Summer Skincare for Sensitive Skin – Five Key Tips

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adverse reactions, alcohol, Aloe Vera, apply moisturiser, artificial colours, artificial fragrances, avoid irritating ingredients, broad-spectrum sunscreen, brushes, ceramides, chamomile, chemical exfoliants, cleanse, common irritants, dehydrate, dry, dryness, environmental factors, enzyme-based, excessive exfoliation, flare-ups, follow exfoliation, fragrance-free cleanser, fragrances, gentle cleansing, Gentle exfoliators, harmful UV rays, harsh exfoliants, harsh scrubs, healthy skin, heat, high SPF, hot water, humidity, hyaluronic acid, hydrating moisturiser, hydration, hypoallergenic, individuals, inflammation, irritate, irritation, lightweight, long-term damage, lukewarm water, mindful, mineral-based sunscreens, moisturise, natural ingredients, natural oils, non-comedogenic moisturiser, oat extract, outdoor activities, pat, patch tests, read labels, redness, replenish, retain moisture, scrubbing, sensitive skin, sensitivity, shield, skin barrier, skin irritations, skin sensitivity, skin's barrier, skincare products, soothing properties, strengthen, sulphates, summer, summer months, sun, sun protection, sunburns, sunshine, titanium dioxide, warm weather, Zinc Oxide

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The summer season brings sunshine, outdoor activities, and a desire to soak up the warm weather. However, for individuals with sensitive skin, this time of year can present some challenges. Increased exposure to the sun, humidity, and environmental factors can trigger skin irritations and flare-ups. To help you navigate the summer months with ease, here are five key tips for taking care of sensitive skin:

Shield Your Skin from the Sun 

Sun protection is crucial for everyone, but it is especially important for those with sensitive skin. The sun’s harmful UV rays can exacerbate skin sensitivity and lead to sunburns and long-term damage. Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF of 30 or above. Look for mineral-based sunscreens that contain ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, as these are less likely to cause irritation. Apply sunscreen generously and reapply every two hours, especially if you’re spending time outdoors or sweating.

Opt for Gentle Cleansing 

Cleansing your skin is essential, but harsh cleansers can strip away natural oils and disrupt the skin’s barrier, leading to further sensitivity. Choose a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Look for products that are free from sulphates, alcohol, and artificial fragrances. Avoid hot water, as it can exacerbate dryness and sensitivity. Instead, cleanse your face with lukewarm water and pat it dry with a soft towel. Be gentle and avoid scrubbing vigorously, as this can cause irritation.

Hydrate and Moisturise 

The summer heat and sun exposure can dehydrate your skin, leading to increased sensitivity and dryness. Hydration is key to maintaining healthy skin. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated from within. Additionally, use a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser that is specially formulated for sensitive skin. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides that help retain moisture and strengthen the skin barrier. Apply moisturiser liberally after cleansing and throughout the day as needed.

Avoid Irritating Ingredients 

When it comes to skincare products, it’s essential to read labels and steer clear of ingredients that can irritate sensitive skin. Common irritants include alcohol, fragrances, artificial colours, and harsh exfoliants. Opt for products labelled as hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. Look for natural ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and oat extract, known for their soothing properties. Conduct patch tests before trying new products to ensure they don’t cause any adverse reactions on your sensitive skin.

Be Mindful of Excessive Exfoliation 

Exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and improve the overall texture of your skin. However, for sensitive skin, it’s crucial to be mindful of excessive exfoliation, as it can lead to redness, inflammation, and increased sensitivity. Choose gentle exfoliators formulated specifically for sensitive skin, such as enzyme-based or chemical exfoliants. Limit exfoliation to once or twice a week and avoid using harsh scrubs or brushes. Always follow exfoliation with a hydrating moisturiser to replenish the skin.

Five Skincare Mistakes You Might Be Making (and How to Fix Them)

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acne, ageing process, bacteria, breakouts, clogged pores, collagen breakdown, dead skin cells, Decleor Bi-phase Caring Cleanser, Dermalogica Hydro Masque Exfoliant, dirt accumulation, dryness, elastin breakdown, exfoliation, harsh products, healthy complexion, inflammation, irritation, makeup removal, makeup remover, makeup residue, neck and décolletage neglect, neglecting steps, oil buildup, oil overproduction, premature ageing, progress, radiant skin, redness, renewal process, sensitive eye area, skin barrier, skin breathing, skin cancer, skincare mistakes, sleeping with makeup, sunburn, sunscreen, unclog pores, UV rays, wrong products

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Achieving healthy and radiant skin is a goal that many of us strive for, but sometimes we unknowingly fall into common skincare mistakes that hinder our progress. Whether it’s using the wrong products or neglecting essential steps in our routines, these missteps can prevent us from attaining the skin we desire. Today, we’re looking at five common skincare mistakes you might be making and provide effective solutions to help you rectify them. So, let’s dive in and discover how to overcome these skincare blunders for a happier, healthier you!

