Best Way to Improve Your Skin Complexion



Why is it that supermodels and celebrities don’t seem to have a spot or wrinkle in sight? What is their secret? Here you can discover how you, too, can have an enviably flawless complexion.

Let’s get something straight: models may have the benefit of soft camera lenses and flattering lighting, not to mention having their photographs retouched with an airbrush or computer but, when looking at their pictures, don’t be deceived into thinking that their flawless complexions are only the result of clever manipulation. Models are, by no means, immune to the occasional spot, but they certainly have it sussed when it comes to skincare, paying zealous attention to their skincare routines and arming themselves against all the major skin offenders – the sun, pollution, smoking, stress and alcohol.

Skin Complexion Best Way to Improve Your Skin Complexion

A great-looking complexion is determined by skin that is firm, plump, smooth and has a radiant bloom. Think of a child’s face: it is neither oily nor dry, just balanced. We all had such perfect skin once, before the skin-damaging culprits robbed us of it. However, top facialist Jo Malone, whose clients include Yasmin Le Bon, Gail Elliot and Lulu, insists that a healthy complexion is within everyone’s reach with a little dedication and discipline.

If achieving a flawless complexion seems to elude you, start to optimise your skin’s functioning by taking Jo’s advice and sticking to a good routine. Cherish your skin by shielding your face from the sun, and counteracting the constant onslaught of dietary chemicals and pollution by combining wholesome nutrition with regular exercise and adequate sleep. Skin undoubtedly benefits from regular doses of tender loving care, but your lifestyle and how you look after yourself are equally important, too. If you smoke, are rarely seen without a drink in your hand, eat junk food and bombard your skin with ultraviolet rays, you may as well forget about having a beautiful complexion.

Assess your skin

Unless you are one of the lucky few who has been blessed with perfectly balanced skin, it is unlikely that your skin will remain one type for long. Many factors can cause skin to change its type: in one month alone, for instance, it can flit from being ultra-dry, due to central heating, to being oily during menstruation. Throw in a skiing trip or beach holiday and it could be constantly yo-yoing between types; and whichever product works one week may be ineffective the next.

Skin Complexion 2 Best Way to Improve Your Skin Complexion

Leading skincare consultant Eve Lorn believes that skin rarely falls into one general type. She therefore stresses that you should constantly review your skin’s condition and be your own therapist: ‘You know your skin better than anyone else, so you should be able to assess it.’ Having assessed your skin, you need to treat it accordingly. If your moisturiser is too heavy, for example, dilute it by adding a little water to your hands before application. While your foaming facial wash is no doubt ideal for summer, during the winter months you might want to use a cleanser with a richer consistency to protect your skin against the drying effects of cold weather. Or it may be that your skin has become so sensitive to hi-tech products that it needs something more soothing.

How to use products

You may have dipped into your savings for a pot of prized cleanser or face cream, but if you slap it on willy-nilly you could both be doing your skin more harm than good and, what’s more, undermining the product’s performance. Skin is a remarkable organ which, when left to its own devices, will moisturise and cleanse itself. Wth cosmetic companies selling extra products for upteen procedures, however, it’s easy to succumb to their lure. But overzealous cleansing and using copious amounts of moisturisers, masks and serums will upset the skin’s delicate balance and do more harm than good.

Skin Complexion 1 Best Way to Improve Your Skin Complexion

After cleansing, the best way in which to ensure that all the residue is removed is to rinse your face with water; wiping your skin with a toner will make doubly sure of this. Rather than hurriedly applying your face cream, Jo suggests that after toning you should leave your face alone for one minute before moisturising it: ‘This breather gives the skin time to get ready to accept the moisturiser.’ Moisturising is where most people go wrong: if they are overgenerous, for example, moisturiser can inhibit the skin’s natural functioning, leaving it puffy, congested and undermining its capacity to remain firm. One question that Jo is often asked is how much moisturiser to use and where to use it? ‘My advice is, if after pulling a funny face your skin feels taut, you have not used enough. Before you apply any serum or moisturiser your face should be slightly warmed or the product will just sit on the skin and not be absorbed. Massage the moisturiser into your skin, not forgetting your lips and neck, but ensure that you keep it well away from your eye area.’



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