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Skin Cycling: What is it and how will it improve your skin?

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Ever wondered how some people seem to effortlessly maintain glowing, radiant skin? Well the answer could be due to skin cycling, a skincare concept that has gained huge popularity over recent months and for very good reason, after all skin cycling has the ability to transform your skin in a short period of time! If you aren’t familiar with skin cycling, you’re probably wondering how this is so, and what it even is! Keep reading as we reveal all there is to know about this skincare trend and how it may help improve your complexion too!

What is skin cycling?

Skin cycling is a strategic approach to your skincare routine that aims to improve results while minimising irritation. It involves alternating between using active ingredients and nourishing ingredients. Instead of bombarding your skin by applying active ingredients every single night, you cycle through them over a four-night period, enabling your skin to rest for a few nights.

How does skin cycling work?

While there are plenty of variations to skin cycling, a typical skin cycle lasts for four days – two days “on” (otherwise known as “active nights” using active ingredients) and two days “off” (otherwise known as “rest nights” using nourishing ingredients). The theory behind this particular trend is to give the skin a break from products such asexfoliants and retinols which can be harsh or stripping if used consecutively over a period of time.

Your classic skin cycling routine

The skin cycling rotation begins with exfoliation on the first night(preferably with a chemical exfoliant like lactic acid or glycolic acid), followed by retinol on the second. The third and fourth nights are dedicated to recovery with skin barrier-protecting serums and moisturisers to nurture and hydrate the skin. Then, the cycle repeats.

By alternating between active and rest nights, you allow your skin to repair itself and avoid overloading it with too many actives at once. The result? Better results without the irritation!

Woman,Applying,Essential,Oil,Onto,Face,,Closeup

Why Skin Cycling?

With so many products out there from cleansers and exfoliators to serums, oils and more, (and let’s not forget the game-changing ingredients we all need to look out for in our skincare) it’s easy to overload our skin. So many of us will layer multiple ingredients night after night without considering recovery. Skin Cycling prevents this. Using specific products on different days regenerates the skin and improves skin quality.

Who will benefit from skin cycling?

Anyone can! If you aren’t getting the results you want out of your skincare routine despite using products with the best skincare ingredients, skin cycling could be for you! Or ff you suffer from skin irritation, skin cycling can work wonders! It prevents you overloading your skin with multiple active ingredients day after day. By avoiding overloading the skin you’ll maintain its health, balance, and overall well-being. Remember overloading the skin with excessive skincare products and ingredients can lead to skin issues or exacerbate an already existing condition! Firstly, it can disrupt the skin barrier, compromising its ability to retain moisture and protect against external aggressors. This disruption may result in increased sensitivity, irritation, and dryness. Furthermore, overloading the skin can clog pores and contribute to acne breakouts, particularly if heavy or occlusive products are used. Finally, layering too many products may interfere with the absorption and efficacy of active ingredients, leading to diminished results. Simplifying your skincare routine can help streamline your regimen and ensure that each product effectively addresses your skin’s needs.

The best products to use for skin cycling?

Since skin cycling is all about exfoliation and retinol followed by repair and nourishment, these are the products we would highly recommend:

Days 1 & 2

Vie Collection Cleansing Gel with Glycolic, Lactic and Salicylic Acids – This foaming cleansing gel combines glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids to stimulate cellular activity, break the intercellular glue between dead cells and thoroughly cleanse skin.

Beauty Collective - VIE Collection - Vie Collection - Cleansing Gel with Glycolic, Lactic & Salicylic Acids

Pevonia Renewing Glycocides Cream – Combining glycolic acid with hydration hero hyaluronic acid, this treatment cream works to dissolve dead skin cells, improving skin texture and diminishing fine lines too! Skin resurfaces smoother, brighter and younger…seriously.

Pevonia Renewing Glycocides Cream

Medicalia L Retinol Smoothing Cream – The ultimate anti-ageing night cream, Medicalia’s L Retinol Smoothing Cream is a must have for photodamaged skin. Formulated with micro-retinol®, glycolic, and lactic acid, it effectively lightens, brightens and smooths skin.

