The thought of laying on plush salon bed, breathing in the fragrance of a sweet candle or incense as a professional work their magic to help transform your skin is so enticing. Alas, the clock is always ticking and if only we had more than 24 hours in a day. As working individuals, your schedule is full of meetings, business travel, round the clock conference calls and working on presentations. Cut to your time back home and it’s no less easy. There are meals to be prepared, refrigerators to be stocked, kids to be sent to school and then you need to dress up and get into your cars to head to work.
Weekends again are no different and the time left to unwind is utilised to finish other chores. We take shortcuts to save us time and if you think of a 30-minute long skincare session post a warm bath, you’d just laugh it away because it sounds impossible. And maybe it is. But who doesn’t want a healthy, glowing skin? The phrase, “Put your best forward” been now been rephrased as, “Put your best face forward”. Some are blessed with great skin and others face one issue or the other, but the secret to supple skin is not spending hours in front of a mirror. It’s about planning smart. Here’s how you can do it.
DON’T SKIP THE BASICS
By basics we mean: cleanse, tone, moisturise. It won’t take you more than five minutes and you do it twice a day – morning and at night. Wash your face using a gentle cleanser to remove leftover makeup, dirt and greasiness. It helps unclog your pores and will refresh your skin. Be sure to pick your cleanser according to your skin type.
Oily skin would need a gel-based cleanser while someone with dry skin should choose a cream one. Next is to dab some of your toner on a cotton ball and apply on your face. Many skip toning but it is important to know that it helps get rid of the leftover dirt and oil that your cleanser might’ve missed. It also helps maintain the pH balance of your skin and pick a toner that is alcohol-free. If you want to go au naturel, then rosewater will do the trick. After ticking this step off your skincare routine, the last step is to moisturise. Your skin is left dry because we wash away excess oil and moisturising helps hydrate your skin leaving it supple. Pick one with at least 30 SPF in it to help protect you from the sun.
WHAT TO DO WHILE TRAVELLING
We are all guilty of ignoring our skin while travelling on business trips. There’s not much room in the luggage bag that is loaded with other essentials. Invest in travel-size skincare products and if you’re short on time, then put some of your products in small containers. Make sure to seal them properly to avoid spillage. Carry face wipes with you that’ll help clean your face to remove dirt and oil and since they are alcohol-free, they will not make your skin dry.
If you’re travelling by airplane, note that the air inside will suck the moisture out of your skin leaving it dull. Prep your skin before you get on your flight. Moisturise generously before and even after your ride. If your moisturiser has broad-spectrum SPF then great or else don’t forget to pack your sunscreen lotion of at least 30 SPF. Do carry a hydrating lip balm with you and reapply every hour or two. Your hands too can become dry because of exposure and frequent hand-cleaning so toss a hand cream in your bag.
THE POWER OF WATER
Our bodies are around 70% water. It is also the answer to skin problems like acne, premature ageing, dryness, discolouration, etc. Water is known to wash away toxins both externally and internally. Remember that your skin cells are made primarily of water and if you’re not drinking enough H2O then you’re skin will become sensitive and dry. When it is hydrated, it absorbs more nutrients from the skincare products that you apply. So, make sure to keep a bottle of water on your work desk and keep taking sips regularly for more clearer and radiant skin. Eight glasses of water or half a gallon a day is the recommended intake, but it’s advised to check with your physician.
PICK MULTI-PURPOSE PRODUCTS
What a time to live in! Skincare products that can multitask and help reduce the time and effort can simplify your beauty routine. There are oil cleansers, exfoliating toners and complete body moisturisers now easily available. What’s more? You can now buy all-purpose oils that moisturise your skin and you can oil your hair with it. The best example is coconut oil. Don’t forget the Korean BB (blemish balm) cream that acts as a moisturiser, sunblock as well as a foundation for your skin. Go explore!
Your work schedule may be crazy, but it is always easy to squeeze in a few minutes for your skincare. Also, your skin’s health is not entirely dependent on what you wash or massage it with. There will be endless products lines up in the supermarket aisles that you’ll choose from but also be mindful of what you eat. A handful of nuts over processed food when you feel like snacking is always a better option. Grab a fruit as you rush out the door and make sure to get enough greens in your system like kale, broccoli and spinach. A little research on nutritious foods and supplements is always helpful and if unsure then speak to your doctor.
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Rebecca Knight
Rebecca writes to share her personal regimen of skin care for tattoos, piercings and other body art.
