#TeamCoco beauty writer Rachel McAlley recently interviewed Girl Boss of Great Britain Helen Elldred, Founder of Effortless Skin, who offered her unique knowledge on how to improve our overall general skincare routine.
Helen has listed ‘5 Ways To Improve Your Skincare’ for House of Coco this May.
1. Know your skin type
With the thousands of brands on the market you’d be forgiven for getting a little confused about which products to include in your skincare regime. That’s why it’s important to understand your skin type and whether you have any particular conditions or concerns that should be addressed. You know your skin better than anyone. Is it oily with the occasional break out? Dry and tight? A combination of both? Once you’ve determined this, you can make your skincare work for you by choosing effective, results-driven products that are suitable for your skin.
2. Diet
It’s easy to zone out from those doctor types who are constantly telling us we are what we eat, but unfortunately, it’s true. If you eat a lot of processed, high sugar or high fat foods, it’s going to take its toll in some way. Spots and blemishes, dull, lacklustre skin, and skin that looks and feels dehydrated are just some of the side effects of a nutrient-deficient diet. Needless to say, when vegetables, fruits and a healthy balance of protein, fats and carbohydrates are part of your regular diet, your skin, and your skincare will thank you. When your diet works hand in hand with your skincare, you’re going to see much better results.
3. Applying your skincare
The process of applying your skincare can have an impact on how effective it is. Let’s take a serum, for example. Applying a serum to the palm of your hand means you start losing the product in your hand before it’s even had a chance to reach your face. Take a pea-sized amount of product and apply directly to the face. Use a gentle, light, upward motion and massage it into the skin until it’s been fully absorbed.
4. Vitamin A
Arguably the most important ingredient in skincare, vitamin A has many skin health benefits and generates some amazing results, especially when tackling sun damage and discolouration, spots and break outs, and those pesky fine lines that get deeper as we get older. Vitamin A has many derivatives such as retinol, retinal and tretinoin. All of these derivatives have to be converted to retinoic acid by the skin so the derivative you choose will determine how quickly this process takes place, and how gentle it is on the skin. Retinol, for example, takes two conversion steps before it’s converted to retinoic acid, whereas, retinaldehyde only takes one.
The new Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 contains a specialist crystal-encapsulated form of 0.06% retinaldehyde, which is quicker and easier for the skin to convert into retinoic acid.
5. Sun Protection
The best skincare regime in the world won’t give you the results you’re looking for without this crucial last step….sun protection. The higher factor the better and don’t just apply when the sun is shining. Wear it 24/7/365! UVA rays (those that age the skin rather than burn it) reverse the hard work you’re doing with the rest of your skincare regime, and they often exacerbate certain skin conditions such as hyperpigmentation and discolouration. Plus, if you’ve introduced a vitamin A product into your regime, it’s imperative you wear sunscreen as the sun and vitamin A combined can sensitise the skin when it’s not protected.
About the author
Helen Elldred is the Founder of Effortless Skin, the UK’s leading online retailer of cosmeceutical and results-driven skincare. Since 2009, Effortless Skin has been the online destination for people wanting effective, innovative and specialist skin care that provides noticeable improvements in the appearance of prematurely ageing skin, hyperpigmentation, acne, rosacea, eczema, and sun damage.
Here are a few of Effortless Skin’s most sought after skincare products right now!
Osmosis Catalyst AC-11 DNA Repair Serum
This antioxidant serum encourages collagen production, smoothes and brightens the skin. it’s been shown to increase DNA repair by up to 33%.
Epionce Daily Shield Lotion Tinted SPF 50
This high factor, everyday sunscreen is suitable for all skin types. Those who don’t want to wear foundation during the summer months will love the slight universal tint.
Intraceuticals Rejuvenate Gentle Cleanser
Anyone suffering with dry, tight or sensitive skin will feel instant relief from this gentle cleanser. Skin is left feeling hydrated and supple.
iS clinical Sheald Recovery Balm
A great, all-round skin repair product, the Sheald Recovery Balm from iS Clinical contains barrier-repairing ceramides and helps to re-build and repair compromised, delicate skin.
Search online for Effortless Skin.
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