L retinol cream

Pevonia’s Micro-Retinol® range. Every product in the range which includes Micro-Retinol® Foaming Cleanser, Micro-Retinol® Essential Toner, Micro-Retinol® Serum and Micro-Retinol® Essential Moisturiser utilizes a specialized technology to create Retinol micro-particles that get delivered deep into the epidermis. This means complete product absorption, no skin irritation, and immediate results!

Micro Retinol

It’s a great, safe, and side-effect free alternative to using prescription Retinoic Acid. What’s more, every product in the Micro-Retinol® line contains a powerhouse trio of vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Micro-Retinol®! The addition of Vitamins C and E not only ensures Micro-Retinol®’s stability but also that the skin’s nutrients and density are renewed and preserved!

Days 2 & 3

Hubislab Premium Active B-tol Ampoule – anti-ageing and skin protecting this complex emulsion is formulated with a botulinum-derivative ingredient (similar to Botox) and hyaluronic acid which provides the skin with deep moisturization to maintain a radiant complexion.

Hubislab - Post Rays Chamomile Complex 70% Ampoule

Hubislab Moisture Max Hyaluron Complex 65% Ampoule – this outstanding complex serum combines hyaluronic acid, collagen and rosa centifolia flower water to quite literally blast skin with intensive moisture restoring elasticity and balance while protecting skin cells from free radical damage.

Hubislab - Moisture Max Hyaluron Complex 65% Ampoule

Hubislab Moisture Max Hydro Moisturiser – packed with hyaluronic acid, this moisture-rich, yet beautifully lightweight cream absorbs quickly into skin without any greasiness, providing skin with deep nourishment and a long-lasting luxurious feeling. 

Hubislab - Moisture Max Hydro Moisturiser

Remember, everyone’s skin is different, so it’s essential to pay attention to how your skin responds. If you decide to try skin cycling, start slowly and observe how your skin adapts.

Beautiful,Woman,Holding,A,Pipette,In,Her,Hand,With,Serum

Antioxidants: Why these anti-agers are so important

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We are told to eat a diet rich in antioxidants every day, but when it comes to our skin, applying products rich in antioxidants can be game changing too. But what exactly are antioxidants, and why are they so essential for our skin? Keep reading for our guide on these age-defying skin saviours, from their many benefits to the antioxidants you’ll want to ensure are in your daily skincare routine.

What are antioxidants?

Antioxidants are powerful compounds that defend our skin from free radicals. But what are these free radicals, you might be thinking? Free radicals are unstable molecules generated by exposure to factors like UV rays, pollution, cigarette smoking, industrial chemicals and more! They wreak havoc on our skin by causing damage to cells, speeding up the ageing process, and contributing to a range of skin issues!

Antioxidants, on the other hand, neutralize these free radicals, preventing them from causing damage to our skin. Think of antioxidants as the shield that protects our skin from the constant assault of modern life!

Female Hands Holding Bowl of Cosmetics

 

The benefits of antioxidants

Now that we know what antioxidants are, let’s talk about the many benefits they bring to our skin.

  1. Anti-Ageing

Antioxidants are the secret weapon against premature ageing. They help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots by neutralizing free radicals and supporting the skin’s natural repair process.

  1. Skin brightening

If you’re dealing with dull, lacklustre skin antioxidants can come to the rescue. They promote a brighter complexion by tackling oxidative stress and enhancing skin radiance.

  1. Sun damage defence

While sunscreen is our first line of defence against UV rays, antioxidants play a crucial role in repairing and preventing sun damage. They work hand-in-hand with SPF to shield our skin from the harmful effects of sun exposure.

  1. Inflammation soothing

Antioxidants have anti-inflammatory properties, making them ideal for calming irritated skin. Whether you’re dealing with redness, sensitivity, or conditions like rosacea, antioxidants can help ease discomfort and promote a more balanced complexion.

