How to look after your skin in your early 20s.

Our skin is the largest organ in our body but often it’s the one that gets forgotten about until there’s a problem. We expose it to extremes of weather and temperatures, cover it with products, sometimes forget to remove our makeup (oops) and have the audacity to get annoyed when it breaks out or gets very dry.

When issues arise, many of us rely on creams and serums to help manage our skin rather than looking at the problem holistically. Yes, topical serums that contain things like Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid and Peptides can do wonders, but they should be used with alongside some easy to manage lifestyle changes.

Beauty really does come from the inside out – here’s our guide to helping your skin glow.

• Sleep, sleep and more sleep. Just like the rest of your body, your skin needs to rest. Both cell turnover and collagen production increase at night so getting a full eight hours sleep is going to help you look fresher and younger! It’s also when those expensive serums you’ve invested in are absorbed best. Beauty sleep is not just a line from fairy tales, it makes a huge difference.  

• You are what you eat and if what you eat is a lot of sugar, we have some bad news. Sugar breaks down collage and elastin – basically the foundations of your face. Damaging these can mean that your skin looks dull, saggy, and wrinkled. Too much sugar can also increase the risk of acne breakouts. Reducing your sugar intake can really help support your skin!

• You’ve heard it a million times but a balanced, varied diet with adequate vitamins, carbohydrates, proteins and fats can really make a difference to your overall wellbeing. Maintaining the perfect diet can be difficult when you’re busy so adding a supplement like Cleanmarine For Women is a great idea. Cleanmarine For Women (now known as Cleanmarine PeriodPlan) is an Omega 3 and multivitamin blend designed for women. Among other vitamins and nutrients, it contains Vitamin B2 which works to maintain normal skin while sunshine vitamin D3 contributes to the maintenance of normal bones, teeth and normal muscle function.

• You are also what you drink and the best thing you can do is stay really well hydrated. There’s no point lathering on Hyaluronic Acid if your insides are drier than the Sahara. Drinking enough water during the day can help your skin looking good.

• You probably already know what stress can do to your sleep and your eating habits, but it can also have an impact on your skin. Cortisol, the stress hormone, causes more oil to be produced in your skin glands which can result in blocked pores and breakouts. Stress can also make your skin more sensitive and can make it harder for your skin to heal. Give yourself some time every day to do something that relaxes you – whether it’s yoga, a few pages of a book or a call with a friend.

• Keep it clean. It can be so tempting to fall into bed without washing your face at the end of a busy day but if you want to keep your skin looking it’s best, a good cleansing routine is key. Do it when you get in from work before you get too tired to make sure it gets done. And, if you never manage to take your makeup off at the end of a night out – keep some reusable makeup pads and a bottle of micellar water by the sink for a quick wipe. It’s not perfect but it’s a start!

Looking after our skin isn’t always easy but following a few simple steps can help you look – and feel – your best.