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."