This article was posted the other day for skin fixes, "winter skin fixes" for anyone who is interested.
Ive just copied the relevant bits.
Source; Dailymail
THE DOUBLE CLEANSE
Celebrity facialist Sarah Chapman, whose clients include Queen Rania of Jordan and actress Naomi Watts, says a great trick for brighter, clearer skin is to massage and apply your cleanser in the bath, over a sink full of hot water, or in a steamy shower.
‘Allowing the heat of the steam to open up pores makes a really deep clean,’ she explains.
‘A deep double cleanse like this, especially after a heavy night, helps to remove all your make-up and grime, allowing skin to fully breathe. Also, be sure to exfoliate twice a week to prevent dull, lifeless skin, which often occurs at this time of year.’
BUY: Skinesis Overnight Exfoliating Booster (£57, SpaceNK), which works while you sleep.
SKIP THE LIP BALM
Una Brennan, facialist to stars including Sienna Miller, Jenni Falconer and Laura Bailey, advises using a treatment lip cream instead of a lip balm for three weeks, applied morning and night.
‘During the day for the whole three weeks, apply nothing else to your lips, no matter how desperately you might want to, and avoid even licking your lips,’ she cautions.
‘Every third night, brush your lips in gentle circular motions with a soft bristle toothbrush before applying the lip cream.
‘Although your lips will become so much drier during this time, even cracked, by the end of the three weeks you will never suffer from dry lips again.’
Products; La Roche-Posay Ceralip Lip Repair Cream
LEARN HOW TO DO FACIAL MASSAGE
Facialist Georgia Louise, who is famous for her bespoke facials, is a great believer in facial massage. Her technique is guaranteed to bring the bloom back to the most jaded complexion.
‘Start by pinching the skin, using your finger and thumb lightly, but with enough strength to stimulate the circulation and cause a slight change in colour,’ she says. ‘Begin at the forehead and then gently pinch along the eyebrows, cheeks and jaw line down to the neck for 60 seconds.
‘Next, using three pumps of a powerful anti-ageing serum added to the palms of your hands, massage into the skin using an upwards and outwards motion. Start from your forehead and go all the way down to your neck. Repeat three times and follow with eye cream and moisturiser.’
BUY: L’Oreal Youth Code Luminize Serum (£24.99, Boots), which is packed with vitamin C.
TRY BODY BRUSHING
There’s nothing more effective than body brushing to get rid of old, dry skin cells and boost circulation, but for best results it pays to know how to do it like a professional.
Noella Gabriel, director of product development at Elemis, suggests lightly brushing your body before stepping into the bath.
‘Begin at the soles of your feet, then work up the front and back of the legs in an upward direction towards the heart,’ she says. ‘Move on to the arms, including the tummy and back. Do not brush over the face and chest but finish on the neck and scalp.’
BUY: Elemis Skin Brush (£18.40, timetospa.co.uk), a cactus-bristle brush that stimulates circulation.
MAKE A KITCHEN CUPBOARD FACE MASK
Fiona Brackenbury, head of training for Decleor, suggests giving dry, parched skin a boost by making your own facial mask using ingredients from the kitchen.
‘One of the best ones for anti-ageing is avocado, which is packed full of vitamins and essential fatty acids and is perfect for softening and smoothing the skin,’ she explains. ‘You could also add some honey to give intensive moisturising power.
‘It helps if you apply your mask while relaxing in the bath. The steam will open the pores and aid penetration of the facial mask.’
And if you simply can’t be bothered …
BUY: Decleor Aroma Purete Instant Purifying Mask (£22, decleor.co.uk).
TREAT YOURSELF TO A HIGH-TECH FACIAL
Whenever skin expert Michelle Peck feels her skin is in desperate need of a pick-me-up, she treats herself to a high-tech oxygen facial.
‘First I give myself a mild glycolic peel, for its wonderful exfoliating and resurfacing qualities, which really brightens my skin,’ says the facialist, whose clients include Madonna and Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen.
‘Directly following that, I have the Intraceuticals Rejuvenate Infusion, which leaves my skin lifted, tightened, minimises my fine lines and leaves my skin silk-smooth and glowing.’
The treatment, where oxygen and hyaluronic acid are delivered deep into the skin, under light pressure without using a needle, gives instant results and is a hit with Hollywood’s finest, including Eva Longoria.
TRY: Intraceuticals Rejuvenate Infusion (from £125 for a 60-minute treatment, renew medica.com; 08006 440264).
GIVE YOURSELF A REVITALISING HEAD MASSAGE
An invigorating head massage with aromatherapy oil will leave hair looking and feeling shiny and healthy.
Gevi Nicolaou, a skin specialist who works with Aveda, suggests warming the oil of your choice in the microwave for a few minutes. ‘Test on your inner wrist to make sure it is not too hot,’ she advises.
‘Gently rub the oil into your hands, then, using your fingertips and gentle circular movements, massage the oil into the scalp as if shampooing your hair.
Massage the back of your neck for 5-10 minutes, then, using a paddle brush, brush the oil through the hair to stimulate the roots.’
Leave the oil on overnight for best results, then shampoo thoroughly to leave hair super-shiny.
BUY: Aveda Singular Notes in Vanilla or Peppermint Oil, £13 (aveda.co.uk)
GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP
The body’s immune system can be weakened if you’re sleep-deprived, but the right essential oils can make a huge difference to your general wellbeing and sleeping pattern. Try burning essential oils at home, in an oil burner or with scented candles.
Karen Bevan Brown, trainer at The Sanctuary, recommends ylang ylang, patchouli and frankincense as the key essential oils to burn to help you relax and get a better night’s sleep.
BUY: The Sanctuary Daydream Candle ( £12.25, thesanctuary.co.uk), with soothing oils of ylang ylang, patchouli and frankincense.