Sleeping with Makeup On

Sleeping in makeup is highly discouraged due to the numerous negative effects it can have on your skin. When you leave makeup on overnight, it clogs your pores and prevents the skin from breathing and renewing itself naturally. This leads to the accumulation of dirt, oil, and bacteria, which can trigger breakouts and acne. Additionally, makeup can cause inflammation and irritation, especially around the sensitive eye area. Moreover, makeup residue left on the skin can accelerate the ageing process, as it contributes to the breakdown of collagen and elastin, which are responsible for maintaining the skin’s elasticity and firmness. We recommend Decleor Bi-phase Caring Cleanser and Makeup Remover for effective make-up removal.

Over-Exfoliating

Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, promoting a healthy and radiant complexion. However, excessive or aggressive exfoliation can lead to a range of issues. The skin’s natural barrier can be disrupted, causing dryness, redness, and irritation. Over time, this can weaken the skin’s ability to protect itself, making it more susceptible to environmental damage and sensitivity. Excessive exfoliation can  also trigger an overproduction of oil, leading to breakouts and acne flare-ups. It’s crucial to strike a balance and exfoliate appropriately for your skin type and condition, and we recommend Dermalogica Hydro Masque Exfoliant, which offers gentle but effective exfoliation. 

Not Wearing Sunscreen 

Sunscreen acts as a protective barrier against harmful ultraviolet rays emitted by the sun. Prolonged exposure to these rays without adequate protection can lead to various skin problems, including sunburn, premature ageing, and an increased risk of developing skin cancer. Additionally, repeated sunburns can weaken the skin’s elasticity, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and sunspots. Therefore, neglecting to wear sunscreen not only compromises the health and appearance of your skin but also jeopardises your long-term well-being. 

Using Harsh Products

Using harsh skincare products can have detrimental effects on the health and appearance of our skin. These products, often laden with aggressive chemicals and irritants, may provide temporary results but can lead to long-term damage. Harsh skincare products strip the skin of its natural oils, disrupting its delicate balance and causing dryness, redness, and irritation. Prolonged use of such products can weaken the skin’s protective barrier, leaving it vulnerable to environmental pollutants and increasing the risk of infections. Furthermore, harsh ingredients can trigger allergic reactions and worsen existing skin conditions, such as eczema or acne. It is important to prioritise gentle and nourishing skincare formulations that promote skin health without compromising its natural resilience and balance.

Neglecting the Neck and Décolletage

While you may focus primarily on your face, neglecting the neck and décolletage area can lead to an uneven appearance. The skin on your neck and décolletage is thinner and more delicate compared to the skin on your face. This makes it more susceptible to signs of ageing, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging. Neglecting these areas can accelerate the ageing process, making them appear older than the skin on your face. Extend your skincare routine to include these areas by cleansing, moisturising, and applying sunscreen to them regularly. This will help maintain a more youthful and cohesive look.

The Lowdown on Colloidal Oatmeal

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blend, Calming, collagen, colloidal, Colloidal Oatmeal, complex, dermalogica, Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50, Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum, Dermalogica Super Rich Repair, elasticity, enzymes, fine lines, hydration, inflammation, irritation, Oatmeal, product, protection, redness, retinoid, serum, skin, soothing, SPF, SPF50, sun, wrinkles

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There are often ingredients in products which sound hugely complex and scientific, but are actually a lot more simple than you think. One such ingredient is “colloidal oatmeal”, which you could be forgiven for thinking was from another planet. However, colloidal oatmeal is simply made by grinding oat grain, or avena sativa, into a fine powder. 

It’s considered an emollient, a substance that softens or soothes the skin, because it contains high levels of fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients shown to benefit the skin. Colloidal oatmeal is used to treat the symptoms of many conditions, including eczema. 

