If the year 2020 taught us anything, it was that new year’s resolutions are obsolete. Because you never know what you might find around the corner, we’ve given up on the idea that you need to set rules for yourself at the start of each year, only to be disappointed if you break any of them. Instead of compiling a list of resolutions, we’re embracing a healthier holistic lifestyle that is easy to maintain all year round.
A few simple additions to your daily skincare and body care regime is all it takes to keep your skin healthy and happy. Here is our list of 10 commandments to turn into healthy habits this year.
Never go to bed with makeup on
It’s so tempting to go straight to bed after a long day or a party, but did you know that sleeping with your makeup on can lead to breakouts, dehydration and a lacklustre complexion? Try our hack: wash your face as soon as you get home from work / your evening out. If it becomes the first thing you do when you get home, you’ll never be too tired to do it before bed. ZERO Face Wash (R295.00) is a gentle, all-natural cleanser that effectively removes makeup, dirt and impurities without stripping your skin of its natural moisture.
Moisturise twice a day
A good quality moisturiser is one of the most important skincare products you will ever use. During the day it helps protect against environmental aggressors and moisture loss, and at night, it works to replenish the skin’s moisture levels. Don’t skip either application – moisturised skin looks younger, plumper and glowy. We recommend ZERO Day Cream (R395.00) and Night Cream (R395.00) for optimum, plant-based hydration without the addition of any harsh ingredients. Follow with ZERO Eye Cream (R295.00) to ensure the delicate skin around your eyes gets an added boost of hydration.
Exfoliate weekly
Exfoliation is an important part one’s skincare regime, because it helps remove dead and dry skin cells that may otherwise contribute to clogged pores, blackheads and dullness. A weekly or bi-weekly exfoliation will leave your skin clearer and brighter, but be wary not to exfoliate more than twice a week, or you may risk causing irritation. Use a gentle scrub like ZERO’s Face Scrub (R295.00) and be careful not to rub it into the skin vigorously: gentle circular motions will do the trick.
Wear SPF every day – even when it’s cloudy
It’s a myth that SPF is only required on sunny days. Research has shown that the sun’s UV rays can harm the skin in overcast, rainy and windy weather too. That’s why it’s essential to wear a broad spectrum SPF every day, regardless of the weather. Piz Buin’s Allergy Lotion SPF50 for Face (R189.99) is a great choice for everyday wear as it is light and absorbent, and can be worn alone or under makeup. If you’re looking for an easy-to-use body SPF that gives the skin a warm glow too, try Australian Gold Spray Gel with Bronzer SPF30 (R269.99).
Apply after sun even if you don’t have sunburn
After sun works wonders when soothing a sunburn, but did you know it’s also a great product to apply after you’ve spent time outdoors? After sun soothes and hydrates the skin, and even if your skin isn’t burnt, it will benefit from these properties if it’s been exposed to the sun, the wind or the sea. We love Piz Buin After Sun Soothing Lotion (R129.99) and Australian Gold Aloe Freeze Gel Spray (R175.99).
Stop sun tanning
The biggest promise we all need to make to ourselves this year is to stop sun tanning. Yes, a golden glow might look healthy, but the truth is that there is no such thing as a healthy tan. Self-tan and body bronzing products are not what they used to be: formulations have become so advanced that these days it’s virtually impossible to tell a self-tan from a real tan. As such, we recommend regularly applying a bronzing lotion that gives the skin a natural glow, instead. Try St Moriz Golden Glow Moisturizer (R149.95) for a natural-looking glow that develops gradually, or Australian Gold’s Sunscreen Lotion with Instant Bronzer SPF30 (R279.99) for an instant golden glow.
Say goodbye to UV sunbeds
According to the World Health Organisation, sunbeds are as dangerous as smoking. They send out harmful UV rays that damage the DNA in your cells, and this can lead to skin cancer. In short, it’s never safe to use one. Luckily, there are other ways of attaining a deep tan at home. Invest in a good quality self-tan product like St Moriz Tan Mousse in Medium or Dark (R149.95). This easy-to-use mousse formula helps you achieve a deep, bronze tan without even leaving the house.
Learn how to perfect and protect a self-tan
Modern self-tan formulations have come a long way, meaning the orange, streaky looks from the past are literally that – a thing of the past! There are only a few basics to master when applying your self-tan: always exfoliate beforehand (particularly the rougher areas like elbows and knees), follow the instructions on the bottle precisely (now is not the time to wing it!), wear loose dark clothing afterwards and avoid exercise and showering for around 6 – 8 hours after application. And – very importantly – once your tan starts to fade and you want to reapply, always be sure to remove the lingering colour from your skin, or else you might end up with uneven colour. St Moriz Tan Remover(R299.95) gets the job done quickly, without the need for scrubbing.
Moisturise your hands regularly
Regular hand-sanitizing is likely to be here for a long time to come, and for most of us, the high alcohol content in sanitizers has a severe effect on our hands and cuticles. To counteract the alcohol-induced dehydration, we recommend applying a nourishing hand cream as often as you are able, and particularly after you’ve washed your hands and before you go to bed. Try ZERO’s Hand and Nail Cream (R295.00). Enriched with Sweet Almond Oil, Coconut Oil, Sacha Inchi Seed Oil and Shea Butter, it helps restore dry hands and maintain soft skin.
Nourish your skin from the inside
Healthy skin is not just about applying topical products – to ensure your skin looks its very best, you also need to pay attention to what you put into your body. That means following a diet filled with fresh fruit and veg, lean protein, healthy fats and lots of antioxidants. And don’t forget about water – eight glasses a day go a long way to ensure your skin stays hydrated.
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