5 top tips to keep your skin glowing during the month of love.

By Skin & Sanctuary’s Senior Aesthetician, Vicki McNulty

So, we’ve all survived January and I don't know about you but I am so glad to see the back of it. Not only is it a bit of a come down after the festive season but as a result of the colder weather and the increase central heating dial my skin was definitely struggling to keep its je nais se quois. But it’s now February. The month of love and red carpet beauty so no more feeling bad - it’s time for some action.

Time to use the skills in my skincare toolbox to ensure that my skin (and my clients’ skin) has that special burst of hydration, the red carpet glow and freshness ready for wonderful spring.

Tip 1: Stay hydrated.

Though drinking water really does do wonders it's just not enough at times. So at this time of year (or any time actually) I can't live without HA intensifier. That might sound a little extreme. But truly what's not to love. It feels amazing, hydrates and plumps. This patented serum by the clever people at SkinCeuticals amplifies your skin's ability to make its own hyaluronic acid (as we stop producing our own from the age of 25), contains 10% proxylane, 1.3 % hyaluronic Acid, 2% liquorice root extract and 0.2% purple rice extract. The perfect ingredient combination to hydrate all skin types. You can also use HA Intensifier right up to the last line so great for those crows feet lines to. 

Also, and particularly in the winter months I need a little bit more TLC and that's where my SkinCeuticals Triple lipid 2:4:2 comes to the rescue. This anti-ageing moisturiser contains ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids that work together to refill cellular lipids, nourish dry skin, add plumpness and give your skin it's bounce back. I love it.

Tip 2: Use Antioxidants.

Everyone should have one of these in their skincare routine and I mean everyone! 

80% of our ageing happens from all the environmental stressors around us and although we need SPF to protect us from all those harmful UVA and UVB rays it won’t, unfortunately, protect us from all those other nasties that live within the air that surrounds us. Antioxidants such as Vitamin C not only have an anti ageing effect but also diminish the appearance of hyperpigmentation and improve skin tone. Make sure you seek advice for which one you should be using as they will all have different potencies and will assist to help with additional concerns. 

Tip 3: Get a chemical peel.

Believe it or not having a chemical peel will help you whether you have dry, dehydrated or oily skin. By removing all of those dead skin cells you not only brighten your skin but also allow for deeper penetration of all the good stuff in your skin care products

My favourite chemical peel for this time of the year is the Milk Peel. I call it the party peel as you have no downtime whilst it also aids in giving your skin much needed hydration with an amazing glow. This peel is available at the Clinic as a quick on the go treatment, or if you have a little extra time for some special effective pampering, it’s also included in two of our amazing signature treatments. ‘Lift it baby lift it’ and ‘The Cleopatra’. 

Tip 4: SPF SPF and more SPF.

Grey and cold outside does not mean we should ditch the sun protection. We are constantly exposed to harmful UVA and UVB rays, the primary causes for the breakdown in collagen in our skin - and the major reason for our skin ageing!

My personal current favourite SPF is the Oil Free Gel in bronze in the Heliocare 360 range. It's oil free and delivers an SPF 50 with both UVA and UVB protection as well as containing antioxidants for added protection from environmental stressors. It's super light on the skin but doubles up as my foundation (win win and win again). I don't go a day without it.  

Tip 5: Get your beauty sleep. 

Easier said than done I know but having a decent night's sleep helps assist with your skin health too. When you don't get enough of those precious Zzzz’s your body is unable to repair and replenish itself throughout the night effectively, and lack of sleep then aids in your body making more of our stress hormones and none of us want that as, guess what, it leads to premature ageing and possible added breakouts. 

And a special extra one: Personalise your skincare.

And if you are doing all of the above and want to up the anti with your skincare then Custom DOSE it! Our DOSE machine formulates a personalised correction serum to give you the ultimate skincare boost. 

So these are my top skin-care tips for February. I feel like there’s so much more I need to let you know about. February can be so amazing, full of beautiful red carpet events, Valentines love and hope filled daffodils. If you’d like to know how which treatments or products would would be best to help your skin radiate through it please get in touch.