  1. Collagen boosting

Collagen is the holy grail of youthful skin, and antioxidants are its best friend. By neutralizing free radicals that break down collagen, antioxidants contribute to maintaining the skin’s elasticity and firmness.

Young woman holding a cosmetic dropper

The top antioxidants in skincare and their benefits

When it comes to incorporating antioxidants into your skincare routine, there is a diverse range to choose from, here are the most loved by the experts;

 

1. Vitamin C

Also known as ascorbic acid, Vitamin C is known as the true glow getter of the skincare world.

It brightens the complexion by inhibiting melanin production, diminishing dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Its versatility extends to supporting the skin’s natural regeneration process, contributing to a youthful and radiant appearance.

But vitamin C isn’t just about skin brightening, it more importantly shields skin from free radical damage induced by UV exposure and environmental pollutants, while also stimulating collagen synthesis, promoting skin elasticity and reducing fine lines!

Incorporating vitamin C into your skincare routine aids in protection, repair, and overall skin vitality, making it a foundation for a luminous complexion.

Recommended products;

Pevonia Vitamin C Complex – this Vitamin C Serum is a-mazing for that perfect pick-me-up. Vitamin C and hydration hero hyaluronic acid, work together to quite literally drench skin with repairing antioxidants, deeply nourishing skin while correcting photo-damage. Not only does it have the most beautiful citrus aroma, when applied, skin looks instantly brighter and dewier too!

Pevonia - C Complex

Naturys Anti-Age Antioxidant Facial Toner – rich in vitamin c and hyaluronic acid, this anti-ageing toner not only cleanses and rebalances the skin but nourishes and brightens it too! Is the perfect way to complete a full facial cleanse! Youll love the results, trust us!

Naturys - Anti-Age Antioxidant Facial Toner

Phytomer Cyfolia Organic Radiance Moisturising Mask – rich in orange water, aloe vera, rose and ceadarwood this creamy deeply nourishing mask revitalised dull skin leaving it fresh, visibly plumped and beautifully radiant. We LOVE it!

Phytomer - CYFOLIA ORGANIC Radiance Moisturising Mask2. Niacinamide

A form of vitamin B3, this skincare powerhouse is renowned for its multifaceted benefits.

A truly versatile ingredient, it strengthens the skin barrier, reducing moisture loss and enhancing hydration.

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, niacinamide also calms redness, making it ideal for sensitive skin. It also regulates oil production, minimizing pores and balancing sebum levels.

What’s more, niacinamide brightens skin tone, diminishes dark spots, and supports collagen production, combating signs of ageing.

Recommended products:

ELES Calming and Soothing Sheet Mask – drenched with the highest percentage of natural, active ingredients on the market, this calming mask reduces inflammation, redness and heat and restores a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss. It’s also vegan, cruelty free, fragrance free and sulphate free.

ELES - Calming and Soothing Sheet Mask

Naturys Deep Purifying Serum – If you’ve got oily to combination skin, you simply must give this purifying serum a try. Formulated with niacinamide, bakuchiol and vitamin C and enriched with olive oil microcapsules that melt when in contact with the skin, it helps correct overproduction of sebum, enlarged pores, acne and skin prone to redness. It’s seriously good stuff!

Naturys Deep Purifying Serum

 

3. Vitamin E

Known as the nourishing antioxidant, vitamin E or tocopherol, safeguards the skin from oxidative stress caused by free radicals, UV rays, and pollution. This protective shield helps prevent premature ageing, supporting skin elasticity and resilience.

Vitamin E‘s hydrating properties nourish and moisturise the skin, promoting a supple complexion. Known for its ability to soothe and calm irritated skin, vitamin E contributes to a balanced and healthy skin barrier.

Recommended products:

Pevonia Vitaminic Concentrate – Fast-absorbing, this soothing, silky anti-oxidant oil radically combats premature ageing, dehydration, and excessive dryness by locking in hydration and delivering moisture that stays! So you’ll wake up to smooth, supple, and seriously glowy skin every morning. We are obsessed!

