Random Factors That Ruin Your Skin

Your eyes maybe the window to your soul, but your skin is certainly the window to your lifestyle. That’s because whatever you do – or perhaps don’t do! – shows up on your skin. But it isn’t just diet and weather that can impact the skin’s condition – a whole host of factors can either make it appear dull or glowing. We’ve summed up the most common random things that affect your skin, and found solutions on how to combat them.

Recycled air: Living a jet-set lifestyle can be glamorous – but going on too many flights can cause skin problems due to the recycled air used in the cabins. It’s a similar story if you work in an air-conditioned or heated office. Combat this problem by using a face mist to oxygenate your skin. Try the Vitamin E Face Mist by The Body Shop, £9.50. This is a great quick pick-me up for your skin. Simply spritz it on for instant refreshment, moisture, and protection. It has a delicate rosewater scent which makes it a pleasure to use. As an extra bonus it is also excellent for setting make-up. Buy it from www.thebodyshop.co.uk

Too much salt: Who can resist fish and chips, crisps or junk food. But it can make you appear puffy – especially around the face and eyes. Maybe it is time to think about your salt intake. If not, then invest in a great eye cream. Try Windows Of The Soul by Temple Spa, £28, which has a wonderful formula that is somewhere between a cream and gel. The lightweight gel texture cools, lifts and reduces puffiness, whilst the luxurious creamy element gives nourishment to any dryness around the eye. Just pump one drop onto a clean fingertip and gently apply to the upper and under eye area. Then be wowed how it smoothes away fine lines over time. Buy it from www.templespa.com

Sickness: Your skin is a direct reflection of your general health. You will not be surprised to learn that if you’ve had the flu, your skin won’t be great. Look after yourself and perhaps look to take in more vitamin C to prevent common colds. But a quick beauty fix to restore skin to pre-sickness levels, is by using a nourishing face mask. Try Radiant Glow Mask by Evolve, £18. This rich mask is blended with raw cacao powder and clay to revitalise and purify the skin. A lovely touch is that it also contains coconut granules which buff the skin to silky perfection, while organic baobab seed oil smoothes and nourishes. The natural sugar extracts turn the exfoliating mask into a creamy milk texture as soon as it comes into contact with water – so it rinses off easily. Simply apply a thick layer on cleansed skin. Leave for 5 minutes and rinse off with warm water. I found it left my skin feeling moisturised and calm. Buy it from www.evolvebeauty.co.uk

Water consumption: Did you know that the skin is made up of about 70 per cent water? So when we deprive our bodies of water, toxicities build up in the skin and it becomes dehydrated – which is terrible for your skin causing dryness and accelerating the aging process. Stay hydrated and invest in a nourishing oil serum to counteract dry skin and fine lines. Try Laura Mercier Infusion de Rose Nourishing Oil, £35. This fast-absorbing oil leaves skin with a healthy glow. Best of all – this bottle is a multi-tasker and can also be used for multiple beauty benefits. You can pop some on your lips to provide soothing nourishment and moisture, or even on your hair to condition dry ends and tame flyaways. Think the benefits end there? Then think again as you can also use a few drops on your nails to hydrate and soften cuticles. It also smells heavenly – making it a treat to use. Buy it from www.harrods.com

Lack of sleep: This is killer for glowing skin because little sleep shows instantly on your face.  There are many things you can do to calm your senses to ensure you drift to sleep. Try and establish a bedtime routine – perhaps a relaxing bath and then bed. But sometimes you need to fake it until you make it. So if you are getting little sleep try the NYX Conceal, Correct, Contour Palette, £10. You can mix colours to perfectly match your skin to hid bags, dark circles and blotchy skin – which comes with sleepless nights. You can even cover up problem spots by evening out imperfections or accentuate your best features in a flash. What I love about this palette is that you can use the colours on their own or combine them to create the ideal tone. Buy it from www.feelunique.com

Sunlight: This may boost your mood – but if you don’t protect it properly then the UV exposure can damage your skin, cause pigmentation and even skin cancer. That is why it is so important to wear sun factor –even in the UK.Try NUXE Sun Fondant Cream for Face SPF 50, £17, which provides high sun protection to shield skin from harmful rays and prevent premature ageing. It has been specially formulated with Kau Pe sun flower to reduce overheating, whilst water hyacinth maintains hydration levels. The lightweight, non-sticky cream works as an ideal base to help you achieve the perfect, even tan and minimises the appearance of dark spots. Do remember to apply liberally before sun exposure and then  reapply frequently, especially after swimming or towel-drying the skin. Buy it from www.fragrancedirect.co.uk  

Stress: When the body is subjected to regular stress and tension it can cause sensitivity and allergies in the skin. For major stress and anxiety go and visit your GP. But to cope with general every day stress of rushing around – then learn to relax. Fragrance plays a big role is calming the senses so try the Liz Earle Botanical Essence No.1, £49. You will awaken your senses with this fragrance which smells of a vibrant summer breeze. Simply spritz generously all over and let the fragrant mist envelop you. Since using this scent, I have found that applying it has become one of my favourite parts of the day. If you don’t like an overpowering scent – then apply it to pulse points to release the beautiful scent over time. Buy it from uk.lizearle.com

Smoking: Nicotine deprives the skin’s tissue of essential oxygen, leaving the skin looking dull. Smoking destroys vitamins B and C in the body which are important for healthy skin. Use a cream that contains collagen to plump out lines. Try the Balance Me Collagen Boost Restore & Replenish Face Cream, £40, to combat lines due to smoking. This super hydrating daily moisturiser boosts collagen production and enhances the skin’s ability to repair and restore itself. You can either apply it around your mouth to combat the lines that have appeared due to smoking. Or simply apply it all over the face to achieve smoother looking skin. Best of all it is suitable for all skin types. Buy it from www.naturisimo.com