If there is one thing about being a busy working woman and mom that we can all agree on, it’s that we too often neglect ourselves a little to make sure our families are well looked after. But it doesn’t have to be that way. There are simple ways to care for ourselves and apply self love that will help reduce the appearance of ageing and boost our health. Here is a quick guide to those I’m currently trying.
Always wear sunscreen
One of the biggest factors when it comes to ageing is the effect the sun has on our skin. The ultraviolet light in sunlight can cause the skin to become darker and burn if it is exposed for too long. This change in the skin can cause changes in the skin cells structure and will cause wrinkles, leathery-looking skin, liver spots, and even skin cancer if it is repeatedly exposed. I’m always at my dermatologist being treated for my skin cancer. My suggestion is to start each day with a good dose of sunscreen from ultra violette and protect yourself from premature ageing and skin cancer.Drink more water
If your skin is looking flat, you may need to rehydrate. One of the simplest things we can do is make sure that we have plenty of water during the day as it helps to keep our skin look more plump and full. There is a lot of debate around how much water we should be drinking but the general rule is approximately 1.5 litres of water a day. This allows room for extras such as coffee and herbal tea. The issue is, some people can’t start their day without a coffee, and that is fine. I do, only taking my first coffee at about 11 am. But for those that can’t, don’t forget to drink plenty of water to rehydrate after your coffee, to keep your skin looking good and your brain clear and ready to kick start the day.Stay stress-free, if you can
This is one of those things that is easier said than done but the stress in our everyday lives has a huge impact on our skin and faces. Meditation is a great way to help you manage the stress in your life. I try to take 10-20 minutes each morning to do mine. Not only will you feel calmer, but you will also cope with things a lot better and your family will benefit from having a calmer influence to guide them. There is also the massive plus point of having smoother skin. If you find that your life is becoming too stressful, you may need to sit down and have a look at what is causing you stress and see what you can do about it. You might even consider cutting down on commitments if they are getting too much. Or at least trying.Marine collagen
This is a new one to me. Marine collagen is the latest supplement to hit the faces of young ones. There are creams and tablets that promise the results of a lifetime. As far as has been seen, taking the tablets appears to have the best results but they take longer to kick in. The creams give a more immediate result but they only do so much. If you have the time and the cash, you could try both at the same time for a double whammy on your skin. I also highly recommend peels and micro-needling, and my go-to most brilliant man is Gunther Oliver.Eat healthily, always
This is one of the top things you can do besides being hydrated. What you put in your body has a massive effect on your skin. So if you are eating ‘rubbish’, your system doesn’t have the right tools and building materials to perform repair jobs on your body. This includes your skin. So, the next time you are reaching for the sugary snacks, ask yourself if this is what your body needs to perform repairs and keep you looking younger? That answer will always be no. Switch it out with some veggie sticks or fresh fruit to give your skin the boost it needs. As a vegetarian who refrains from processed food, I can feel the benefits of this.Wash your face
If your face is dirty, you will have a problem with wrinkles. The sad thing is the world we live in is filled with harmful chemicals that can destroy our skin and hair. This is why some people recommend having a shower at the end of the day (or a soak in the bath) to remove the toxins from your hair and body. If you don’t have time to dunk yourself under the bath or shower every night (or have water restrictions like we do in Africa), at least wash your face well to remove any toxins or residual make-up. And don’t forget to use a deep cleaning face mask once or twice a week to get the dirt out of your pores. I like an exfoliator too.
With my gorgeous friend Robyn cruising the Bosphorus Strait in Turkey, stopped in time. Here’s to healthy living and glowing skins and healthy bodies, one conscious step at a time.
