Is your skin looking dry and wrinkled? Did you know that dehydration makes skin look older, fine lines more noticeable and nails brittle?
Fight the signs of ageing by staying well hydrated from the inside out. Our skincare specialist Emma Falconer, from Sleeping Beauty in Lerwick, shares her professional tips:
1. Rehydrate with fluids
Water is essential for health but it also has a big impact on your skin and nails as it:
- flushes toxins
- supports vitamin consumption
- replenishes tissue
- increases skin elasticity
Which all adds up to clear, glowing skin and stronger, flexible nails with less chance of breakage.
“Drinking water is one of the easiest ways to maintain beautiful, youthful skin and nails. It’s readily available and yet most people aren’t consuming the recommended 6-8 glasses (1-2 litres) a day,” explains Emma.
“Water is lost throughout your body constantly so you need to continually replace it. Skin cells that are lacking in water turn dry, tight and flaky.
“A common misconception is your body needs water when you feel thirsty; however by the time you are thirsty your body is already dehydrated. So try to sip water regularly throughout the day – your skin will thank you. And don’t forget, water is found in fruit, soups, 100% fruit juices and decaffeinated beverages.”
2. Daily exfoliation and moisturising for radiant skin
It’s also really important to keep your skin on the outside too. “Exfoliate and moisturise,” recommends Emma. “Commit to exfoliating on a regular basis – it sloughs away dead, flaky skin revealing fresh skin cells. Then apply moisturiser to retain water, ideally one containing SPF to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful drying UV rays.”
Give your anti-ageing routine a kick-start this spring with our Pro-Definition Lift and Contour facial, powered by breakthrough technology and potent nutrients to provide a sculpted and youthful effect.
3. Are dry wrinkled hands letting you down?
Remember to apply hand cream with a SPF throughout the day and massage it in to nails and cuticles to keep them soft, smooth and hydrated. Obvious but so easy to forget…
“I buy travel size products and keep them everywhere – in my handbag, by the sink, in my gym bag and by my bed – so I can always top up on the go,” says Emma.
“Another tip is to wash your hands with warm, not hot, water, as extreme temperatures strips your skin and nails of their natural healthy oils and causes excessive dryness.”
Smoking isn’t just bad for your health. It will make your skin look older and more wrinkled and can stain fingers and nails.
4. Eat your way to a gorgeous complexion
Don’t forget a varied diet is also important for healthy skin and nails, including lots of nutrient-rich fruit and vegetables.
Excellent foods for fighting the signs of ageing include blueberries, salmon, tomatoes, nuts, eggs, yoghurt, avocados and dark chocolate. Full of vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants, protein and healthy fats the foods will help your skin look and feel youthful and supple plus your nails strong and healthy.
Emma advises, “For a vitamin boost treatment try our Superfood Pro-Radiance, rich in essential super-foods and minerals. The facial is designed to detoxify and energise stressed and dull skin, leaving your complexion plump, refreshed and glowing.”
“Alternatively, Skinade – a delicious, multi-award winning, natural peach and mangosteen flavoured collagen drink – boost your body's natural production of collagen and hyaluronic acid to improve the way your skin looks and feels,” add Emma. Skinade is available to purchase at our Margaret St, Inverness and Lerwick salons.
Start your hydrating prep now to ensure your skin and nails are perfectly primed and preened in time for summer. Find out more about our specialist hydrating treatments and arrange an appointment by calling 0844 445 7771.