Beauty Collective - Pevonia Vitaminic Concentrate

Medicalia – Sunscreen SPF 40 with Blue Light Shield – No one likes slathering on sunscreen, but it is THE most important step in your daily routine, and we don’t need to remind you why! Sunscreen IS essential all year round but we get that sunscreen often doesn’t feel good, no one likes the thick, oily slick that some can leave, not to mention the smell, but this one by Medicalia is subtle in fragrance, is rich in antioxidants vitamin e, green tea and hyaluronic acid, offers skin a smooth tinted look and protects skin against UV rays and Blue light damage omitted from all those devices we love to use! That’s right your devices can and will affect your skin just as the harmful rays from the sun do, and this sunscreen will help prevent that! We love it!

Beauty Collective - Medicalia - Sunscreen SPF 40 with Blue Light Shield

4. Vitamin A (retinol)

Hailed as the anti-ageing hero, this favourite antioxidant helps with cell turnover, stimulates collagen production, accelerates cell renewal and repairs damaged DNA.

Just be careful though as retinol can be a little much for some skin types so it’s best to start introducing it into your skincare routine slowly and apply it only at night. For more information on retinol click here.

 Recommended products:

Pevonia’s Micro-Retinol Essential Moisturiser – For those with advanced signs of ageing – wrinkles, loose and sagging skin, and uneven skin tone or dark spots,  is your go-to! This powerhouse product (and range!) is the perfect all-rounder! Formulated with antioxidants retinol and hyaluronic acid, it deeply hydrates, smooths, brightens and firms! Best results when used in conjunction with Pevonia’s Micro-Retinol Essential Serum.

Micro Retinol

Vie Collection – Retinopur Wrinkles Imperfections Fluid – If your skin is prone to sensitivity and irritation but you really want to give retinol a try, you need to pick your product with care and this retinol fluid will be a great solution for you! While retinol is the main ingredient, it is encapsulated therefore limits tolerance risks and boosts the effectiveness of the retinol which is released gradually. Just remember to introduce it very slowly, 2 nights the first week, 3 nights the second week and so on.

Vie Collection Retinopur Wrinkles Imperfections fluid

5. Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid, often celebrated for its hydrating properties, may not be a conventional antioxidant, but it plays a crucial role in supporting the skin’s defence mechanisms. Despite not directly neutralizing free radicals like traditional antioxidants, hyaluronic acid contributes to antioxidant function indirectly. By promoting optimal skin hydration, it helps maintain the skin barrier, preventing environmental stressors from penetrating and causing oxidative damage. Essentially, well-hydrated skin is better equipped to fend off free radicals, making hyaluronic acid an essential ingredient when it comes to the ongoing battle against premature ageing and environmental aggressors.

Recommended products:

Pevonia Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Serum – This hyaluronic acid serum features one of the highest concentrations of hyaluronic acid on the skincare market, combined with a powerful duo of marine collagen and hibiscus esculentus extract for optimum anti-ageing results. It penetrates deeply into the skin delivering smoother, softer, plumper, firming and brighter skin! What’s more it’s ideal for all skin types!

Pevonia - Power Repair Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Serum

Vie Collection Mesoforce Hyaluronic Acid Vitamin Mask – Rich in hyaluronic acid and a cocktail of vitamins, this sensational mask reveals hydrated skin and a radiant complexion. With each application, skin is visibly smoothed and plumped.

What’s more if you purchase this product this February you’ll receive a FREE Vie Collection Mesoforce Hydra Revitalizing Cream!

Beauty Collective - Mesoforce Hyaluronic Acid VItamin Mask

6. Green Tea

Green tea earns its title as one of the top antioxidants due to its rich content of polyphenols, specifically a subgroup called catechins. These antioxidant powerhouses combat free radicals, protecting the skin from environmental damage and premature aging. With anti-inflammatory properties, green tea soothes irritated skin, reducing the appearance of redness and puffiness, and promoting a balanced complexion. Its cell regeneration capabilities contribute to a fresher appearance, reducing fine lines. Ideal for various skin types, green tea regulates oil production, making it an essential ingredient for a clear and vibrant complexion.

