April 19, 2015

5 Beauty Essentials for perfect summer skin

Finally, after what seems to have been a lifetime of wind, rain and well more rain-the sun has started to show its face in the UK and I couldn’t be more excited! This is the start of terrace/balcony after work drinks, family BBQ’s, picnics in the park and just a general spring in our step as the weather gets warmer and we begin to have even more longer days and FUN.

Summer is also the time when for most women (if you are anything like me) start to change up our beauty regime to accommodate the change in temperature. I personally tend to wear less make up during the summer months which means making sure that I have all the right beauty essentials stocked up in my bathroom so that I am doing the right things to get that perfect summer glow.

I share 5 Beauty Essentials which I have started to implement to prepare my skin for this summer.

1. DIET

This is a funny one as we tend to overlook just how important our diet is in keeping our skin healthy, bright and glowly. I am a smoothie addict and I can’t stress enough how amazing they are in making sure that your skin gets all the nutrients it needs in their most raw and purist form. You pretty much can put whatever combination of fruits and vegetables you like in your smoothie but I would recommend having at least one or more of these foods included: blueberries, avocado, ginger, coconut water, spirulina or cacoa powder, spinach, kale and linseeds. The benefits of spirulina powder is that it contains Vitamin A & E which are vital for your skins health. The Cacoa powder contains polyphenol antioxidants which helps reduce premature ageing of the skin.

Drinking water is also important in ensuring that you have great skin, keeping it hydrated- coconut water is absolutely fantastic for this. I try my best (I don’t always do a great job) to drink 1.5 litres a day. Vitamin supplements can also be handy if you can’t get these nutrients in food form. I usually take Vitamin E especially in the summer which prevents oxidative stress on the skin cells and Biotin which is a gem for maintaining great hair and skin. 

To get started you can get:

The Nutri Bullet (to make the smoothies):https://www.nutribullet.com/

Spirulina Powder: http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/holland-barrett-spirulina-powder-7000mg-60005193

Cacoa Powder: http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/bioglan-superfoods-by-matt-dawson-cacao-powder-60042669?c=cacoa

Coconut Water: http://vitacoco.com/

Vitamin E Supplements: http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/holland-barrett-vitamin-e-capsules-100iu-60000260

Biotin Supplements: http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/holland-barrett-biotin-tablets-300ug-60002760

2. SERUM

Using a serum after cleansing and toning before moisturising helps deliver key ingredients to your skin that penetrate deeply. Great serums are ones that contain Vitamin C (which brightens the skin and helps reduce hyperpigmentation) Hyaluronic acid (reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles), and glycolic acid (exfoliates the skin).

I have suggested two serums to try below, one expensive and one if you are on a budget-I have personally tried both and they are fantastic!

Sunday Riley Good Genes Treatment

http://uk.spacenk.com/good-genes-treatment/MUS300023215.html

Vitamin C Facial Radiance Powder Mix (note it only lasts for 10 days)

http://www.thebodyshop.co.uk/shop-by-range/vitamin-c/vitamin-c-facial-radiance-powder-mix.aspx

3. FACIAL MASK

I have been using facial masks since I was 11 years old! I used to want to copy my mum who religiously wore one every week (she is 56 and looks about 36 so it definitely works! ) Not only is wearing a facial mask relaxing (makes me think I am at a spa) it is a great treatment for your skin to really get rid of any toxins and opens up your pores to get clearer skin. Below I have three masks which I use for different budgets. The best ones I find for my skin (which is quite oily) are the clay or kaolin masks.

Origins Clear Improvement Mask

http://www.origins.co.uk/product/3857/11588/Skincare/Category/Masks/Clear-Improvement/Active-charcoal-mask-to-clear-pores/index.tmpl

Warming Mineral Mask

http://www.thebodyshop.co.uk/skincare/exfoliators-masks/warming-mineral-mask.aspx

5 Minute Thermal Detox Mask

http://www.sanctuary.com/en-gb/5-minute-thermal-detox-mask/

4. EXERCISE

Doing regular exercise works wonders for your skin as the sweat helps unclog your pores and gets rid of toxins in your body as well as boosting oxygen and blood flow to the skin which will give you that summer glow! If you are busy during the week like me then, try and squeeze in a 45 min workout during the week and then on Saturday and Sunday do an hour each day. Cardio can really help you break a sweat so either work it out at the gym, ride a bike (especially with this weather) or go for a run!

5. SLEEP

I love my sleep, but unfortunately my work schedule doesn’t really allow me the luxury of getting my much needed shut eye. However, I am getting better at it. It has been recommended that getting enough sleep can help reduce dark circles and bags under your eyes and can really brighten up your skin as you are allowing your skin time to rejuvenate but also minimising stress. I try and aim for between 7-8 hours of sleep at night and if I fail during the week then I try to at least get some sleep at the weekend.

Hope this helps!

Let me know if you try any of these products and tips and if they work in the comments below!

Written by Vanessa Sanyauke, Founder of Girls Talk London

Follow Vanessa on Twitter: @vanessasanyauke