Skincare Hacks from a Somatologist

As a somatologist, you can be certain I collect all the best skincare hacks for glowing skin. I have handled thousands of faces and tested so many different skincare techniques. Here are a few of my favorite skincare secrets!

Start your day right! 

Start with antioxidant-rich products to protect your skin from environmental damage and boost hydration. Finish with a high SPF sunscreen to shield against harmful UV rays and prevent premature ageing and sun damage. Don't forget your BFF, your SPF, before you go out, rain or shine! 

Layering is key

Another one of our favorite skincare hacks is to layer your skincare products for maximum results. Apply your most lightweight products first such as a serum and move on to your thickest formulas, your moisturiser or face oil at the end of your routine. The thicker products will act as a protective barrier and help to retain moisture to keep your skin hydrated.

Try bespoke skincare

Your skin is changing all the time with the season, your health and menstrual cycle. Pay attention to how your skin responds to different products and adjust your routine accordingly. If you notice any irritation or sensitivity, consult a skin specialist for guidance.

Detox is key for great skin

Your skin is the largest organ of your body and responds to everything, internally and externally. So, if you detox, your skin is naturally going to look and feel amazing too! Read more in my chapter “Ditch the new year detox and think long term.” Detox is not just a short-term solution, but a long-term commitment as we are constantly bombarded by toxins. For example, try swapping your morning coffee for warm lemon water. This will aid the body by flushing out kidney and liver toxins via improved hydration, jumpstarting the digestive tract with citric acid and supporting healing with vitamin C.

Destress and meditate

We often think mind and body are two separate entities, however the emotions can be the origin of skin disorders. Your skin is very much a reflection of how well you are internally. I have found over the years with my clients that anxiety and stress have a profound effect on the skin. There is definitely a mind-skin connection! We don't always associate a skin condition with stress because sometimes it takes a few weeks to manifest itself in our skin. Start meditating 15 min per day to cope with stress. Meditation can help you learn to stay centered and keep inner peace, which will improve your skin. Find out more in the chapter ”Stress: The beauty killer.” 

Cleansing: the building block to good skin

Use a balm, oil cleanser or milk cleanser and say no to face wipes. By massaging a good quality cleanser into the skin, the oils are breaking down all the dirt and sebum inside the pores. Removing it with a flannel from the skin gives you a much deeper cleanse. The first cleanse is to get rid of surface impurities, like makeup and dirt. The second cleanse is to really work your lymph and muscles and get the circulation going! 

There is no need to double cleanse your skin in the morning. Just splash your face with water or use the same cleanser you use in the evening for a single cleanse! Read more in my chapter “Cleansing: The building block to good skin” about the benefits of cleansing, or join my skin family to watch my cleansing video to learn how to cleanse properly!

Cold tools

Use Cryo ice stick tools for a lifting effect, tightening, firming, calming inflamed skin and depuffing by improving blood circulation for your face. The cooling sensation calms inflamed skin, and the motion promotes lymphatic drainage and boosts blood circulation. 

The essential oil you need in your home

The essential oil I need to have in my bathroom cabinet for the skin? Lavender. It’s the "mother" of essential oils and can accomplish several jobs at the same time. It helps to calm, uplift, and harmonise you. Lavender is often associated with healing the skin, which is great when you have a burn or any skin condition that has inflammation!

Sleep prevents dark circles and keeps you young!

Not getting enough sleep doesn’t cause dark circles. It exaggerates their appearance! Sleeping on your back with your head slightly elevated will improve circulation and can help prevent fluid accumulation in the face, which can cause puffiness and dark circles under the eyes. In my opinion, sleep is very important to keep us young. Sleep is the time when we rejuvenate our skin and connective tissue, as well as a time to recharge our nerves. 

The SOS plant to have in your kitchen for skin

An aloe vera and honey mask is my go to if I have sunburn. Aloe works as an anti-inflammatory on reddened skin and is the most effective ingredient for burns. Peel the leaf and put the raw gel in a blender and a tablespoon of honey to get a smooth consistency. Then apply to your skin. Your skin will repair in no time!  

Let your skin breathe!

Wearing heavy makeup leads to skin problems. Heavy makeup, especially foundation and other thick products, can clog your pores and prevent your skin from breathing properly. This can result in breakouts, acne, and dull complexion. Look for makeup with a natural or light coverage that won’t feel heavy on your skin. Tinted moisturizers, BB creams or lightweight foundations can provide a more natural and fresh look while allowing your skin to breathe.

Prevent cross-contamination

Scooping out your product from a jar using your fingers is a big no-no! You can actually introduce bacteria back into your cream by doing so. Use a spatula or scoop which you wash and dry between uses. Also, avoid using the same face flannel every night to remove your cleanser. The face flannels can harbour bacteria if you're not washing them every day and could make acne on your face worse. I suggest using a fresh flannel every night or using a biodegradable disposable one.

Prevent ageing rather than correcting it!

There are ways to preserve the collagen you have and protect it from degradation to keep skin looking firmer and healthier for longer. Use skin care products that encourage the body to produce more of its own collagen. Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid (daily) and retinoids (a few times a week) are the best ingredients for collagen banking. Aesthetic treatments are another way to boost collagen production. Microneedling is a gold-star collagen-boosting solution, where tiny needles create micro-channels on the skin's surface. As the skin begins to heal the injury, it activates growth factors. These stimulate the multiplication of fibroblasts which then go on to produce new collagen. Other anti-ageing treatments that promote collagen production include chemical peels and LED light therapy. Massaging your face can also stimulate the production of collagen. 

It is important to reassess your skincare journey regularly, particularly during seasonal changes and times of stress or following illness, to help your skin produce collagen consistently instead of slowing down.

Think old school

Despite all the gadgets available, there's still nothing quite like a hands-on facial massage! Facial massage boosts dopamine and serotonin, reduces cortisol, and  encourages circulation and lymphatic drainage, making your skin look brighter and tighter. Facial massage has an immediate effect without downtime. It relieves neck and jaw tension. Consistency is key! Long term effect: it reduces muscle tension in the overused expression areas like your "frown muscles." No need for Botox! Facial massage also activates the "lazy" muscles to bring symmetry. Lymphatic drainage aids in removing toxins, reduces puffiness and inflammation and strengthens the immune system.

Reapply your SPF

Don't assume higher SPF will protect you longer. Products with very high SPFs often create a false sense of security. Reapplication is key, especially during the summer season when you may be sweating or spending extended periods outdoors. Aim to reapply sunscreen every two hours. 

Start using an acid!

Acids are very good at getting rid of dead skin cells by breaking down bonds that hold the skin cells together. This leads to a brighter and smoother complexion. Fruit acids are brilliant at keeping you young by increasing cell turnover. 

Food heals your skin

I truly believe foods heal you from within. Dairy and sugar are definitely the enemy. Eating an alkaline diet (plant-based) made a huge difference for me. From watching the effect on clients over the years, I’ve seen how too much sugar, meat, and dairy can be ageing for the skin. It also causes a lot of inflammation in the body, which can cause premature ageing and skin disorders. Read more in the chapter “ Eat yourself beautiful.” 

But the most important skincare hack is to start loving your skin!