9 Things To Focus On For Better Skin

Skin is in. Whether it's fresh faced and make up free or glassy skin piled high with serums, we are all looking for that glowy look and how to maintain it. The answer is not always a quick fix. It's a series of sensible lifestyle choices and finding the right products or treatments for your skin's type & needs (guess how many times we're going to say 'get a consultation' in this list?!)

One thing is for sure, with all of the constant innovations and new products on the market, we are always going to call on the experts to help us wade through of the tips and advice, so the Guernsey Medispa team (formerly The Guernsey Skin & Beauty Centre) are on hand to tell us what actually works.

1. Hydration

It seems like an obvious one to get started with but the basics are often the best. So drink a lot of water (more than you do now, let’s be honest). In this day and age with our modern diet and technology, plain water is often not enough, as it may not contain an adequate amount of electrolytes (salt, potassium, magnesium etc) so adding a dissolvable electrolyte supplement can help balance those ratios to ensure your body is able to hydrate properly. You can also get your hydration from hydrating foods - namely fruit and vegetables.

However, sadly your face is often the last place that your hydration goes to, meaning that treatments and products can help. Anything containing hyaluronic acid will add hydration to your skin meaning a plumper, glowier appearance and fewer visible fine lines as a result. To give your skin a regular boost, we have to look to the glowy, glass skin experts and get a Korean facial - now available at Guernsey Medispa (who flew to Korea to learn from the best before adding this to their services!). Book your skin glow up here.

2. Diet

We all know by now that you are what you eat. Eating your fruit and veg not only hydrates your skin, but it also gives you a lot of antioxidants and necessary vitamins and minerals to improve your overall health, which in turn adds to that glow. Think blueberries, mango, avocado, spinach, plus nuts and seeds that boast micronutrients to nourish your whole body from within.

Another skin-friendly food is salmon and other oily fish for omega-3s (take a supplement if you’re veggie). And finally, foods and habits to cut down on in order to feed your skin are the usual vices, once again: processed sugar and foods, alcohol, caffeine and smoking.

3. Cleansing

Most of us know to remove our makeup at the end of the day, but are we actually getting it all off and are we actually cleansing once it is off? Probably not. If you ask someone who has fantastic skin what they recommend, most of the time they will say double cleansing at the end of the day. This basically means using something to remove their makeup (usually an oil-based cleanser) and then washing their face again with another facial cleanser (likely cream-based). Do this for a few weeks and you will likely notice a huge difference.

Also, don’t sabotage your hard work - stop touching your face throughout the day and clean your makeup brushes and tools really regularly. Otherwise, you are cleaning your face and then putting the dirt and bacteria right back on to it. And that’s just a waste of the little time that you likely have for a bit of self care.

4. Exfoliating

In the same vein, it can be hard for your skin care products to even get into your skin if you are not exfoliating properly, as dead skin cells will be in the way, so exfoliate regularly. Now, gone are the days of a harsh physical apricot scrub to rub on your face in the shower. These days, exfoliation is much more chemical - with gentle acids (such as salicylic or glycolic) that do the exfoliation work for you without the peeling.

If the idea of putting chemicals on your face is a little intimidating, then chatting to an expert before you start your new regime is probably a good idea - especially if you don’t know where to start or what your skin needs treatment-wise. For example, book a consultation to learn more about chemical peels, products and resets at Guernsey Medispa.

5. Light

There are so many links between light and skin. Andrew Huberman, professor turned online wellness guru, recommends exposing your skin and eyes to light first thing in the morning for hormone and circadian rhythm regulation. The more your body is in balance, the less your skin will react to your environment. However, if you are going to be spending a lot of time in the sun, of course SPF is your best friend. And even if you aren’t outside a lot, the blue light from your screens can also affect your skin, so wearing some kind of barrier - a good cream with SPF or barriers (like a good mineral makeup with antioxidants).

Light-based treatments are becoming really popular for a really good reason. For example, Blue LED treatments are great for problem skin, including acne, psoriasis and dermatitis, whereas Red LED is for skin rejuvenation and healing, with anti-inflammatory properties so it works well for sensitive skin. Near InfraRed LED is the most deeply absorbed wavelength, achieving optimum rejuvenation and repair, so it’s great for scars and anti-aging. Adding light into your skincare regime with a treatment such as Dermaluxe can deliver these beneficial wavelengths using a combination of clinically proven Blue, Red and Near InfraRed wavelengths for maximum skin enhancing results. Again, everyone is different, so we would always recommend that you book a consultation to find out how light treatments can be added into your skincare regime and see the changes for yourself.

6. Skincare

We haven’t even discussed actual products yet, but a basic and consistent skincare routine goes a long way. So start with a good cleanser (or two!), toner and moisturiser and go from there. Serums can then be added according to your skin’s needs. Apply your serum before the moisturiser as the toner will help the skin absorb the serum and the moisturiser is often thicker, which can act as a barrier to absorption.

When it comes to masks and treatments, the best advice that we can give is to not dismiss every new thing as a fad or sales tactic. Science & technology is constantly improving and as consumers we are more educated and willing to try new things, meaning that the skincare industry now has the means to develop some really innovative stuff. Whether they work for everyone is another story however, which is why you should also have a consultation to see the best skincare treatment for you.

7. Collagen

We lose collagen and elastin in our bodies as we age and we can only produce more if we stimulate new production. Supplements and treatments such as micro needling are the most effective way to do this. One of the latest skincare innovations, which is building in popularity globally, is the innovation of exosomes.

Without getting overly scientific, exosomes are essentially tiny molecules that help your body’s cells work more efficiently. In skincare, they are applied topically (no injections required!) And they are known for reducing inflammation and increasing regenerative actions, such as cell turnover - which means your skin will look after itself in a better way, with results such as improved production of collagen, better hydration, reduction in fine lines etc. And we're very lucky as exosome therapy is now available at the Guernsey Medispa via consultation.

8. Sleep

Beauty sleep is a real thing! Our bodies carry on working overnight, recovering and recharging, so the importance of a good night’s sleep as part of a better skincare routine cannot be overstated. Blood flow to the skin increases, collagen is rebuilt and damaged skin tissue is repaired. And when we are well rested our skin looks brighter and we’re less likely to have dark circles under our eyes.

So set yourself up for success by preparing for a good night’s sleep. Set the scene by making your bedroom a sanctuary where you can relax, try to stick to a bedtime routine, avoid caffeine and late night snacking, and invest in a silk pillowcase to reduce irritation and creasing of the skin, which can contribute to fine lines and wrinkles.

9. Stress

When we are stressed, our skin is stressed. Increased levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol, can result in increased oil production and inflammation, leading to breakouts. Excess cortisol can also damage collagen, which can accelerate the skin’s natural ageing process. And of course, stress disrupts our sleep pattern, making it difficult for skin to repair naturally.

It’s not always easy to let go of your worries or solve the issues causing the stress - but if one of the issues you are stressing over is your skin, then finding a trusted treatment that works for you is an investment worth making. From chemical peels to microneedling and radio frequency, Guernsey Medispa has a treatment plan for you. They can’t make all of your stresses disappear, but they can help you to look and feel your very best.

About Guernsey Medispa

Guernsey Medispa has a brand new name (formerly The Guernsey Skin & Beauty Centre) but the same highly experienced experts. They offer a wide range of anti-aging solutions for your face and body, delivered by a professional team who will create a bespoke plan of high end aesthetic and beauty treatments just for you.

Combining science backed, medical grade products with high performance equipment and effective treatment plans, the team will help make you look and feel your very best, improving your self confidence with treatment programmes which are result driven.

You can find out more and book a consultation here.