There are two extremes when it comes to our skin: oiliness and dryness, and both are equally as hard to manage in daily life. I have always been interested in learning about skin care and so here are a few tips I have picked up on along the way to improve your skin in the smallest of ways.

Oily Skin

Oily skin can be tough to deal with, not only can it result in pimples and even acne, but it can taper with the application of makeup products and take away from that smooth, flawless complexion we all wish to achieve. The superfoods known to be particularly magical when it comes to oily skin are foods high in fibre as fibre helps to flush out toxins from the body and absorb essential nutrients, boosting skin tone. Apples, oatmeal, corn and legumes are a good start for an oil-free complexion.

We have all heard it many times before, but water really is the saving grace when it comes to our skin. Drinking water throughout the day hydrates our bodies and in turn, makes our skin look and feel healthy. Not only this, but drinking just 8 glasses of water can help with digestion, leading to a detox in the body which is particularly important when aiming to reduce oil in the face.

Cucumbers for skincare

Cucumbers also have excellent antioxidant and rehydration properties and they eliminate toxins by flushing them out of the body. Lastly, foods high in Vitamin A are known for normalising oil levels in the skin, and some of these are potatoes, fish and dark leafy greens.

Of course it is important to heal our bodies from the inside when it comes to an imbalance in our skin, but we must also be careful when applying products to our faces which can lead to further irritation. Dermatologists suggest facial cleansing with water only, no more than twice a day, as over-cleansing can trick the skin’s barrier in to producing more oil to compensate. It is important to moisturise even with oily skin; Oil-free facial creams such as Dermalogica Active Moist to ensure the perfect formula for this skin type. To rid of any dead skin cells that can build up and create excess oil, be sure to exfoliate gently once a week.

Dermalogica oily skincare

Dermalogica Active Moist | £44.60 | Dermalogica

When it comes to makeup it is recommended that those with oily skin use either a powder or oil-free cream foundation to reduce excess oil in the pores. When using liquid foundations, if the skin is already oily then its contents can result in shininess and this can lead to a streaky, uneven foundation application. Translucent powder should also be used on top of foundation to seal any oil and prevent the dreaded excess shine.

Dry Skin

Dry Skin can also be difficult to manage, but there are many aspects sufferers can add to their lives to improve their skin. Omega-3-rich foods are a wonder for dry skin; salmon and flax seed especially, help to retain moisture in the skin and strengthen the skin’s barrier. These skin superfoods contain the nutrients necessary to put oil back in to the skin, which is exactly what dry skin sufferers need. Nuts are another dry skin superfood, as they contain the skincare saviour: Vitamin E. Vitamin E protects the skin from oxidative cell damage and, similarly to Omega-3 fatty acids, protects the skin barrier from UV rays. Lastly avocado is rich in Vitamin E and monounsaturated fats which keeps the skin moist and reduces ageing and inflammation in the skin.

Avocado for dry skin

When it comes to skin care, dry skin is often sensitive and takes time to adjust to new products that may/may not provide the necessary moisture. When the skin is dry, a cream is often recommended, but for very dry skin, emollients are best as they are thick and provide sufficient, 24 hour moisture. Lotions are often too thin for dry skin and so should be avoided.

Avenè Thermal Water skincare

Avène Thermal Water | £10 | Lookfantastic

For makeup application, liquid foundations are best, as they glide on to the skin and are much more hydrating than powders. When choosing highlighters and contour products, cream formulas are also the most hydrating. To ensure supple skin all day long, use a facial mist which helps to seal moisture in to the skin, like Avene’s Thermal Water.

About the author

Having secured a creative writing place at Surrey University, Hannah’s inquisitive personality got the better of her as she was drawn towards an award-winning post-production company in the first working days of her life. The youngest of the Semple team, you could say that a realistic insight into the media industry moulded her into the confident, down-to-earth blondie she is today. A chocoholic, who was once known to pack 38 tops for 2 weeks in Fuerteventura, Hannah can often be found soaking up the latest health & beauty tutorials, partaking in retail therapy or enjoying some good Mexican food with friends. If there’s one thing you can be sure of, it’s that when the world beckons, Hannah will embrace it with arms wide open (and blog about it too!).

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