One of my most favourite topics to talk about that interests me greatly is skin. Problem skin, good skin, ageing skin (read: all skin), you name it. Give me an article about how the skin works or skincare in general and I will be reading it.
But while I like to read up whenever I can, I feel a more simplistic yet consistent approach to skin/skincare is what is generally required in order to obtain and maintain 'good skin.
First, what is 'good' skin?
This is a subject I believe isn't talked about enough and often taken to unhealthy and unrealistic proportions by the media. I mean, we are a nation obsessed with cleaning our pores?! Is good skin really pore-less skin? I think we all know it isn't.
So what is good skin? For me, it's balanced skin that changes very little day-to-day. Yes, there will be blackheads here and there, some spot scaring and the odd fine line but skin that feels consistently hydrated, smooth and for the most part blemish-free is my kind of good skin.
Of course, your own definition of what 'good skin' looks like may vary, but it's important to remember that the skin is an organ after all, exposed to chemicals, pollution, stress and a varying climate on a daily basis. It also has no concept that it lives in a world where it has become an aesthetically pleasing or 'displeasing' attribute of the body.
So while you consider what good skin is to you it may be worth thinking about not what we have been sold by multi-million dollar beauty companies since we hit puberty but that the skin is an organ is already working just fine!
Hydration
Keeping skin properly hydrated is an important step in keeping it happy. I'm sure by now you know that the body is made up of 60% water and that hydration is vital for the function of all organs including the skin. Hydrated skin should not only feel more comfortable but visually appear plumper and brighter, along with clearer skin over time (although a balanced diet does have a role to play).
Internally hydrating with water is a must (step up how much water you drink and you will notice a difference!), however topical skin care to hydrate the skin should never be overlooked. One key ingredient here is Hyaluronic Acid - a powerful humectant that keeps the skin hydrated and plump by drawing water to the skin. It also works on all skin types so those with oily skin shouldn't dismiss this key skincare ingredient!
Recommended: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, La Roche-Posay Hydreane Light, Super Facialist Hyaluronic Acid Firming Intense Facial Serum, Vichy Aqualia Thermal Face Serum
RELATED POST: THE SEVEN DEADLY SIN OF SKINCARE
Cleansing
I feel I've talked about cleansing a lot over the years but it's simply because thoroughly cleansing the skin can make such a positive impact on it. Removing every last scrap of makeup and then cleansing the skin at the end of the day is important for hygiene and bacterial reasons but also so that the skincare you follow up with effectively soaks into the skin.
So if you are looking to improve your skin ditching mild cleansers that you apply with a cotton pad and face wipes is huge must! While double cleansing may seem a chore using a balm or oil cleanser followed with a mild non-SLS liquid cleanser will reap good results especially if you wear makeup and SPF on a daily basis. Removal of a balm cleanser with a muslin cloth or flannel will also exfoliate the skin.
As for cleansing in the morning less is actually more, so opting for purely warm water (never hot!) is fine or a mild pH-balanced non-SLS cleanser that will wash away sweat and refresh the skin.
Recommended: (A.M/2nd Cleansers) Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip, Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser (P.M 1st Cleanser) Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm, The Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Balm
Balance
While you may be thinking 'Balance? Does skin need balance?' hear me out here. As I mentioned at the start of the blog post we are a nation obsessed with trying to eradicate every blemish, wrinkle and pore from our imperfectly perfect faces. The reason for this? The beauty industry!
So it's only fair to suggest that our own ideas of how to treat our skin may be a little off or extreme, especially as we've been bombarded with 'skincare advise' written by magazines and skincare brands all of which have an agenda (sell, sell, sell) for at least the good part of two decades. So, for this reason, I think it's important we regain a bit of balanced thinking when it comes to our skin.
While good skin comes with developing a skincare routine that suits your skin, it should also be realistic to your lifestyle. If it means your morning routine consists of only two products but you're consistent with it then so be it. It also means making allowances for using the odd face wipe or forgetting to wear SPF on the hottest of days because that's life and actually, for the most part, our skin is pretty resilient.
Balance could also look like excepting visible pores and blackheads and put it into the simple perspective of when do you actually look any someone and judge them on their pore size, hell, even noticed their pores for that matter?! This can apply to sun spots, blemishes, flushed cheeks, you name it!
Much like the body positivity movement where happiness isn't found after losing weight and finally wearing that bandeau bikini for a week in Majorca but excepting your body is beautiful whatever its size. Good skin can be achieved with a more positive balanced state of mind over time.
Balance should also be knowing which active products should be used together and never overdoing it when it comes to things such as AHA's and Retinoids. It's also important to remember that a lot of active skincare ingredients (AHA's) will make your skin more sensitive to the sun so come rain or shine you should be wearing an SPF 50 on your face or you will simply do more damage than good.
RELATED POST: THE BEST SUNSCREENS FOR OILY SKIN
Exceptions
I felt to finish of this more in-depth blog post it needed a little disclaimer of sorts. While achieving 'good skin' for most can be done there are factors that also needed to be considered and looked at that may change the approach.
For example, acne is something many people can suffer with and simply won't find a solution is products found of the high street, so speaking to a doctor or being referred to a dermatologist is your best call. The same if you feel like your skin is overly oily or spot-prone due to a hormonal imbalance.
As for everyone else you may find your skin does breakout from time to time, due to hormones, a bad diet, illness - regardless of how consistent and dedicated to the health of your skin you are. It's life and as long as the skin is repairing and healing itself then you shouldn't dwell on too much. Skin is perfectly imperfect!
RELATED POST: A REALISTIC GUIDE TO TREATING OILY AND BLEMISH-PRONE SKIN
I really hoped you enjoyed reading a slightly different type of skincare post from me, let me know in the comments.
Fee xo.
