Category: Lifestyle | 2-Minute Read
Glowing Skin for 2021
What Do You Want In 2021?
As we go into a New Year, you may be thinking about New Year’s resolutions, and probably wondering when we will be able to visit our family and friends more freely… I certainly am…
2020 has been difficult in many ways, with so many challenges. So, the start of a new year gives us an opportunity to start a fresh new chapter, make lists of what we want to achieve in 2021 and start the year off with a bang!
Make Skincare A Priority
For me skincare has always been a priority, due to many years of tackling acne. There has been a fair few products I have tried over the years, some have been great and others not so. On some occasions using these products initially did wonders with my skin, and after a while, they seem to lose their potency, for no apparent reason. My main aim has been to remain consistent with the products I am using, and only change them when I need to… or after the following advice from a medical professional.
Along with skincare, a couple of my other aims are to improve my fitness and diet… hopefully these are not short-lived! I have always loved walking. However, now with a bit more free time on my hands, I aim to incorporate yoga and running into my weekly activities… fingers crossed this lasts beyond Jan 31st!
If clear, glowing skin is one of your priorities for 2021, here are some of the skincare ingredients that have helped me tackle my acne over the years:
1) Tea Tree
Tea tree oil is known to have antibacterial properties and as such makes it a great ingredient for fighting active acne. [1]
When I notice some active acne on my face, I will mix some tea tree oil diluted with water onto a cotton pad and dab it on my skin, helping to calm the acne and stop new ones appearing (hopefully!). Studies have shown tea tree oil can cause reactions [2], such as irritation. Therefore, please read the label of the product carefully before use to ensure it is suitable for you, and do a patch test beforehand.
2) Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is another ingredient that has some amazing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. [3]
There are many useful ways to make best use of this versatile ingredient… as a cleanser, mask and applied directly onto spots…to name but a few.
For me, using pure aloe vera has been most effective as a mask and I usually leave it on for around 30 minutes before washing it off.
3) Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is known to unclog pores and exfoliate the skin. [3]
My cleanser contains Salicylic acid and when I use it, it really helps to clear my skin and make my skin look brighter.
4) Azelaic Acid
This ingredient has anti-inflammatory properties and was introduced to me by my GP through a cream. The cream is applied directly onto my skin wherever there is active acne to help reduce the inflammation [5] [6]. Whenever I have used it on my acne, I have noticed a huge difference in the size of the spot.
5) Retinol
One of the many benefits in including retinol in my skincare regime has been that it brightens up the appearance of my skin. [3]
For acne prone skin, it’s really good in preventing dead skin cells from clogging pores.
The only downside… it can cause the skin to flake, however for me it’s worth it as the end result leaves me with glowing skin! I usually use retinol around three evenings a week as I find this gives me the most effective results. Now I can be sure I will have a glowing skin, every day!
Always Read the Instructions
If you are using any products or ingredients (such as the ones discussed above), it is very important to read the product information label to ensure that they are suitable for your skin. Some products (or ingredients) might not be suitable if you are on medication, breastfeeding or pregnant. Some ingredients can cause reactions, such as irritation, therefore the product label might suggest for you to do a patch test beforehand. If in doubt, always seek advice from a medical professional. In addition, it’s important to use the products as directed on the label, as if the instructions are not followed correctly, the effectiveness of the product can be lost and it could make your acne worse. [5]
The contents of this blog may not be suitable for everyone. One of the many lessons I learnt about my skin is that is it so important to speak to the right person to ensure you are getting the right care for your particular skin type. Speaking to the right person means you will receive bespoke and effective skincare advice!
For bespoke advice, contact Skin NV for effective solutions for your skin and hair concerns.
Happy New Year to you all! 🥳
Punam
References
[1] Pazyar N, Yaghoobi R, Bagherani N, Kazerouni A. A review of applications of tea tree oil in dermatology. Int J Dermatol. 2013 Jul;52(7):784-90.
[2] de Groot AC, Schmidt E. Tea tree oil: contact allergy and chemical composition. Contact Dermatitis. 2016 Sep;75(3):129-43.
[3] Nilforoushzadeh MA, Amirkhani MA, Zarrintaj P, et all. Skin car and rejuvenation by cosmeceutical facial mask. J Cosmet Dermatol 2018;17:693-702.
[4] Schulte BC, Wu W, Rosen T. Azelaic Acid: Evidence-based Update on Mechanism of Action and Clinical Application. J Drugs Dermatol. 2015 Sep;14(9):964-8.
[5] Dall’oglio F, Tedeschi A, Fabbrocini G, Veraldi S, Picardo M, Micali G. Cosmetics for acne: indications and recommendations for an evidence-based approach. G Ital Dermatol Venereol. 2015 Feb;150(1):1-11.
[6] Hashim PW, Chen T, Harper JC, Kircik LH. The Efficacy and Safety of Azelaic Acid 15% Foam in the Treatment of Facial Acne Vulgaris. J Drugs Dermatol. 2018 Jun 1;17(6):641-645.
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