Dermalogica is a brand which has harnessed the power of colloidal oatmeal in several of its products, and we’ve gathered them here to show you what they can do:

Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50

This multi-functional product from Dermalogica not only gives you broad-spectrum SPF50 sun protection, but it also helps you achieve absolute hydration and help defend against the internal and external causes of skin ageing. Colloidal oatmeal and chrysanthemum parthenium (feverfew) extract calms irritated skin, while yeast extract stimulates wound healing and collagen formation while increasing oxygen utilisation in cells. It can be used as your daily moisturiser for year round protection against sun damage and free radicals.

Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum 

Another product which performs many functions at once, this powerhouse serum from Dermalogica contains a 3.5% retinoid complex which provides a continual release of skin smoothing actives, working at different speeds to address the signs of skin ageing. Colloidal oatmeal is combined with zinc oxide to soothe the skin while providing anti-itch relief to chronically dry skin while palmitoyl tetrapeptide-3 and palmitoyl oligopeptide help to improve skin elasticity and tone while fighting the appearance of fine lines.

Dermalogica Super Rich Repair

This super rich moisturiser delivers immediate benefits to chronically dry, dehydrated and prematurely-ageing skin in a super-concentrated, heavy-weight cream. As well as soothing colloidal oatmeal, the formula includes powerful peptides that stimulate collagen production while an acid-free renewal complex smoothes fine lines for dramatically improved elasticity and tone. Ultra-emollient shea butter and oil of evening primrose replenish skin with maximum hydration, relieving dryness and reinforcing skin’s natural defensive barrier. 

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

The final colloidal oatmeal-rich product on our list is Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, a unique, rice-based enzyme powder that activates upon contact with water, releasing papain, salicylic acid and rice enzymes to smooth the skin and accelerate cell renewal.  It contains a super-soothing blend of green tea, ginkgo and colloidal oatmeal which calms inflammation, leaving the skin extraordinarily clear and refreshed. Furthermore, Dermalogica’s unique skin brightening complex of bearberry, aspergillus, grapefruit and licorice helps to balance uneven skin pigmentation.

Vaping and The Effects on Your Skin

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acne, ageing, antioxidant, balanced, chemicals, cleanser, cream, daily routine, dangers, dark spots, day, discolouration, dry, dry skin, drying, dryness, e-cigarette, enlarged, exfoliator, flaky, hydrated, hydration, hyperpigmentation, inhaling, irritation, itchy, nicotine, oily skin, oxygen, patchy, pores, rashes, resurfacing, sagging, sebum, sensitive, sensitivity, skin, smoking, soothing, supple, texture, toxins, uneven, Vape, vaping, vapour, wrinkling

Photo by FORMM agency on Unsplash

Vaping is something which has gained HUGE popularity the world over in the last decade. When e-cigs first came along, we were all assured that they were far safer than cigarettes and the health benefits of making the switch would be numerous. Now that we’re a few years down the line and more research has been done, we’re now aware that vaping presents its own dangers, not least of all to your skin. Here’s an overview of some of the negative effects of vaping on the skin and what you can do to reverse them:

E-Liquids Contain Toxins Which Can Damage The Skin

Exposure to the chemicals from e-cigarettes are twofold – as well as inhaling chemicals which can be harmful to your skin, you also create a cloud of vapour when you exhale, which also enrobes your skin in chemicals. The best way to stop the effects on your skin is to stop vaping altogether, but adding a potent exfoliator such as Dermalogica Skin Resurfacing Cleanser can also help to remove toxins and reverse some of the damage. 

It Makes Your Skin Dry

One of the ways that smoking ages the skin is by depriving it of oxygen and drying it out, and that can also be said for vaping. Every time you take a puff of a vape, you’re drying your skin out and exacerbating dry skin. Ironically, for some people, this can then lead to OILY skin, as your natural sebum production will ramp up to overcompensate. We recommend Elemis Hydra-Balance Day Cream, which is an ultra-light, antioxidant rich day cream that provides continuous hydration, to leave skin feeling perfectly hydrated, balanced and supple.

It Can Make Acne and Redness Worse

Vaping contains lots of chemicals and nicotine which come in contact with our skin. This may cause the skin to become dry or flaky. It can also aggravate those with naturally dry skin by making it patchy and sometimes itchy. The chemicals in e-cigarettes can also cause skin sensitivity and irritation which can lead to rashes and even acne. To combat these effects, we’d recommend adding Elemis Sensitive Soothing Milk to your daily routine, as it is infused with red sage and aloe vera, whilst bisabolol complex helps to protect against visible daily aggressors that might cause irritation. 