Recommended products:

Naturys Anti-Age Well Aging Eye Contour Cream – worried about your eyes ageing. Try this beauty! It is lightweight, fast-absorbing, nourishing and moisturising and visibly reduces signs of ageing, fatigue, fine lines, puffiness, and improves the elasticity of the delicate skin around the eyes! Seriously good stuff packed with antioxidant goodness green tea, peptides, bakuchiol and caffeine!

Pevonia RS2 Care Cream – If you suffer from ultra-sensitive or rosacea prone skin you will love this seriously nurturing cream. Formulated with Green Tea, Licorice, and Chamomile, it soothes skin while providing vaso-constricting, repairing, protecting and hydrating benefits!

Beauty Collective - Pevonia RS2 Care Cream

 

How to incorporate antioxidants into your skincare routine

  1. Choose products with a mix of antioxidants for comprehensive protection
  2. Layer your antioxidants under sunscreen for enhanced defence against UV damage.
  3. Use antioxidants daily to maximise benefits and for optimal results.

By incorporating these powerhouse ingredients into your skincare routine, you’re not just pampering your skin; you’re providing it with the defence it needs to shine with radiance.

woman with beautiful skin

Want to reduce the appearance of your wrinkles? These are the best alternatives to injectables

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If you’re worried about wrinkles but the idea of putting filler in your face or using injectables is definite no no, you’ve come to the right place! We believe in ageing naturally, but of course also want to look young for as long as possible too! This is where the steps you take and the products you use are imperative. No point in putting creams on your face that are formulated with ingredients that aren’t going to have an impact on ageing. At Beauty Collective skincare is our passion, and we have hundreds of products to help reduce wrinkles and keep ageing at bay! Keep reading for our top tips for battling fine lines, and of course the best natural solutions – the products we swear by when it comes to prolonging our youth!

 

  1. Stay hydrated

Yes, you already know this, but we can’t emphasize it enough, before you even think about what you put on your skin, you need to keep skin hydrated from within – it really is the foundation of youth!

Why?

Because ample hydration plumps the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines while promoting a radiant complexion.

How?

Drink plenty of water throughout the day (8 glasses is sufficient) and incorporate herbal teas and water rich foods like cucumber and watermelon into your daily diet.

Also apply nourishing and hydrating skincare rich in hyaluronic acid. Thanks to its sponge like effect, Hyaluronic acid has the ability to hold 1,000 times its weight in moisture, in other words, one gram of hyaluronic acid is able to hold up to six litres of water! Crazy right? Making it THE super hydrator of the skincare world, especially more recently as advancement in technical innovation has changed it for the better! Now, thanks to its molecular structure Hyaluronic acid has the ability to deeply penetrate to instantly deliver supple, dewy skin in a matter of seconds! In fact, it literally binds moisture to skin cells to keep skin smooth, firm, plump, and undeniably radiant! The extra moisture also reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles!

Try: Pevonia’s Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Serum. It features one of the highest concentrations of hyaluronic acid on the skincare market, combined with a powerful duo of marine collagen and hibiscus esculentus extract for optimum anti-ageing results. It penetrates deeply into the skin delivering smoother, softer, plumper, firming and brighter skin! What’s more it’s ideal for all skin types!

Pevonia - Power Repair Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Serum 

  1. Nourish with antioxidants

Ah antioxidants, nature’s defence against ageing as the experts say!

Why?

Antioxidants fight skin damage caused by free radicals and environmental aggressors like UV and pollution which cause visible signs of ageing!!

They can dramatically slow skin ageing, lessen UV radiation damage and decrease the breakdown of collagen.

How?

Include antioxidant-rich foods like berries, dark leafy greens, and green tea in your diet, as well as apply antioxidants to your skin! The best antioxidant in skincare to help fight ageing is vitamin C. This antioxidant powerhouse is known to help with your skin’s collagen production, tackle visible signs of ageing, brighten your complexion, lessen hyperpigmentation and shield skin from free radical damage! Amazing right?

