SEASONS CHANGE – NEW SEASON SKINCARE
It’s officially Autumn and with the time change a mere month away, we are bracing ourselves for shorter, darker evenings and a change in the temperature and temperament of the weather. Amongst many things this change in the season can take its toll on our complexions, with indoor heating stripping the skin of moisture and harsher weather causing redness and irritation. Now’s the time to re-evaluate our skincare regime and if needed, a change up in our facial products and add some new season skincare to address any new skin concerns.
AT HOME FACIAL
One of the things we think you should definitely incorporate into your skin care routine is to give yourself a weekly at home facial. Spending some extra time really treating your skin will help to counteract the effects of central heating, harsh weather and the general wear and tear that your skin goes through on a daily basis. The benefits are endless, taking some well-deserved me-time to treat your skin will keep it in optimum health, so you are less prone to breakouts, congestion and dry/dehydrated skin, resulting in a more radiant complexion. Plus, it’s a great way to unwind and treat yourself.
This week on the blog VOYA’s National Trainer Sharon Tighe gives her top tips to perform a simple at home facial that’s bound to perk up your skin.
STEP 1: CLEANSE AND TONE
It’s always best to Double Cleanse to ensure all make up, dirt and impurities are removed. Performing a double cleanse means that your first cleanse will remove the majority of your makeup or any other pollutants that have built up throughout the day, the second cleanse is then used to remove any remaining residue. Cleanse and Mend Facial Cleansing Milk or Totally Balmy Cleansing Balm are perfect options for your first cleanse, while Cast Away Cleansing Facial Wash is a perfect follow up to scoop up any lingering impurities. Follow up with a refreshing toner such as Ritzy Spritzy Facial Spritz, which will tone, cool, soothe and hydrate your skin, perfecting it for the next stage.
STEP 2: EXFOLIATE
Your next step is to exfoliate. I’d recommend spending at least 3-5 minutes on this step, but this will obviously depend on your skin type and which type of exfoliator you are using. If you’re using a gentle facial scrub such as VOYA Love a Scrub, then 3-5 minutes is sufficient. However, if you are using an enzyme exfoliator such as VOYA Luminosity Refining Radiance Exfoliator, then extend the time spent on this step to between 5-10 minutes or in line with the directions for use.
STEP 3: MASK TIME
Now you have prepped your skin by thoroughly cleansing, toning and exfoliating, the next step is to unwind with a Face and Eye Mask. Face masks are designed to deliver high concentrations of active ingredients to your skin, so they are an important step to incorporate into your skincare routine at least once or twice a week.
Your skin type and requirements will determine what type of mask you want to use, those with Oily/Combination skin types should opt for a clay mask to decongest skin, purify and brighten (VOYA Product Tip: Get Glowing Illuminating Clay Mask), while those with more sensitive skin types may need something to calm and reduce irritation (VOYA Product Tip: Maskerade), If you have particularly dry or dehydrated skin, then upping moisture levels to hydrate and plump skin maybe your goal (VOYA Product Tip: Hydra Veil).
Adding a dedicated eye mask will also work to target fine lines, dark circles and puffiness around the eye area.
STEP 5: ADD THE FINISHING TOUCHES
Lastly, it’s time to add your finishing touches. First gently apply your eye cream (VOYA Product Tip: Bright Eyes) with your ring finger. Eye creams help to tighten skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines around the delicate eye area, whilst also decongesting and targeting dark shadows,
Next add your serum. Facial Serums are made up of smaller molecules that can penetrate the skin and deliver high concentrations of active ingredients. Serums come in many different formulations, from Gel and Oil based to those with a waterier consistency. VOYA’S trio of serums all work in their unique ways to strengthen and repair the structure of skin, purify, re-balance and nourish.
Your final step is to add your moisturiser or night cream depending on the time of day you are performing your facial. Moisturisers/Night Creams are used to lock in moisture throughout the day and night. VOYA’s range of certified organic day and night creams also work to increase cell renewal, firmness and elasticity in the skin leading to firmer, brighter and more hydrated and glowing skin.