V A is a long standing and recognised digital creative; her voice resonates with many. In the last ten years, the site has developed into an online destination for fashion, beauty and lifestyle advice. Her sense of style, editorial flair and practical counsel offers an inspired and graceful approach to living.

V A is a long standing and recognised digital creative; her voice resonates with many. In the last ten years, the site has developed into an online destination for fashion, beauty and lifestyle advice. Her sense of style, editorial flair and practical counsel offers an inspired and graceful approach to living.

Edit by: Vicki
Feb 16, 2015

Skincare: Getting Back To Basics

andie-mc-dowell-loreal-paris-getting back to basics, skincare, vicki archer


Sometimes the whole skincare conversation can have me completely flummoxed. Know what I mean?


Those emotive words such as anti-aging, free radicals, collagen boost, hyaluronic acid, vitamin c and retin a can leave me confused and uncertain.


We would like to believe in miracles when it comes to holding back the years and we try to look after our skin in the best way possible but we know deep down that miracles don’t really exist when it comes to ageing. Ageing well comes down to a combination of factors and those include genetics and the way we are looking after the skin. Genetics are genetics and there is not much we can do about that, but how we nurture and protect our skin is within our reach.


I want to make sure that my skincare routine is effective, maintainable and provides me with the best results. Not a miracle, not unreasonable just effective.



There is no time to waste using incorrect methods or ineffective products. With so many advancements each year it becomes a minefield to negotiate. Yes, progress does comes down to trial and error and I am prepared for that but it’s helpful to know what steps and methods we should be taking.



Last week we talked about the best new retinol creams. I found our conversation so helpful and while I am not using the dermatologist strength as so many of you advised, I am making progress. I will get there and I am starting to see and feel the results.


My beauty therapist advises me that as an addition I should also be using a vitamin c serum on my skin. I have done so in the past but like many good practices, from time to time they fall by the wayside.


 

Her explanation made me see the error of my ways. Why do we women take the easy way out so frequently? We seem to find the time for others, yet a 30 second application of serum is neglected. Too late, too tired, can’t be bothered are my lame excuses. No longer, I have decided to become vigilant.



The vitamin c serum is an easy step, it’s the first one after cleansing and toning before retinol and moisturising creams.


Why Use Vitamin C?

Vitamin C does combat and reverse the signs of aging by protecting the skin. Collagen production is boosted which makes the skin feel tighter and less saggy.  Vitamin C can not only prevent further damage but also repair the skin, diminishing old scars, improving the texture and giving the skin a healthier look.


Vitamin C Need To Know

*serum should contain somewhere between 10% and 20 % vitamin c and 2%-4% hyaluronic acid


*serum can take up to 4 weeks+ to show a difference, be patient.


*serum should rest on the skin a few minutes before applying the other products in your daily routine.


*serum can cause slight irritation and stinging in the beginning, these symptons should subside.


*serum must be firmly closed and kept in a cool, dark place.



**nuface lifter  //  **iS clinical super serum advanced +  // **skinceuticals



 image andie macdowell for l’oreal

Edit by: Vicki
In This Post: Beauty