning routine that cares for your complexion and enhances your natural glow, whilst helping to keep those creeping signs of ageing at bay! At my aesthetics clinic in Hale, Altrincham, I provide treatments for skincare problems and anti-ageing actions. Here I share what you should be doing from the get-go.
Hydrate
Do not underestimate the power of water. An amble supply of water is essential for your body’s general wellbeing and brain function, and a shortage of water will show on your face. De-hydration, which commonly occurs overnight, will cause dullness, dryness, and increase breakouts. Rather than reaching straight for the coffee, try to drink two glasses of water before you leave the house.
Cleanse
Most of us will think to cleanse before bed to remove oil and dirt, but morning cleansing has another purpose. As well as cleaning away any bacteria that builds up in the night or missed makeup, cleansing will increase circulation to the skin and clean away dead skin cells whilst preparing your face for absorption of daytime products.
Your cleanser should be specific to your skin-type. With normal skin, and cleanser will work. Those with dry and sensitive skin should stay away from foaming products and fragrances that can irritate. Instead try creamy balms and milks. If you have oily or acne prone skin, cleansers with a small percentage of glycolic or salicylic acid can help keep oil and bacteria at bay.
Exfoliate
When it comes to facial exfoliation you do not need to be on the lookout for expensive gadgets, a clean cotton cloth will do the work. Use a circular motion to massage the skin. You may want to begin with the nose and work outwards to cover the whole face. As well as clearing dead skin cells, exfoliation will act to diminish facial swelling that often greets us in the morning mirror.
Be kind to your skin by rinsing with lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean towel that is used only for your face to prevent contamination.
Apply a Serum
Eyes may be the window to the soul, but they are also a mirror to ageing
When choosing an anti-ageing serums, look out for products that contain Retinol (Vitamin A), and this protein stimulates the production of collagen which is lost as we age. There are many anti-ageing treatments and products, and using a serum as part of your morning routine is an easy way to reduce the signs of ageing from home.
Moisturise and Stop Sun-Damage In Its Tracks
There are copious amounts of research projects conducted by dermatologists and medical professionals reporting evidence that proves sun damage is the ultimate catalyst to prematurely ageing skin – and serious skin diseases. Ensure that your daily moisturiser has at least SPF 15. Harmful UV rays can come through even on over-cast days. Plus, as is the beauty of British weather, we are often welcomed by all four seasons in one day.
Using a SPF moisturiser will ensure you are protected when you didn’t know you would need to be.
Remember; don’t use a moisturiser that is too heavy. It will clog up your pores and when used over a long period of time, your skin will compensate for the excess moisture, leading to dryness. Get in touch to discuss a skincare routine tailored to your skin-type or to find out about what treatments I can offer you to optimise your skincare and overall wellbeing.