It Accelerates the Signs of Ageing

Despite being touted as “better than smoking” for our health, vaping is still incredibly damaging when it comes to the signs of ageing, as it deprives our skin of nutrients. This will lead to premature ageing in the form of dryness, enlarged pores, sagging, wrinkling, hyperpigmentation, and uneven texture. Using Aromatherapy Associates Anti-Ageing Overnight Repair Mask will help to smooth out lines and firm the skin, treating you to an overnight facial. 

It Can Cause Dark Spots

We all know that smoking can cause discolouration to the skin, but it’s also possible to suffer from hyperpigmentation, thanks to vaping. The nicotine in cigarettes is often what contributes to dark spots, and nicotine is still usually present in e-cigarettes too. Murad Correct and Protect Serum SPF45 is a satiny-smooth serum with 100% mineral SPF that’s tested and scientifically proven to visibly correct discolouration and prevent future hyperpigmentation, making it the perfect product for vapers and smokers. 

Treat Yourself for Under £10

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100% natural, £10, breakouts, budget, carbon footprint, circulation, cleanse, comb, cotton, cotton pads, damage, dead skin, deodoriser, detangling, disposable, eco-friendly, exfoliate, firm, gentle, good quality, healthy, heated tools, hemp, hydrate, impurities, irritation, keratin, luxurious, make up pads, massage batter, moisture barrier, moisturising, money, mud mask, Niacinamide, non-recyclable waste, nutrients, parents, pedicure, professional quality, reusable, sea salt soak, sheet mask, skinq, soothe, St Ives, sugar scrub, summer holidays, Sustainable, texture, toxins, treats, vegan friendly, vegetable soap, watermelon, wet hair, white tooth

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This time of year can be expensive for parents, when you’ve got kids to entertain for six week during the summer. That means that finding time for yourself, and more importantly, money for treats, isn’t always easy. Here at Pure Beauty, we know that we all sometimes need a pick-me-up, even when the budget isn’t huge. So, we’ve put together a list of five treats which cost less than a tenner, allowing you to treat yourself without feeling guilty!

Maskology Niacinamide Professional Sheet Mask – £5.95

Using a sheet mask can feel like a luxurious treat, even if it doesn’t cost a lot. This sheet mask from Maskology is infused with niacinamide for a professional-quality treatment that balances the skin, improves texture and prevents breakouts. It will also help the skin to build up keratin, ensuring it stays healthy and firm. It helps to rebuild the skin’s moisture barrier which encourages the cells to function at a higher capacity, therefore making it easier to circulate nutrients and flush out toxins.

The Sea Shed Coastal Path Soap – £5.50

We’ve all washed our hands more in the last couple of years than ever before, and as a result have realised the value of using a good quality soap. This moisturising, triple milled vegetable soap from The Sea Shed is enriched with shea butter and is made in St. Ives using a vegan friendly, sustainable formula. It makes your skin feel great, rather than drying it out like other soaps. 

GHD Detangling Comb – £8.95

Taking care of wet hair requires specific tools as hair is more breakable when it’s wet. GHD Detangling Comb is a gentle way to detangle damp hair. The wide-toothed design allows for delicate detangling on damp hair, which is fragile and more prone to damage. The professional-quality comb is heat-proof and can be used to style your hair in conjunction with other GHD heated tools. 

UpCircle Hemp and Cotton Makeup Pads – £8.99

Here at Pure Beauty, we’re huge advocates for anything which is sustainable and allows us to reduce our carbon footprint, as well as non recyclable waste, which is why we love these hemp and cotton make up pads from UpCircle. Made from 100% natural materials these triple layer pads are perfect for gently removing makeup without irritation. These reusable pads are the eco-friendly alternative to disposable cotton pads or wipes.

Voesh 4 Step Deluxe Pedi in a Box Watermelon Burst – £9.99

One of our favourite ways to pamper ourselves is with a pedicure and this kit from Voesh gives you everything you need. Enriched with key ingredients to give your feet the nutrition it needs, each product is individually packed with the right amount for a single pedicure. Each kit contains a Sea Salt Soak to detox and deodorise the feet, Sugar Scrub to gently exfoliate dead skin, a Mud Masque to deep cleanse impurities an