Try: Pevonia C Complexe with Oxyzomes. This product is a-mazing for that perfect pick-me-up. Vitamin C and hydration hero hyaluronic acid, work together to quite literally drench skin with repairing antioxidants, deeply nourishing skin while correcting photo-damage. Not only does it have the most beautiful citrus aroma, when applied skin looks instantly brighter and dewier too!

Pevonia - C Complexe with Oxyzomes

  1. Protect with sunscreen

The ultimate shield against UV damage!

Why?

UV rays omitted from the sun and also our devices can accelerate skin ageing causing winkles and fine lines.

How? 

Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily, even on cloudy days, all year around!

Try; Medicalia – Sunscreen SPF 40 with Blue Light Shield. If you’re a little reluctant to wear your sunscreen because quite frankly its smell and greasy texture puts you off, you are going to love this lightweight emulsion! This everyday sunscreen contains an exclusive mineral formula to shield skin from harmful sun rays, blue light and pollution. It delivers all-natural protection with the addition of zinc oxide which acts to form a protective seal over the skin to reflect blue light away. It also rubs into skin seamlessly without leaving a white cast or greasy residue behind. And even better, the formula is reef-safe and works for all skin types and tones!

Beauty Collective - Medicalia - Sunscreen SPF 40 with Blue Light Shield

  1. Incorporate retinol

The ultimate ingredient for skin renewal! In fact, it is hailed as the holy grail of the skincare world.

Why?

Retinol offers a multitude of benefits. From stimulating collagen production, reducing the appearance of fine lines and preventing wrinkles, to correcting hyperpigmentation, reducing large pores and clearing acne. Retinol also has the ability to speed cell turnover making cells function like that of a child! 

How?

Apply gentle retinol products topically to your skin. It is best to introduce retinol products slowly – apply it only at night, one or two times a week for the first week and gradually increase application. Retinols are best applied at night, particularly because it makes your skin more photosensitive and should be used in conjunction with sunscreen in the day (although you should be using SPF daily, round around anyway!).

When applying your retinol cream, allow the product to fully absorb into the skin (this could take up to 30 minutes) before layering any other products. Just make sure to use any acne-fighting products (i.e. anything that includes benzoyl peroxides or salicylic acid) on the nights you don’t use your retinol product.

Prepare for the inevitable adjustment period your skin will go through before you see the results you want. Because retinol causes the skin to shed cells faster than normal, you’ll likely experience a few weeks of change to your skin including some flakiness and dryness.

And finally, give the product time to work its magic. This could take a few months but the results WILL be worth it. We promise!

Try: Pevonia Micro-Retinol Essential Moisturiser. For those with advanced signs of aging – wrinkles, loose and sagging skin, and uneven skin tone or dark spots, Pevonia’s Micro Retinol Essential Moisturiser should be your go-to! This powerhouse product (and range!) is the perfect all-rounder! Formulated with Retinol, Hyaluronic, Squalane, and Marine Collagen, it deeply hydrates, smooths, brightens and firms! Best results when used in conjunction with Pevonia’s Micro-Retinol Essential Serum.

Micro Retinol

  1. Massage skin for circulation

And revel in the benefits!

Why?

Facial massage improves blood circulation, promoting a healthy glow and reducing tension.

How?

Incorporate a gentle facial massage using your fingertips or a facial roller into your daily skincare routine.

To learn more about the many benefits of facial massage click here.

Try: BC Jade facial roller. Ideal for those concerned with wrinkles and loose skin, jade helps raise the immunity of the skin. It’s known for its ability to help tone and firm skin cells, stimulate collagen production, increase elasticity, calm puffiness and promote cell turnover!

Physically, this crystal has more resistance on skin than rose quartz and amethyst, so while it’s not as silky and glass-like in texture, it is better for achieving firming and lifting results including smoothing wrinkles, sculpting muscle, and tightening loose skin.

It’s best to use this roller in the morning since jade has a revitalising energy that helps skin to feel fresh and invigorated.

