Time to get glowing!

It's that time of year ladies, where our skin is not looking as healthy as it should, the cold weather, central heating and lack of sunshine means that skin is left dehydrated making it look dull and lacklustre not only is this never a good look but dehydrated skin can also cause temporary fine lines! But before you run off to panic buy a shed load of anti wrinkle cream,  this can be quite easily fixed with a few simple steps and some great products to rehydrate.

Just like your wardrobe or house needs a spring clean, so does your skincare routine, and here is all you need to get glowing before spring fully sets in.

A perfect example of dehydrated skin is seen here on Kate Moss & Lindsay Lohan.

Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate!!
The main cause of dull skin is dead/dry skin cells sitting on the surface of your skin so the most important thing to do is exfoliate, there are many daily exfoliating cleaners on the market but I personally don't find these as effective, what you need is a gentle but proper exfoliator that you can use a couple of times a week and as mentioned many times before, my must have exfoliator is Clarins gentle exfoliating cream £26 you will see the difference in your skin after just one use of this powerful yet super gentle exfoliator.
Another great one to try is Rose hydrate facial scrub, £8.99, Superfacialist by Una Brennan

Tone
This is a step that some miss out of their daily beauty routine, but it is so important ladies, especially if you get the correct one for your skin. Not only does it remove any last traces of make up and cleanser but it firms, brightens and moisturises your skin before you have applied your moisturiser and actually helps it sink in much better. I can't live without my Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic £14.50 and without it my skin feels incredibly dry.

Facial oil/Serum
This is a must for extra dehydrated skin and if you have never used a facial oil before, the thought of your face looking like an oil slick is a scary one but I promise that this will not be the case at all. Facial oil's are designed to sink into the skin not sit on the surface and you only need to use a tiny amount for it to be super effective.
Use before your usual moisturiser for an extra moisture boost and barrier against the elements. You can even use facial oils if you have oily skin, there really is one to suit everyone.

My pick of the best are ..
Clarins Facial Oil £33 comes in three types for different skin types, Blue Orchid which is especially formulated for dehydrated skin, Lotus which is for oily/combination skin and Santal which is for dry skin. it may be pricey but trust me, a little goes such a long way and a bottle of this will last you for around a year, if used everyday. I only use mine a few times a week at night.

Manuka Doctor Replenishing Facial Oil £10
This is another great facial oil especially for slightly older skin, and is a much cheaper alternative.

Moisture boost face mask
This is another absolute must for this time of year ladies, they are lots of great ones on the market and it's something that will only take up 10 mins of your routine just a couple of times a week. Use after exfoliating for super glowing results, my absolute favourite which I have spoken about previously is Clarins Hydra Quench Cream mask £34 this is a must have skin saviour and leaves my skin so moisturised after using it that I could probably skip moisturiser!!

Another good and much more affordable alternative is The Sanctuary Spa Protect 5 Minute Moisture Boost Mask: £6.67 for 75ml, Boots. Although I would recommend leaving it on for around 15 mins for it to work it's magic.


And to give your skin that healthy glowing colour try Dove Derma Spa Summer Revived, £3.49 which is a gradual tan or good old St. Tropez Gradual Tan Classic Face Lotion £7.95 which offers an amazingly natural looking subtle tan.