How can I get good skin?
Clinical Director shares her thoughts on this commonly asked question:
Ever get those days when you look in the mirror & wonder where the years have gone?
I definitely do. This feeling gets stronger when I’m tired, stressed or fed up. Everything feels a bit gloomier when I’m not in a good place health wise – for me feeling good encompasses eating well, training, limited alcohol intake, taking care of my skin hair & nails. However, there are times when the regime crashes down around me and I’m left feeling miserable. That’s life right? Taking positive action is essential in feeling good, it doesn’t happen by accident.
I’m often complimented on my skin. I don’t want that to sound big headed as I’m not. In fact, I’m usually surprised but the compliments because when I look in the mirror I see the discolouration, the wrinkles, the volume loss and the general signs that I am ageing (that’s because I am!) We are all our own worst critics – much harsher on ourselves than anyone else.
How Can I Get Good Skin?
Before you can answer that question, you need to ask yourself ‘what is good skin?’
For me I would say good skin is not perfect skin – that, for 99% of us is simply unattainable. For most of us will have evidence of
- acne
- inflammation
- ageing
- sun damage or other health disorders to name a few.
Our skin wears the journey of our lives especially on our faces which are continuously exposed. But that’s not a bad thing. Learning to love the features that you have and embrace the journeys that you have experienced in life are all a part of feeling good in your own skin.
As the saying goes, however, look after your skin -it’s the only thing you have to wear day in day out.
So, what does ‘good skin’ mean?
- Good skin to me, has a glow and a radiance that despite the flaws gives a perception of health.
- Good skin to me, enables its owner to be makeup free without feeling hugely self-conscious
- Good skin to me, means that we look our age or younger
What’s your definition of good skin?
Everyone has a different starting point with this, as our genes are huge determinants of our entire body’s look and functionality. Beyond that, you can choose to look after what you have or not.
I always use the analogy of a car – put it in for regular services, use the best petrol and oil you can afford, clean it regularly inside and out and your car will look and function better than your neighbours, who chooses not to do those things.
The same goes for our skin. You can’t expect to maintain the beautiful skin you emerge with as a baby – it’s a physiological impossibility. You can however choose to nourish your skin from inside and out, cleanse it morning and evening and maintain it with the best quality skincare and treatments that you can afford.
LPA is an award-winning nurse-led clinic. Our philosophy is to help you age in a way that you feel confident and comfortable in yourself. We’re on a mission to win your trust from the off, by making your visit relaxed and easy and ultimately sending you on your way with a natural revitalised and more attractive version of you, so that you’re ready to conquer your world!
We are based in EC1 in the bustle of the city. We are registered with Save Face, the UK aesthetics regulatory body.
How Can I Get Good Skin?
My personal approach is multi layered as I believe this gets the best results. I choose to alternate products to keep my skin cells stimulated. This means that I switch things up every 6 months or so (not every few weeks).
Aside from trying to eat a healthy diet and keeping well hydrated, my super charged skincare routine includes:
- Daily collagen supplement ( I switch between Totally derma & collagen shots)
- Daily zinc supplement
- pH Exfocleanse or ZO Exfoliating cleanser ( morning & evening)
- Zo Vita C Serum or Perfect C
- Zo Daily Power Defence or pH Recovery
- Heliocare SPF
- pH CC cream ( for makeup base)
- Zo Dual Action Scrub or ZO Exfoliating Polish 3 times / week
In the evening I would use:
ZO growth factor serum
During the winter I use a prescription Vitamin A with Hydroquinone
My in clinic go-to’s:
- Profhilo – 4 times / year
- Perfect Peel once or twice / year
- LED phototherapy sessions as when I have the time
Seems a lot? Well I want skin I don’t have to wear makeup for – I have a busy life & a large percentage of that is very unglamorous – looking after my 2 boxer dogs, running a business, regular training at the gym, swimming. I don’t have the time (or interest) to wear heavy makeup every day.
That being said I love a night out and love to experiment with makeup (albeit with my limited skills) but this for me is an expression of my personality rather than hiding and covering my skin.
So before you ask ‘how can I get good skin?’ Firstly ask yourself:
- What are my realistic skin goals?
- How does that fit with my lifestyle?
- What am I prepared to put into it to get that result?
Good skin is not a predetermined set of outcomes, they are your personal and individual outcomes. Try not to compare your skin with others, look only to make improvements and change to improve how you feel.
If you would like some help in working out your personal skin plan then get in touch. I am now offering online consultations for a totally ‘no distractions’ in depth discussion about what you would like to achieve and setting personal skin plan just for you.”
