Snackable Wellness

Take the pressure off unattainable New Year’s Resolutions and add some simple, snackable wellness into your 2024 skincare routine.

As we bid farewell to the old and usher in the new, the start of a new year is the perfect time to reflect on our habits and set resolutions for positive change. But if the idea of resolutions sends you into a tailspin – the thought of promises you make to yourself only to break them before the end of January – then maybe try some micro improvements instead.

Consistency is everything when it comes to building a healthy lifestyle and good habits. We can feel great by making small steps and accomplishing small wins that build towards bigger goals.

Quality over quantity can be your mantra to help you achieve and maintain radiant, healthy skin throughout the coming year.

Commit to Consistent Cleansing

Many of us can find ourselves rushing to start our day and then collapsing into bed at the other end without taking time to cleanse our skin properly. Cleansing is the foundation of any effective skincare routine. Try to carve out a few minutes, morning, and night, using a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser. This will help remove dirt, oil, and makeup, preventing clogged pores and breakouts while promoting a clean and refreshed complexion. I especially like SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser, CeraVe Cream to Foam Cleanser and the La Roche Posay Toleriane range. Try taking a few moments to enjoy the cleansing process.

Embrace Sunscreen Every Day

Sun protection is non-negotiable when it comes to skincare. Resolve to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every morning, year-round, even on cloudy days. This simple yet crucial step protects your skin from harmful UV rays, preventing premature ageing, and sunspots, and reducing the risk of skin cancer. I especially love Mesoestetic Mesoprotech Melan 130 Pigment Control and Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF 50.

Introduce Antioxidants

Incorporate antioxidants into your skincare regime. You could start by including a vitamin C serum or moisturiser in your morning routine. Vitamin C works to neutralise skin-damaging free radicals produced by exposure to UV radiation and environmental aggressors such as pollution. Vitamin C also helps stimulate collagen and elastin production within the skin as well as reduce pigmentation. SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic is a favourite in my skincare routine.

Hydration is Key

Make hydration a priority both internally and externally. Few of us drink enough water to keep our skin hydrated from within. Begin your day with a large glass of water. Make it a habit to always have a water bottle with you to top up throughout the day. Consider swapping your latte, flat white or English Breakfast tea for antioxidant-rich green tea. Incorporate a hydrating moisturizer into your skincare routine to lock in moisture and maintain a supple, smooth complexion. If you like a richer product, try Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream. I also like Medik8 Hydra8 B5 serum.

Prioritise Sleep

Make this year the year of quality sleep, essential for your overall health. As you sleep, your skin undergoes repair and regeneration, contributing to a more vibrant appearance. Micro wellness adjustments to help you get a better night’s sleep include:

• Turning off your phone
• Avoid any devices for at least an hour before bed
• Spray your pillow with lavender pillow spray, my favourite is This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Talk Duo.
• Use a meditation app such as Calm

Hands Off Your Face

Make a conscious effort to avoid touching your face unnecessarily. Touching your face can transfer dirt, bacteria, and oil, leading to breakouts and irritation. Keep your hands clean and use tissues or tools when applying skincare products to minimise contact with your skin. Aesop Resurrection Hand Wash is at every one of my sinks at home and in the office.

Practice Stress Management

Chronic stress can negatively impact your skin, leading to breakouts and exacerbating existing skin conditions. Resolve to incorporate stress-management techniques into your daily routine, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises, to promote both mental well-being and healthy skin. Add moments of self-care into your daily routine. A couple of minutes using a jade roller is a relaxing way to massage in a moisturiser or relieve tension in a stressed face. Find a fragrance that you love to use in the shower. I love all the Necessaire body washes, the Eucalyptus scent is refreshing and light. DrunkElephant: The Kamili Cream Body Cleanser and Scrubbi Bamboes Body Cleanser are two of my top picks.

Regular Skin Check-ups

Schedule regular visits to your dermatologist for skin check-ups. Early detection of skin issues, such as moles or changes in complexion, can be crucial for effective intervention and prevention of potential skin problems. Your dermatologist can also guide your skincare routine and offer professional treatments to help you achieve your skincare goals.

An accessible approach to snackable wellness is to craft a list of small changes and micro improvements you can make to your skincare routine. Choose one thing each week to try and succeed at. This will keep your motivation at its highest and soon your new healthy habit will become a natural part of your daily routine.