We can all agree there is nothing that ruins self-confidence more than those pesky pimples which always seem to pop up at the most inconvenient times. We are going to give you our favourite, tested tips and tricks which will guarantee your skin is looking its best right before your big day.
Cleanse
We have heard it all before, clean your face before you go to bed. Unfortunately, that partially dried out makeup wipe isn’t going to do the trick, but double cleansing will. We recommend firstly washing your face with an oil cleanser. Yes, you heard us right, wash your face with oil. Oil lifts oil, it is a simple part of science. Whilst we don’t understand the technical chemical process completely, we do understand that oil cleansers dissolve makeup and sebum which is exactly what we need. Next in line after our makeup has been melted away is a foaming cleanser. Always choose a foaming cleanser with a neutral P.H to keep your skin at a happy medium.
Masks & Serums
Yes, masking is trending, but regardless of its status on the social scale, it is a necessity to get the perfect pre-wedding glow. Every day the weather is a little bit different, our hormones are changing, and our diet is fluctuating. All of these elements can affect our skin, therefore each day our skin care needs to be a little bit different. Using facial masks and serums is like giving your skin that perfect drink it needs after a big day of being beautiful. We recommend analysing your skin, how does it feel and look? What does it need? You should work towards understanding your skin and applying the correct mask and serum to really get that blemish free glow.
Professional Love
Unfortunately, we can use as many serums and masks as we like but sometimes we need to call in the experts. Dermatologists are skin fairy’s and can bust out the big moves to really get your skin looking its best. We aren’t telling you that you need a facial once a week (whilst that would be nice), but consider getting treatments once a month. Facials give you that little bit extra than what you get at home, whether it's a deep clean, skin peel, or that nice little massage at the end, it will do your skin wonders.
Don’t Touch
Yep, this is written on every article about skin ever, and we are sorry to repeat it but it truly is a key to clear skin. Do. Not. Touch. We know it’s tempting, but we also know all the negative repercussions if you do decide to poke and jab. Touching your face can lead to, more pimples, scars, or even an infection, and we do not want you to have any of those. But, if you really must touch, get a professional to do it. At your monthly facials ask for extractions. Get everything extracted in a sterile environment, with the right tools by an expert. Whilst you may not get that popping satisfaction, you will avoid scars and infections.
Makeup
As much as everyone tells us we look beautiful without makeup, sometimes we just need that little bit of coverage under our dark circles and red spots to boost our self-confidence. Obviously, it is always better to have makeup free days, but unfortunately, that just doesn't work with our schedule. To ensure your beauty routine isn’t supporting the pimple issue we suggest applying makeup wisely. Only use product where you need it, and if you can get away with just a little bit of spot concealing then go for that. We also recommend using a BB cream instead of a thick liquid foundation just to give your skin that little extra bit of air. But, most importantly consider what you are using to apply your makeup. Your beauty sponges and brushes can be breeding houses for bacteria so ensure wash them regularly and thoroughly. Otherwise, if you can, just use your hands (as long as they’re super clean of course!).
Exfoliating
Much to your surprise, there are two ways to exfoliate your skin. Physical exfoliation and chemical exfoliation. Physical exfoliation is self-explanatory, it's those little beads you rub on your face to loosen dead skin cells and lift them away from the skin. Chemical exfoliation, however, involves the use of exfoliating compounds that you'd expect to see in skin peels at a dermatologist's office. Yet there are gentle chemical blends in the market which are suitable for your daily use. AHA's or Alpha Hydroxy Acids work on the surface of the skin to speed up cell turn over. This enables dark spots to fade, a smoother surface and overall radiance of the skin. BHA's, or Beta Hydroxy Acids, on the other hand, work under the skin to diminish black heads and other breakouts. By using chemical exfoliators with a combination of AHA's and BHA's you will have a face as clear and as soft as a baby’s bum in no time.
Sleep
Sleep is essential for your body and in particular your skin. When you are asleep your body boosts its blood flow which means your wake with a healthy glow, so no sleep = no glow. A lack of sleep will not only diminish your glow, but it will promote systemic inflammation, which wreaks havoc on the skin. This is because it can trigger eczema outbreaks, acne, and accelerate skin ageing. So, whilst we are sure you have allot to get done before your big day, make sure sleep always remains at the top of your to-do list!
Let’s say you do take on our advice, and you get those recommended 8+ hours every night. There is one other sleep pimple culprit which you need to manage. Your pillow case. Pillow cases can be greedy, they can steal all your expensive serums you just put on your face and then give them back a few days later full of dirt. This is why we recommend sleeping on pillowcases made out of natural fabrics as they breathe better and transfer less oil. Even if you do purchase a top of the range silk pillow case to prevent this product stealing and wrinkle imprinting it still needs to be washed regularly. Washing your pillow case is as important as washing your clothes. You wouldn’t want to wear a 3-day old tee-shirt, so don’t sleep for 8 hours on a dirty pillow.
Diet
You can double cleanse, use the most expensive facial serums and sleep on a silk pillow case, but if your diet is poor, it is likely your skin will reflect that. Food gets digested and broken down into minerals, amino acids and vitamins. If you consume highly processed foods which lack vitamins your skin will not be as strong as it could be. For example, protein has amino acids which are within collagen and elastin, if you are deprived of protein you may experience increased signs of ageing and a slower skin healing process.
Supplements
Ok, so you are doing everything we recommend but you just can’t beat those pesky pimples. We have one more suggestion before you turn to the doctor for prescription medication, and that’s health supplements. Unfortunately, we cannot always get what we need from our diet. This is why we recommend two key supplements to really get in charge of your skin.
If the pesky pimples tend to pop up around that time of the month, consider taking a daily dose of Maca to try and keep those hormone levels at bay. Maca is a nutritional powerhouse plant which grows in the Pervian Andes. The root of the plant has been prices for thousands of years for its ability to increase, stamina, energy, fertility, and most importantly, balance hormones.
There is a high content of amino acids in maca powder. Amino acids are the building blocks or hormones, so they can help balance whatever crazy things are going on inside and try manage those monthly breakouts.
Zinc tables are another highly recommended supplement as zinc is a key component to cell growth and cell renewal. Zinc facilities apoptosis, which is the process of skin renewal. If apoptosis is delayed due to a zinc deficiency, skin cells stick together instead of falling off like they should. By having your skin cells stick together your pores become clogged and well that’s a main cause of acne.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is needed not only in the summer months but every day. Whilst you may not be able to see the sun through the clouds some days, it's still there, trying to age your youthful skin and add those wrinkles which we defiantly do not want. The sun is reportable the number one reason for premature ageing. So, we highly recommend adding that layer of SPF protection to your routine. But, make sure it's a sunscreen suitable for the face, we don't want to encourage pesky pimples by slathering on a poor quality thick body sunscreen. Homebodii suggests changing from a chemical sunscreen to a physical sunscreen. Physical sunscreens are made up of natural mineral filters which reflect the sun rays. This means they start working immediately and they are also better suited to sensitive skin types.
So, there we have it, your guide on how to get your best skin leading up to the big day. Don’t forget, everyone’s skin is different and finding the perfect products and ingredients for your skin will take time, so be patient!
Homebodii hopes we have helped you create the perfect canvas for flawless makeup application and wish you all the best on your special day.
Featured Image in Courtesy of: Peony and Page