Due to the increased use of virtual interactions and mask-wearing, our faces have become more noticeable, making it essential to prioritise healthy skin not only for aesthetic purposes but also for overall health. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford regular visits to an esthetician due to financial or time constraints.
As a solution, beauty experts have shared ten simple beauty hacks for face that can be easily incorporated into your daily skincare routine at home. Furthermore, a comprehensive guide on how to give yourself a facial massage without the need for any tools is also provided.
Use SPF daily, not just when you’re down the shore
Our experts emphasise the importance of protecting our skin from overexposure to the sun throughout the year, despite its beneficial nutrients and vitamins. Doing so can help maintain healthy skin, prevent premature ageing, and decrease the risk of skin cancer. To accomplish this, Becky Fenlan, About Face Skin Care’s practice coordinator, recommends using products that already have SPF, such as tinted moisturisers and powders. By checking the label to ensure the product has SPF and using oil-free options, you can avoid a greasy face. Fenlan also notes that some SPF-containing products are so light that you may not even notice you’re wearing them. Another effective method for sun protection, according to Viviane Aires, a local esthetician and founder of Viviane Aires Skin Wellness, is to use products that contain vitamin C. Although reapplying SPF-containing products every few hours can be challenging, Aires recommends using vitamin C products to build immunity and provide protection against harmful substances that may come into contact with your skin when the SPF has worn off.
Wash your face!
While washing your face before bed might feel like an extra task, it is crucial not to skip this step. Throughout the day, our faces come in contact with countless bacteria, but our skin’s multiple layers act as a barrier, protecting us from harmful substances and eliminating toxins from our bodies, as explained by Jewellee Williams, owner of Crown Jewel Esthetics. Experts suggest cleansing your face twice at night: first with an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup and sunscreen, followed by your regular cleanser to eliminate any remaining impurities. For a deeper cleanse, Tirzah Blair, owner of Kári Skin, recommends adding a small amount of clay to your cleanser or incorporating baking soda to enhance exfoliation. She advises exfoliating two to three times a week to ensure that skincare products penetrate the skin effectively.
Reduce inflammation the easy way
Contrary to popular belief, washing your face with warm water does not open your pores, nor does it enhance product absorption. Instead, Viviane Aires recommends splashing your face with cold water to remove toxins, stimulate the skin, and improve product absorption by increasing blood flow. Cold products are also excellent for reducing inflammation, as seen with the use of ice packs on injuries. To achieve this, Aires recommends keeping beauty products such as creams, moisturisers, face masks, and jade rollers in the fridge to keep them cold and reduce inflammation better. Tirzah Blair suggests using thinly sliced cucumbers on the eyes for 15 minutes to reduce inflammation, brighten, and de-puff the area due to the hydrating nature and vitamin C in cucumbers. Alternatively, tea bags containing caffeine, such as green tea or chamomile tea, can constrict blood vessels, reduce inflammation, and brighten the eyes.
Stop picking!!!
While it may be tempting to attempt at-home extractions by watching videos online, doing so can cause long-lasting damage, inflammation, and hyperpigmentation, according to our experts. To avoid these risks, Jewellee Williams recommends avoiding at-home extractions and instead suggests icing your blemishes.
How to massage your face like a pro?
Step 1: Breathe
It’s crucial to take breaks and unwind, especially because our frequent use of electronic devices like phones, computers, and tablets can lead to neck tension and lymphatic stagnation. To alleviate this, taking three deep breaths can signal the brain to prepare for relaxation, and in turn, help release the built-up tension.
Step 2: Oil your face
Take a small amount of oil and warm it up by rubbing it between your palms. Apply the oil to your face, and gently massage it downwards to your neck and décolleté, ensuring a smooth glide to prevent any skin damage from pulling.
Step 3: Scissor fingers
Form a scissor shape using your index and middle fingers and position it around your ear, placing the index finger underneath the earlobe and the middle finger above it. Massage the area in a circular motion to activate the lymph nodes and encourage lymphatic drainage. As you do this, take deep breaths and repeat the process seven to 15 times. This technique also enhances the absorption of skincare products.
Step 4: Knuckle sandwich
Bend your index and middle fingers to form air quotes and position them on your chin bone. Move your fingers upward towards your ears, with the index finger knuckle below the earlobe. Repeat this movement three to five times to enhance your jawline definition and stimulate your glands. Then, repeat the same process, but this time place your knuckles on your cheekbone and end with your middle finger towards your temple.
Step 5: Brow lift
Demonstrate some care to the acupressure points in your eyebrow region by running your knuckles along the brow bone, emphasising upward motions.
Step 6: Forehead
Start at the middle of your forehead and move your fingers in a circular motion towards your temple, gently pulling the skin upward as you go.
Step 7: Back to the neck
Once you finish the massage, apply your facial moisturiser over the face oil in a gentle manner. Applying your skincare products in this order provides the best outcomes, as the massage readies your skin for optimal absorption.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, achieving healthy and glowing skin at home doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Simple steps such as washing your face, using SPF daily, reducing inflammation, and avoiding picking at blemishes can all contribute to a healthier complexion.
Adding in a regular facial massage routine can also help to increase blood flow, promote lymphatic drainage and enhance nutrient circulation, leading to a radiant and lifted appearance. By incorporating these beauty hacks into your daily routine, you can achieve a healthy and glowing complexion without breaking the bank or leaving your home.
