Top Tip : Maintaining Your Nails

Image, audubondermatology.com

Keeping your nails looking in tip-top condition can be a struggle, especially for those who lead a hectic lifestyle. And let's be honest, looking after your nails isn't at the front of everyone's mind.

The key to clean, polished nails is to simply keep them healthy, and we have a couple of tips and tricks on how to do so...

• Remove Nail Varnish
Painting your nails does leave them looking rather pretty, and it's a great way to create instant polished talons. The problem is that your nails don't get chance to breathe, and they need air to keep them healthy. A big mistake some people can make is to re-paint over already painted nails... this is a huge no-no. Break the habit and let your nails get some air.

• Wash Your Hands
Washing your hands is something we all do, as this helps to remove bacteria from the hands and nails and keep them clean. It's always good to give your hands a good wash after handling foods and also after eating, to help remove any grease and food that may have built up under your nails.

• A Little TLC
Everyone and everything need some TLC at some point. A cuticle oil is a must to help keep your nails maintained and the skin soft, our Evening Elixir can help do this job! It's also good to keep your hands moisturised, use a hand cream to help the skin stay soft and have a smoother appearance.

• Foods
If your nails a brittle and dry, then consuming foods rich in vitamin A and calcium can help make them healthy and strong.

Goodbye Sugar!

The festive season has flown by and after eating plates of turkey and piles of chocolates, it's time to detox! 

The best way to cleanse your body, and get your health back in check is to cut out the sugar. It's now a known fact, that us Brits are consuming too much sugar, actually the NHS reckon that we are having double the amount (or over), then what our bodies can handle! Which is why many of us are suffering from health problems. 

But did you know, sugar actually ages you! A large amount of refined sugars, can actually damage the collagen and elastin in the skin... causing lines to form and the skin to appear less plump, one thing no woman wants - ageing! If that's not motivation to cut out sugar, then I don't know what is! 

If you feel your skin needs extra attention why not try a face mask or treatment to help you relax and also clear your skin! Why not try our DIY Avocado Mask.

Oil Rush

Oil isn't just for your body and hair... it's for your face too! You might instantly think that using an oil will create a shiny complexion and may even cause spots to surface, but trust me, face oils are everywhere at the moment. Choosing the right one can help revitalise your skin and play a part in keeping it looking youthful. These can help tackle ageing, hydrate the skin and brighten up a dull complexion - it really is great skincare product to have in your routine.  

Many people are worried that these oils can be quite heavy and cause spots - think again! Most oils now are very lightweight meaning they absorb quickly into the skin and don't clog up pores. You can still use a facial oil with your skin is oily, many people tend to turn away from them but don't, using an oil based cleansing product on this skin type is perfect as oil attracts oil, meaning all the pore-blocking excess sebum produced will be picked up like a magnet. 

Don't just save your facial oil as an overnight treatment, although this is a fab way to use it, you can apply a small amount to the skin for an instant dewy glow, which is something that we all want! 

TOP TIP: Warm a few drops of oil into the palms of your hand, apply to your face sweeping outwards and upwards, and don't forget your neck and chest. Gently massage into the skin, being delicate and gentle around the eyes, leave this to sink in fully for 20 minutes and your skin will feel hydrated and leave you with a glow. 

Beauty Sleep

It's a little known fact that we all need our beauty sleep! Having a good nights sleep not only effects our mood and the way we may act, but is also has an impact in the way we look.

While you are sleeping your skin and body goes into repair mode, this is when new skin cells grow and replace the older ones, it's all about restoring, repairing and rebalancing! Lack of sleep will disrupt these processes, as well as leaving an effect on your skin such as dark circles around your eyes and a dull complexion.

Ideally, around seven to nine hours sleep a night is needed... of course this varies depending on your age. Getting the right amount will leave you feeling more alert and ready for the day, your skin will also appear healthier and more refreshed!

It's not just about the beauty products!

To keep your skin looking healthy, it's not just about the products you are putting on your body and face, it is also what you put into it. Leading a healthy lifestyle will not only leave you feeling great but it can also help your skin look healthier and younger, which is what all women want! 

Not only is smoking unhealthy, it also makes your skin look older and can contribute to some of those unwanted wrinkles! It's time to kick the bad habit and give up smoking - it can be hard but it is worth while in the long run as not only will your body become more healthy, your skin will appear more fresh and clear. 

Eating a healthy diet is something we all known helps the skin, as they say 'you are what you eat' - so eating fatty foods will only leave you skin looking oily and could clog up those pores! Eating plenty of foods rich in Vitamin C and processed or refined carbohydrates may help promote healthier and younger looking skin, while leaving your body healthier and full of goodness.

There are plenty of beauty supplements on the market at the moment, some of these can target certain problem areas. If you do decide to take these supplements then research the product before hand, make sure you understand what the ingredients are and what they are supposed to do! 

It's up to you how to achieve healthier, younger looking skin but these are a few options to keep in mind.