Learn How To Love Your Skin This Valentine's Day

They say that before you can love someone else you must first learn to love yourself. We all have annoying habits and body hang-ups, but one of the hardest things to love can sometimes be your skin, particularly seeing as those people are looking at your face every day. In fact, a recent study found that around half of the population in the UK struggle with a condition at some point in their lives and a large percentage of this find they then also develop low confidence and self esteem. Of course, all different skin concerns need individual treatments, but as a general rule, here are some of the ways you can start to love your skin.

Stop tanning

The golden glow you get from a sunbed or being glued to a lounger on the beach for two weeks may make you feel gorgeous at that moment in time, but the damage you are doing to your skin is serious and will cause much more hassle to repair than those days of feeling bronzed are worth. As well as deep wrinkles and that rough skin texture we associate with sun-worshippers, over exposure can lead to hyperpigmentation (dark spots) forming on the face. Although there are treatments to push this pigmentation under the surface, it cannot be cured, so prevention is definitely an easier step. Our advice? Protect and fake it!

Go easy on the make up

Now, anyone who knows me knows that I am a complete make up junkie, so I'm not here to preach about going barefaced! However, as any make up artist will tell you, make up is there to enhance your natural beauty, not completely mask it. Mineral formulations are much kinder to skin, and products labeled as non-comedogenic won't clog your pores and lead to that breakout and heavy make up cycle. Jane Iredale have a great range of bases, from lightweight powders to full coverage BB creams, depending on your preference.

Be gentle

Did you know that skin is the largest organ of the body? With that in mind, it's important we treat it with care to make the most of it. Yes, it's true our skin is built to withstand a lot, but don't over estimate just how much it can take. All the scrubbing, polishing and exfoliating can strip the skin of its natural oils that make up the protective outer layer, leaving it vulnerable to damage and becoming over sensitized. Avoid regular use of stripping products and opt for a more natural method of exfoliation by adding some vitamin A into your routine.

Get some advice

No matter how big or small your skin concern, if it's a concern for you then it's a concern for us! Getting the results you want is all down to having a routine that is right for your personal skin needs, so getting advice is a great way to build a bespoke routine just for you. It can sometimes seem hard to get the help you need when it comes to your skin, which is why we offer in clinic, telephone and online consultations completely free of charge.We believe everyone is beautiful and our individualities are what make us special. However, with a little help, we can all get the skin we want. For any further help, you can call our advice line on 0113 282 7744, speak directly to the clinic on 0113 282 3300.

Written for you by: Ellie, Face the Future