MANY of us spend hundreds each year on lotions and potions which in the hope of achieving that ‘perfect’ skin.
But it’s hard to know if the money you’re spending is actually reaching your pores, or just getting washed away down the sink.
GettyWhile you sleep your body produces collagen which reduces the appearance of fine lines[/caption]
And with the cost-of-living squeezing our bank balances you want to be reassured money is going far.
So if you’re exhausted by your 20-step skin care routine and are bored of spending so much money on skincare, here are some free ways to make your skin brighter, according to aesthetician at Skin & Sanctuary, Freya Moore.
1. Facial massage
Many of us have seen – or at least heard of – the gua sha.
The traditional Chinese healing method was all the rage in 2022 thanks to the likes of TikTok.
The handheld stone is believed to invigorate blood flow and stimulate lymphatic drainage, to help your skin appear clearer and less puffy.
But you don’t need to fork out your hard earned cash on a gua sha to actually experience the benefits, Freya from the Skin and Sanctuary clinic told The Sun.
Instead, you can use your hands and fingers.
“Try to learn simple techniques at home from Instagram and Youtube,” she said.
“Massaging your face helps relax facial muscles, improve blood circulation, reduce tension and stress, which is good for your skin and you,” she added.
Make sure to always use gentle techniques and avoid applying excessive pressure to avoid any potential harm.
“If you have any specific skin concerns it’s still best to consult an expert,” Freya added.
2. Drink enough water
We’re always being told to drink more water, especially at this time of year.
In fact, a new study suggests millions of Brits are consuming less water than the recommended daily allowance.
Research into the drinking habits of the UK found the average adult drinks around one litre of water each day.
But guidelines from the NHS say the optimal amount is closer to two or three litres daily.
Keeping hydrated is essential. It helps to keep the body cool down, flush out toxins and improve brain function.
And drinking plenty of liquids can also improve your skin.
Freya said: “Consuming water helps the skin stay hydrated which leads to a softer and smoother appearance.
“And in clearing out the toxins, water can contribute to a clearer complexion and healthier-looking skin.”
3. Stay out of the sun
The verdict is in: there is no safe way to get a sun tan.
Despite what you might have thought, a tan does not protect your skin from the sun’s harmful effects, the NHS says.
“UV rays, which come from the sun, lead to premature ageing, wrinkles and sunspots,” Freya said.
Overtime, UV breaks down collagen and elastin in the skin, which are both essential proteins that maintain skin’s firmness and elasticity.
“So it’s important to limit your time in the sun, or keep in the shade, so you keep your skin looking youthful,” she said.
4. Prioritise sleep
You can often tell immediately that getting a poor night’s sleep shows up on your face.
“While you sleep your body produces more collagen, a protein that helps maintain skin elasticity and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” Freya explained.
“Sleep also supports the regeneration of skin cells, helping to replace damaged or dead cells with new, healthier ones, resulting in a fresher complexion.”
She added: “It also helps reduce inflammation as well as dark circles and puffiness around the eyes.”
5. Change your pillowcases often
So it turns out our pillowcases are pretty dirty.
A new study found after just one week of sleeping on your pillowcase it accumulates over 17,000 more bacteria than a toilet seat.
So it makes sense that Freya suggested changing your cases at least once a week.
“Dirt and buildup of bacteria can lead to all sorts of issues for your skin – acne, skin irritation, infections, inflammation,” she said.