To learn more about jade rollers and why they are the perfect additional to your skincare routine click here.

Close,Up,Portrait,Of,A,Lovely,Lady,With,A,Pair

  1. Eat healthy fats for skin elasticity

Feed your skin with goodness!

Why?

Omega-3 fatty acids support skin elasticity, reducing the look of sagging and wrinkles.

How?

Include sources like fatty fish, flaxseeds, and avocados into your daily diet.

Salmon,Fish,Steak,Grilled,,Avocado,And,Fresh,Vegetable,Salad,With

  1. Stay active

Exercise for younger radiant skin

Why?

Regular exercise releases endorphins and improves blood flow, delivering essential nutrients to the skin and promoting a youthful complexion.

How?

It doesn’t have to be about boot camps and hitting the gym 6 days a week! Find activities you enjoy and make them part of your daily routine. We are talking anything from walking, jogging, yoga, Pilates or even dancing!

Elderly,Woman,Doing,Pilates,Exercises,In,Group,In,Fitness,Studio

  1. Get enough sleep

Beauty sleep is real!

Why?

Lack of sleep can lead to premature aging and increased stress, contributing to the appearance of wrinkles.

How?

Everyone is different but you need to aim for a minimum of 7 years of sleep a night. If you have trouble getting to sleep try incorporating relaxation techniques before bed and remember to put down any devices at least an hour before bedtime!!

Young,Beautiful,Woman,Sleeping,In,Her,Bed,And,Relaxing,In

  1. Manage your stress

Reduce the impact of how your skin ages.

Why?

Chronic stress can accelerate the ageing process and contribute to the formation of wrinkles.

How?

Practice stress-relieving activities such as meditation, deep breathing, or mindfulness.

Try; Apps like Calm and Headspace.

Calm,Female,Resting,Leaned,On,Comfy,Couch,In,Living,Room

acne faqs

Acne – your most asked questions answered by the BC experts

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From stress inducing activities (hello school holidays) to overindulging (another cheese platter anyone?) the December/January holiday season (or silly season as we like to call it!) are rife with potential triggers that can lead to acne flare ups! That’s why this time of year is when we, at BC, get inundated with your questions about acne.

Whether acne is something you’ve lived with for many years, or it’s decided to crop up now as an unwelcome adult guest, acne is one of the most common skin woes and we are here to help! We’ve listed the most frequently asked questions about acne and tapped into the wisdom of our skincare experts to get you the best possible answers. Keep scrolling to find out what they are…

 

Q: Why am I getting acne as an adult, I thought acne was for teenagers?

Sadly acne isn’t only reserved for awkward high school years. Several factors can contribute to acne in adults. These include;

hormonal changes: This often occurs during menstruation, pregnancy, perimenopause, or menopause. Hormonal imbalances can stimulate the sebaceous glands, leading to increased oil production and breakouts.

Stress: High stress levels can wreak havoc on your skin. Stress triggers the release of certain hormones, such as cortisol, which can stimulate oil production and contribute to acne. Additionally, stress may lead to unhealthy lifestyle habits, like poor sleep and an imbalanced diet, which can further exacerbate skin issues.

Diet: While the link between specific foods and acne isn’t universally agreed upon, some people find that certain dietary factors such as high-glycemic foods and dairy products can impact their skin and increase the risk of acne.

Skincare and makeup products: The products you use on your skin could be a culprit. Some ingredients in skincare or makeup products may clog pores or irritate the skin, leading to breakouts. Ensure the products you are using are of good quality and are suitable for your specific skin type too!

Environmental factors: Exposure to environmental pollutants, such as smog or certain chemicals, can contribute to skin issues. Additionally, humidity may increase the likelihood of acne. Not good news this time of year!

Genetics: Your genetic makeup plays a role in your skin’s characteristics including its susceptibility to acne! If your parents or close relatives had acne, you might be more prone to it as well. Thanks parents!

Medications: Certain medications can have side effects that include acne. If you suspect your medication might be contributing to your acne, it’s best to have a chat with your GP.

