The Best Skincare tips I've learnt

I was having a reflective moment and thought I would go through the best skincare tips I've learnt. I also would like to apologise for posting less- I have been back at University and also running a business- but I  aim to be back in full blog force from now on- Hope you enjoy these tips!

1.

Keep a skincare diary addressing diet, stress, hormones and skincare products.

I  started to see a significant correlation between products containing certain chemicals (before I started using natural based products) and certain foods, as well as stress being big triggers for my skin. I have seen a vast improvement with this more intuitive approach to skincare and seeing the cause and effect of what I put in my body and the effects on my skin. You will be amazed to see that skin problems are not entirely random and although their is a degree of genetics, as with some genetic conditions, a lot can be triggered or prevented.  

Our skin is a large immune organ and the most responsive barrier to allergens, pollutants and pathogens, so we have an extremely complex immune response in dealing with these.  Sometimes our immune system can be hypersensitive to certain triggers ( mine are perfume, dairy and strong detergents). Immune competent cells such as lymphocytes and keratinocytes, set about eliminating and  neutralising the antigen or pathogen. This can cause an immune response associated with pruritus, redness, inflammation, blemishes, breakouts (all the skin qualities we don't want). This sort of immune hypersensitivity or intolerance is really common so it is always a good idea to first eliminate any allergic causes in your day to day routine. 

2.

 Up your intake of Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a natural biochemical precursor to collagen which indubitably keeps our skin youthful. Vitamin C stabilises the collagen helix, and also stimulates increased Type I and III collagen mRNA ( the precursor to collagen amino acids and thus terminal protein structure). Its important to make sure you have a plentiful intake of vitamin C as our body cannot synthesise vitamin C- I like to have a steady influx of vitamin C throughout the day. Vitamin E also works hand in hand with vitamin E during powerful antioxidant processes so are always great to have together.  I love DIY vitamin mineral water and fresh juice/ smoothies and they give you a such an energy boost. 

3. 

Nourish skin with skin food 

Nourish dry skin with Omegas, 3, 6, 9, and vitamin E.  I am the biggest believer in the idea of skin food and I love natural oils that are rich in fatty acids such as coconut, shea butter, argan and brazil nut. An amazing breakthrough  found dry skin can be heavily linked to an omega 6 fatty acid deficiency so it is important to replenish these topically with natural oils and through the diet. It will usually work instantly at soothing dry skin conditions- it is not just a layer on top of the skin but will work deep to replenish the dermis. I adore flax seed and hemp which is a rich source of these skin perfecting molecules. 

Here is my favourite delicious hemp protein omega 3, 6 and 9 rich vegan smoothie recipe.

4.

Use products containing active Essential Oils

Organic plant derived oils can be extremely balancing for the skin, largely due to their inherent anti-microbial effect. A lot of oils are also rich in antioxidants and have extremely concentrated power. My favourites are palmarosa, neroli, lavender, calendula and rose geranium. My favourite essential oil active based skincare is by Live Native with some amazing and incredibly enterprising actives. Unique Natural's nourishing serums are incredible too. 

5.

Get familiar with "Wonder Ingredients"

I hope the blog has introduced a few to you- as I certainly have discovered some amazing ingredients since I started this blog: Rosehip oil, jojoba oil, shea butter, Hyaluronic acid, Evening primrose oil, Neroli and rooibos extract are just some of the ingredients that have really boosted my skin. There are so many beautiful ingredients to explore and work out what works well for your skin. When choosing products, make sure there is a good concentration of the actives. 

6. 

Eat Beauty Food

I really believe this is the absolute key to good skin, and every meal I eat I try to make sure every component is offering some macro nutrient or vitamin. An amazing study by The American Journal of Nutrition found some fantastic results showing higher dietary vitamin C and linoleic acid ( omega 3) intake in  American women reduced wrinkling of the skin significantly.  Cambridge University published a large study of women from Japan who had significant wrinkle reduction from diets rich in green and yellow vegetables. 

There are countless studies citing the importance of a good diet for beautiful skin, hair and nails and I believe its inherently important. 

I really hope you've enjoyed this post- I'd love to know- what are your best skincare tips?