29. Monday Motivation: Three ideas to brighten your down time

How are you doing? "in a world where you can be anything, be kind" -unknown

We are all grounded and have been sent to our homes to social distance and create a new norm. We've become teachers, chefs, cleaners....oh the list goes on! One thing to remember is that you're doing the best you can, and not to be too hard on yourself during these unprecedented times...trust me we all have our moments! Everyone is in a different situation... some are working more hours, some are separated from loved ones, and others are pretending they are retired!

During my Client Consultations I've been hearing similar concerns though- my skin looks dull, my eyes have fine lines... so I thought I would share a couple tips to brighten your downtime.

Try these three home skincare tips to illuminate while you isolate:

1. Double Cleanse- I talk about this step a lot because were are all guilty of a quick foaming cleanser, rub all over and splash off- boom clean face, not!! A proper double cleanse requires two types of cleansers or a professional grade cleanser used twice to properly clean the skin. There's no point moisturising a dirty face. First, use an oil based cleanser and massage into the skin for a full sixty seconds focusing on areas of congestion, heavier make up, and don't forget the hairline. Then, emulsify the oil by adding a bit of water and remove with damp sponges or a face cloth. Follow with a second cleanser, which hopefully is skin type specific so it doesn't strip the skin of its natural oils. Massage the foamy or creamy cleanser into the skin for sixty seconds and remove with damp sponges or a face cloth...how does your skin look and feel now? Most of my 'mirror me' clients have commented how clean and fresh their skin feels.

2. Exfoliation- Everyone's skin is different but all skins require exfoliation to remove dead dulling skin cells. There are various types of exfoliants and if you are unsure what suits you, please get in touch and we can discuss your best exfoliant. For those who have one in the cupboard, this should be used 2-3 times a week to promote healthy skin. Try to incorporate it into an easy weekly routine; I often suggest to my client's to pick regular days like Monday, Wednesday, Friday as exfoliation days. My favourite is the Rapid Reveal Peel because it instantly improves the appearance of dull skin with non-invasive exfoliants such as lactic acid and fruit enzymes that munch away on the dead skin cells and leave the skin visibly brighter. The same rule applies with exfoliation, ideally massage into the skin for sixty seconds and then remove. There are a few exceptions to the rules, like my favourite which recommends leaving on for 3-7 minutes so please read the recommenced use on your specific product.

3. Serum and Massage- Massage improves circulation, brings nutrients to the skin surface and plumps out fine lines. I always recommend focussing a bit more on those expression lines like the 'elevenses' between the eyebrows to help smooth out muscle tension. Serums are a great addition to your skincare regime and can be changed regularly to focus on different concerns. My top tip is to change them seasonally or if you go through yours more regularly then switch it up after you've finished each serum to help keep the skin more luminous. When you put the serum on, give the skin a little massage to help the serum penetrate deeper. Massage is best demonstrated, but I do love a gua sha stone or little machine to help ease the tension and smooth out fine lines. If you're unsure of how to perform a facial massage, book in for a Skincare Check-up and I can show you how.

If you do try these three steps to brighter skin, I would love to see before and after pictures and to hear your thoughts. Please message me on social @orchidsretreat with hashtag #illuminatewhileyouisolate