When you live in a big city like London it can be hard to achieve that perfect-skin glow. You work long hours, the pollution from cars and vans harms your skin, and you often don’t eat as healthily as you could because you are always on the go. But follow a few simple clear-skin rules and you could improve the overall look of your skin – and even appear a few years younger. Here’s how to get better skin in the city.
1. Wear Sunscreen
Even though you may not think you’re catching many rays in the capital, it is still essential to wear a moisturiser with sun protection all year round. The sun may not be the brightest in London, and you may not spend much time in it, but a lifetime of accumulated sun exposure makes your skin appear older and look saggy, wrinkled, and blotchy. Make sure you wear a high protection sunscreen when you go abroad on holiday and limit the amount of time you spend outdoors when the sun is at its strongest.
2. Don’t Smoke
The most important piece of advice a London dermatologist will give when asked how to protect the skin from damage is: don’t smoke. Smoking causes your skin to age. The chemicals in tobacco smoke cause collagen in the skin to break down more quickly, which leads to wrinkled skin and lack of elasticity. You will also notice the difference in the overall tone of your skin and the way it springs back under pressure.
3. Limit Alcohol
You don’t have to give up alcohol entirely but keep your consumption within moderate limits because alcohol dries your skin and can age it prematurely. You look older and more tired when you drink lots of alcohol, so alternate alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic, have no-alcohol days and make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day.
4. Cleanse Skin at Night
Many people claim they are too tired to bother taking off makeup or cleansing the skin at night but this is a big mistake that can cause your skin to look old and dull. Remove dirt, bacteria and sweat that can build up to cause spots and skin infections. However, don’t flush your face with scalding hot water as this will dry it and cause more problems.
5. Moisturise Regularly
Using a high quality moisturiser on your skin helps to stop it drying out. Dry skin looks older and less glowing, and when you use a good moisturiser you also help your skin become less sensitive. You also protect facial skin from harsh weather conditions and it is a calming and nurturing routine to follow in the morning and at the end of the day.