At this time of year, many of us are doing a little reflecting and aiming to improve our lives in some way. As well as goals such as eating more healthily and exercising more, another common resolution is to overhaul our beauty routines. However, even the most determined of us can have trouble sticking to a time-consuming routine.
Instead, it may be best to introduce some small and easily achievable changes. Here are some of the best hair and skincare tips that don’t take hours and bring real results.
Rethink the products you currently use
Sometimes, we can buy the same beauty product year in year out, without considering if our needs have changed. Our skin and hair changes in texture as we get older, typically becoming drier or having less volume. New products may also have come onto the market that are more suitable to meet your needs.
Therefore, it’s worth making an assessment of the current health of your hair/skin/nails, and considering if the products you currently use are getting you the best results. Experimenting with a new hair mask or facewash will take up no extra time in your routine, but could bring great results.
Switch to an SPF moisturiser
One of the most vital pieces of skincare advice is to use a sun protection cream every day. This is because UVA rays are strong enough to cause damage to the skin all year round, whatever the weather. Most people only use sunscreen on very hot sunny days, but
dermatologist
advise using an SPF product every time you go outdoors.
To avoid adding another step into your skincare routine, look for moisturisers or tinted beauty balms that contain an SPF factor of at least 20. Some products can even be combined with more intensive pollution-blocking ingredients.
Fully remove your makeup before bed
Not cleansing your face free of make up properly at night is one of the worst enemies of fresh and clear looking skin. When the surface is clogged up with products, the natural renewal process that occurs overnight can’t take place properly. Dead skin cells remain trapped under the surface, creating a dull looking complexion.
A layer of foundation or cream that is not removed at night can also cause bacteria to build up on the skin, increasing the chances of acne breakouts. It may also lead to irritation, and will make any conditions such as eczema and rosacea worse. Leftover eye make up can lead to infections.
Therefore even if you have time for nothing else, always take two minutes to thoroughly cleanse your face at the end of the day.
Stick to regular hairdresser appointments
During the pandemic, many of us grew out our usual hairstyles, and may have got used to visiting the hairdressers less often. However, it can be counterproductive to leave your hair for too long between trims. The older hair at the ends will become more brittle and prone to splitting, making it difficult to achieve shiny healthy-looking locks.