Yes, we are what we eat, but fabulous skin needs a holistic approach that includes a good skin-care routine. I have been very lucky to work with some of the best make-up and beauty experts in the business, and the most important lesson I have learnt is to care for your skin according to its type and to treat it gently – every day, morning and night. I have ‘combination’ type skin, which means it tends to have oily and dry characteristics in different facial zones and from time to time.
My job requires me to wear make-up almost every day. And as nice as it is to wear a full face of beautiful make-up, unless you remove it completely as soon as possible it can clog your pores and make your skin look dull and blemished.
As soon as I finish work or get home from a night out, I always remove my make-up, then clean, tone and moisturise my skin well.
Facials and skin treatments are a valuable added extra on top of a good basic daily clean-tone-and-moisturise skin-care regimen. I have tried microdermabrasion, extraction ‘steam and squeeze’ facials, exfoliation facials, lactic peels and LED (light-emitting diode that encourages collagen production) treatments.
This what my skin-care routine looks like. Because my skin’s condition is so important for my work, I have a professional facial every three weeks or so.
Every morning and night – I cleanse, tone and moisturise, and apply a hydrating eye serum.
Every three days – I exfoliate after cleansing at night.
Once a week – I apply toner after cleansing and exfoliating, then I moisturise.
Once a fortnight – I apply an at-home face mask (see my natural recipes below). If I am working every day and wearing lots of make-up I may do this weekly.
Every three weeks – I have an exfoliation facial that includes a double cleanse, exfoliation, ‘steam and squeeze’ extraction, lactic peel and 20 minutes under the LED. This changes from season to season according to my skin’s specific needs.
MY AT-HOME BEAUTY RECIPES
With a toddler in my life, sometimes I can’t get to my favourite skin-care clinic for a facial. So I’ve developed a series of at-home beauty recipes that I make up and apply while Violet is napping, busy playing or has ducked out to the park with her dad.
The following recipes are for one application only – I tend to make them as I need them. They are really easy to make and this ensures the mixture is super fresh for the best results.
Oat, honey and yoghurt face mask
This face mask works to soften your skin. It also gently exfoliates, taking away old skin cells as it is removed. Honey is a natural antibacterial and is wonderful for clearing blemishes. The oats are beautifully soothing and help reduce redness if your skin is inflamed and angry.
1 tablespoon rolled oats (oatmeal)
1 teaspoon raw honey
1 tablespoon natural yoghurt
Combine the oats, honey and yoghurt in a small bowl.
Apply evenly to your face and neck area. Lie down for 15 minutes, allowing the mask to do its magic.
Over the sink, dip your hands in lukewarm water and gently massage the mask into your face. Rinse off the mask with lukewarm water and pat your face dry.
Camomile tea steam facial
Known for its soothing and calming qualities, camomile is a natural anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal. Besides the benefits for your skin, this facial steam is also a wonderful way to unwind and release stress.
4 cups hot water
½ tablespoon camomile tea or 2 camomile teabags
Pour the hot water into a basin or large bowl, placed somewhere you can sit comfortably, add the chamomile tea or teabags to the hot water and leave to infuse for 2 minutes.
Position your face over the basin or bowl, get comfortable and cover your head with a towel. Close your eyes and enjoy the steam for 5 minutes.
Splash your face with clean lukewarm water and apply moisturiser.
Matcha and avocado face mask
This mask is packed with good-quality fats that will nourish dry skin cells. The avocado is rich in monounsaturated fats, and the flaxseed oil contains omega 3 fats. Together they leave the skin feeling softer and more supple. Cucumber is very hydrating and removes puffiness. Matcha powdered green tea is high in the antioxidant EGCG.
¼ ripe avocado
2 tablespoons mashed cucumber
½ teaspoon matcha powder
½ tablespoon cold-pressed flaxseed oil
Combine the avocado, cucumber, matcha powder and flaxseed oil in a small bowl.
Apply evenly to your face and neck area. Lie down for 10–15 minutes, allowing the mask to do its magic.
Rinse your face and neck thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove the mask, and pat dry.
Coffee face scrub
Perfect for promoting detoxification and stimulating circulation, this coffee scrub is great for the face and body. The coffee’s stimulating qualities will leave the skin looking plump and renewed. The flaxseed oil is rich in omega 3s, which nourish and soften the skin.
1 tablespoon ground coffee
2 teaspoons cold-pressed flaxseed oil
1 teaspoon freshly ground Himalayan sea salt
Combine the coffee, flaxseed oil and salt in a small bowl.
Apply the mixture to your face and neck area, then rub in gently, using circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry.