As August ends, I’m preparing to return to regular life after a beach holiday. I always find this takes some doing because in the build up to summer, there’s always plenty to look forward to. However, this isn’t quite so at the end of the season, particularly when a holiday is involved.
The art of napping
Although it wasn’t always true, I love a nap. On days when I’m not working, I often take a quick nap after lunch. And it’s definitely something I like to enjoy while on holiday. As an early riser, I find a nap gives a recharge mid-day that helps me accomplish whatever my afternoon and evening holds.
By the seashore
I’m currently enjoying some time with my family at the beach. This is a favourite summer activity and I always look forward to sunsets with a cocktail in hand, bicycles as a regular form of transport and swimming in the ocean.
Another consistency in this annual gathering is that my mother will suggest that whatever is ailing you can be cured with salt water.
Easy does it
Last time, I wrote about giving new products a month to deliver results for your skin. Alongside this, I feel it’s important to consider how your skin may react to active ingredients, such as retinol or alpha hydroxy acid. Because of the nature of the ingredients, skin can react quickly which causes us to conclude it’s not for us. However, this may just be our skin showing that it is benefitting from and improving with the ingredients and perseverance is required.
Timing is everything
Is it just me or do you get overly excited when trying out a new skincare product? Anxious to see if the benefits will live up to the claims, every time a jar is opened or a bottle dispenses, I hope the contents will be my face’s new best friend. While what’s inside is very important to this determination, another key component is time and so I want to encourage you not to expect an overnight transformation.
Summer schedule
Can you believe summer is finally here? Whether winter is mild or brutal, more daylight is always welcome when we finally reach this point in the calendar. While we may pine for this season during less clement months, summer can still sneak up on us, which is why I’m once again encouraging some strategising as we enter this new time.
Playing footsie
As the weather gets warmer and our wardrobe changes, so does our footwear. After months of socks, tights and boots, the idea of sandals and flip flops is welcome. However, you may be thinking your feet aren't quite ready for the big reveal. One obvious solution to prepare them is with a pedicure, however in the same way that a facial should be supplemented with good skincare at home, your feet deserve regular attention as well.
Spotlight on: peptides
I’m continuing my series on skincare ingredient information so that you’ll know more the next time you make a purchase. Today, I want to explain why peptides are important.
Peptides are fragments of proteins which create a foundation for our skin. Without them, skin loses firmness and bounce, wrinkles appear and skin texture changes. Not only can peptides help bolster how skin looks, they also remind skin how it behaved before the age of 25.
Here comes the sun
You know I never miss an opportunity to talk about sunscreen as skincare. It is key component of even the most basic routine and I believe it is one product no one should go without. So when social media told me that May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, I knew this was my chance to return to my favourite topic.
Skincare from hairline to boobline
Whether you have a simple skincare routine or one that involves extra steps like eye cream, serum, essence, mask, retinol and acid, where you apply your skincare is as important as what you apply. Whenever you’re doing your routine, I urge you to include your neck and décolleté along with your face.