Here's 20 simple skincare and life lessons that I learnt in my 20's!
- Less is more
I know the current skincare phase is about having every different serum, cream and skincare product under the sun, but I assure you, less is always more! Don’t bombard your skin with thousands of dollars’ worth of products when you can achieve the same results, if not better, with simple yet effective products. Your skin, and your bank account, will thank you!
- Sunscreen is a MUST
The last time I checked, wrinkly, sagging skin was not in! One of the easiest ways to avoid signs of ageing and prolong youthful skin is to find a good quality, effective Face Sunscreen. Sun-safety… but make it fashion!
Eco by Sonya’s new Face Sunscreen SPF 30 leaves my skin with the healthiest glow PLUS it doesn’t block my pores or break me out. Fun fact: wearing sunscreen also prevents damage to your skin barrier, which is a common cause for problem skin.
- Exfoliating is KEY
Imagine layering coats of paint onto a canvas that is covered in dirt and grime… yeah, it’s not going to look so good. It’s the same with your face and all your beautiful, rich skincare products. If there is a build-up of dead skin cells and dirt, the products just won’t sit or absorb how you’d like them to.
Grab your favourite face exfoliator 2-3 times a week – mine is Super Acai Exfoliator – and buff away any build-up on the skin. Trust me, your skin will soak up the products like never before.
- Water does wonders
Mum hasn’t been nagging you all these years to drink water for no reason… Apart from the obvious fact that we need water to survive, it’s literally magic for so much more. Energy levels. Digestion. Clearing your skin.
Water is so powerful at flushing your system out and removing toxins, which, might I add, is one of the biggest causes of problem skin. So, if you’re suffering from acne, please drink your 3 litres a day! You won’t believe the difference it makes.
- Ingredients really do matter
Always look at the ingredients in your skincare. If you just paid $80 for a moisturiser and the first ingredient is water, take it back! When I learnt about the cheap fillers and nasty synthetic ingredients that brands use in their skincare, I made it my mission to find high end, good quality skincare products that weren’t ripping me off…. and so, I found Eco By Sonya. The first ingredient in every product in their Skin Compost Collection is Aloe Vera – Mother Nature’s miracle agent. My skin has never been better!
- Give me all the Collagen
Collagen is a craze I can definitely get around. * Siri, what is Collagen and how can I get more of it? * With the help of excess amounts of caffeine, I finally cracked the Collagen code. So here it is, Collagen for dummies; it’s a protein in your skin that gives it that youthful, plump glow.
Over time, our Collagen levels slowly decrease, but there’s still hope! With the help of Collagen boosting ingredients such as Vitamins A, C & E, you can have younger looking skin, for longer.
- Vitamins are no joke
As I mentioned before, if you want Collagen, you’re going to need Vitamins A, C & E. I know there are vitamins on the market that you can take orally and hey, there’s nothing wrong with that… but in my quest to crack the Collagen code, I learnt that absorbing Vitamins through your skin is just as effective as taking them via supplements.
Eco By Sonya’s entire Skincare Range is rich in antioxidants and Vitamins. Glory Oil is quite literally life changing. Not to mention, the main ingredients in their Super Fruit Hydrator and Super Fruit Toner is Kakadu Plum, which has the highest recorded levels of natural Vitamin C in the world!
- Sun baking is a huge NO, NO
You know my friend Collagen we have been chatting about… well, UV rays are one of the main causes of damaged Collagen. So, in my head, sun baking = old, leathery skin… um, no thank you! Why not use sunless, self-tans instead?
The best self-tanner is Eco Tan’s Hempitan. It’s a self-tanner like you’ve never seen before – and I mean that literally, because it’s the world’s first Hemp tanning water. You still get that natural, bronzed goddess look, without the risk of cancerous and old looking skin. Enough said!
- Eat the rainbow
Eat your fruit and veggies, kids… it’s that simple!
- Beauty sleep is no myth
Honey, those under eye bags are NOT Prada. If I learnt one thing about self-care in my 20’s, it would be that sleep is absolutely non-negotiable. Whether you’re a night owl or not, please get your 7+ hours a night. You’ll thank me later.
- Moisturise with a damp face – moisture locks in moisture
I mean it makes sense, right? Why did I never think to apply my serums and creams with a damp face? Skincare gurus seem to think that having damp skin before applying your skincare makes your skin more permeable, AKA prepped and ready to absorb, and I’m a strong believer!
- Hyaluronic Acid – please & thank you
Similar to Collagen, Hyaluronic Acid is the Queen of quenching your skins thirst. For starters, HA holds up to 1000 times its weight in water. In other words, it holds hydration on the surface of your skin to keep it looking supple, hydrated and glowing!
Fun fact: The key ingredient in Eco Tan Face Tan Water is Hyaluronic Acid, and when I tell you this stuff is liquid gold… I mean it. A beautiful facial glow without the consequences? Check. Anti-ageing and anti-acne ingredients? Check. Collagen boosting? Check.
- ALWAYS Cleanse
It’s as simple as that.
Hot tip: Double cleanse with the delicious Super Citrus Cleanser for a face so clean, it will glow. Did I mention it’s multi-award winning?
- Probiotics really do the trick
Gut health, my friends… so easily neglected but so incredibly important; for skin, for energy, for general wellbeing, for everything!
- Quality over quantity
Rather than paying hundreds, if not thousands of dollars for a collection of different serums, find one that does it all. Hint, hint… Eco By Sonya’s Skin Compost Collection features one product for each step of your skincare routine because they do it all! The perfect cleanser. The perfect face and body oil. The perfect moisturiser.
- Make self-care a priority
I don’t think I have ever met someone who didn’t relish over the thought of a face mask moment on a Sunday afternoon. Self-care Sunday is no joke! Take your favourite pamper products – mine is the Face Compost Mask followed by a drenching of Glory Oil – and take time to unwind and disconnect.
- Face Tanner for a Natural Glow
This has changed my life. Period. If I was stranded on a desert island, I would be reaching for Eco Tan Face Tan Water before all else. Dramatic, I know, but it has seriously changed my life.
- It has cleared my acne and masked any redness on my skin, which is mind blowing to me because I always thought face tans would break me out.
- I said bye, bye to foundation because Face Tan Water gives me the most beautiful, healthy glow.
- I look like I’ve spent 2 months basking in the Maldivian sun but without the consequences of sun damage.
- It’s Collagen boosting… enough said.
- A walk a day keeps the doctor away – happy body, happy mind
Set your alarm 20 minutes earlier and get your butt out of bed. I swear there’s nothing quite like waking up with sun on an early morning stroll. I promise, your day will be better, brighter and 10 times more productive.
- No matter how drunk, ALWAYS take your makeup off after a night out
I know, after that 4th glass of wine you really couldn’t think of anything worse, but I promise that your skin will thank you. No one suits second day makeup.
Hot tip: Mix a few drops of Glory Oil in with your Super Citrus Cleanser for a delicious oil-based cleanser that removes makeup like you wouldn’t believe.
- Self-love is essential
I know it sounds cliché but YOU time really is life changing. Whatever your thing is, whether it’s reading a book in the morning sunshine, buying an overpriced cinnamon soy milk latte or just spending 2 minutes noting things you’re grateful for, self-love comes above all else. Promise me you’ll try it?