Over-cleansing or products that are too harsh for your skin: Sometimes, the desire to combat acne can lead to over-cleansing or the use of products which you think will help but are in fact too harsh for your skin! This can strip the skin of its natural oils, prompting it to produce even more oil in response. More oil produced equals more breakouts!

 

Q: Can I blame overindulging in chocolate for my breakouts?

Sorry to all you chocoholics out there but the link between chocolate and acne isn’t actually crystal clear. It’s more about your overall diet, which does include sugar (and dairy too) so if you’ve been hitting the cheese board like me this silly season, or indulging in too many sweet treats, this definitely could be impacting your skin. Remember everything in moderation! And instead try to indulge in foods such as almonds, blueberries and avocados as they are among a range of foods which may help to reduce and prevent inflammation.

 

Q: How can I get rid of my pimples overnight?

Some spot treatments can work wonders at reducing, and in some cases eliminating, unwanted blemishes overnight. This is because they encourage rapid healing by controlling bacteria, reducing inflammation and diminishing the follicular accumulation of keratin.

For the most effective results look for spot treatments formulated with ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. We highly recommend Phytomers Oligopur Blemish Target Gel as the best spot treatment! It targets blemishes with precision, rapidly improving the skin’s appearance and eliminating spots almost overnight! Simply apply a small amount of product to your pimples and let the powerful ingredients keep your skin follicles clean to achieve an even and bright complexion by morning.

Beauty Collective - Phytomer Blemish Target Gel Q: Can following a specific skincare routine really help my acne?

Absolutely! Consistency is key. A gentle cleanser, non-comedogenic moisturiser, and targeted treatments can help keep acne at bay.

Also, don’t forget sunscreen – it’s like armour for your skin, yes even for those of us with acne! And I know it sounds counterintuitive, slathering sunscreen all over acne flareups but believe me when I say avoiding sunscreen can worsen the appearance of acne, and if the skin gets sunburnt, the symptoms of acne can be painfully exasperated.

Just be sure to choose your sunscreen wisely. Using the right sunscreen can prevent and heal acne, soothe the skin, keep dark spots and clogged pores at bay, all while protecting from harmful UV rays.

We love Medicalia Sunscreen SPF 40 with Blue Light Shield.

Beauty Collective - Medicalia - Sunscreen SPF 40 with Blue Light Shield

Q: Can I wear makeup if I have acne prone skin?

Absolutely! But you must be careful with what you use! Look for non-comedogenic, oil-free formulas. Mineral makeup can be a game-changer as it doesn’t contain any chemical nasties or additional oils, nor will it aggravate skin or clog pores. Genius! Here at BC from the staff to the experts we all love ELES Cosmetics Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation. And for more translucent coverage the ELES Mineral Foundation Powder. Both products are perfect for those with skin sensitives, are free of any chemical nasties, provide effortless and natural coverage and most importantly will allow your skin to breathe freely (so no pore clogging in sight) plus you’ll feel like you aren’t wearing makeup at all! What more could you ask for?

For more information on makeup for acne prone skin, including the best makeup tips click here.

ELES - Mineral Powder Foundation

My pimples really need popping, is it ok to do so?

No! Experts cringe at the thought of DIY extractions. Popping pimples can lead to scarring and more inflammation. Let it be, and consider a spot treatment instead.

Are all pimples the same?

Nope! From blackheads and whiteheads to cystic acne, the acne family can get a little confusing! And each type of pimple or acne requires a slightly different approach too! To understand more about the type of acne you could be suffering from click here.

Could stress and lack of sleep being affecting my skin?

Yes sir-eee. Lack of sleep and high stress levels can trigger hormonal imbalances leading to breakouts. Try to prioritise self-care, practice relaxation techniques and try to get to bed earlier if you can for ample beauty sleep. If you struggle with getting to sleep make sure you turn off devices an hour before bedtime and instead listen to some soothing sounds. We love listening to the ambient relaxation playlist on Spotify.