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How fit is your skin?

New year workout resolutions aside, this dermatologist's simple hacks will help you on the road to skin fitness

What does your new year look like? Are you focused on getting fit, healthy and working on changes to reach your goals? One thing we don't consider in the same way is getting our skin fit and healthy. We spoke to Dermatologist and Cosmetic Doctor Dr Nyla Raja about what you can do to get skin fit

"The way we view our skin and aesthetic treatments is shifting. People are looking to have treatments which are going to improve their overall skin appearance, skin quality and skin health. Getting skin fit should be as important as eating well, working out and living a balanced lifestyle. The skin is our largest organ and it's important to treat it with care and see it as part of your overall healthy goals, and something you should have a routine for."

Dr Raja continues, "Everyone has individual skin needs and concerns, so speaking to your dermatologist or aesthetic practitioner should allow them to advise you, factoring in your current ingredients and product uses, frequency, diet and deficiencies, hormones and overall healthy lifestyle. With that said, the combination of post-Christmas indulgences, lack of routine, and the change of season means most of us face dull and dry skin that may appear sallow, and be more irritable and sensitive. Below are some general steps I recommend in order to start your skin fit journey."

Consider your skincare  

Our skin is easily influenced and the first step to bettering your skin fitness is to look at your existing routine. Our skin can get comfortable to certain ingredients, and you might find that when you experience breakouts or pigmentation, your regular products may not be doing enough to directly combat these at home. Some active ingredients may be affecting your skin barrier and heightening skin sensitivity, and therefore your skin's susceptibility to bacteria and external aggressors. You may find that an active ingredient is too strong for your skin or that you're over applying.

Keep it simple 

The simplest routine with actives is going to have the most effect. Too many products can minimise the efficacy of your chosen active(s), and make it harder for you to know which step is really key in impacting your skin's appearance.  As a guide, cleanse twice daily, follow with a vitamin C and SPF in the morning and consider a retinol and moisturiser at night. These ingredients work to combat signs of ageing, brightening and hydrating the skin.

Don't skip SPF 

If there's one skincare product you should never skip, it's the use of wearing daily SPF. Always look for an SPF that has a factor no less than 30, as UVA is the number one cause of accelerated skin ageing. Dark spots, wrinkles and skin sagging are instrumental in these telltale signs, and even when it's not sunny, these rays are still emitting.

Consistency is key 

A key step to getting skin fit is having patience to see results. Consistency is key, and usually between three-to-six months after having a consistent routine is when you will see how much stronger your skin barrier has become, and how much healthier your skin looks. The same way you can't go to the gym once or leave it for long periods and expect to see big results, the same goes for your skin. It doesn't mean that you need to use active ingredients every day, but it is something you can slowly introduce into your daily skincare to build up your topical treatment use.

Be well rested

Sleeping in winter and at this time of year where we're spending more time indoors, is actually a great time to get skin fit. Sleep is when our skin is in action to renew and repair, and good quality sleep keeps your hormonal system in balance, which will stave off skin health issues. A restful winter night's sleep rejuvenates your skin, enhances product absorption, and builds your defence against fine lines and wrinkles. Ensure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, and having a glass before bed to rehydrate the water loss through sleeping will help support your skin's overall health.

Have regular facials

To ensure you're checking in with your skin health regularly, I recommend regular facials every four-to-six weeks to deeply cleanse and treat the skin. There are different types of facials: with a HydraFacial, it's fine to have this every four-to-six weeks, however a chemical peel-based facial would be every two-to-three months.  If you're unsure what type to book, speak to your dermatologist or esthetician who will be able to determine through analysing your skin. Facials are designed to promote skin health by cleaning, clearing clogged pores and improving the skin's tone, texture, and glow. All skin types can benefit from regular facials, and aside from helping to manage and support your skin, they can boost blood circulation, slow the ageing process, and allow skincare products to penetrate more effectively. Regular facials are also a great form of self-care and relaxation."

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