BRB buying sunscreen
From facials to skincare, I tested them all
Do you ever look in the mirror and think my skin looks so blah? Perhaps you're dealing with skin concerns that no matter what you try, you just can't shake them? Luckily there are simple and effective ways to perk up your skin. HUNTERhunter met up with the ladies at Coco Skin Laser Health to talk glowy skin.
Now let's be honest looking after your skin can be a tedious job. It's easy to reach for the prettiest looking bottle of cleanser off the supermarket shelf without checking the label first. Or going without some form of SPF on when you leave the house.
As our skin is the largest organ in our body, it is important to take notice of the products you're applying to your skin as well as what actions you should follow to keeping it in pristine condition.
Walking into Coco, I have to admit, I was nervous. Could they tell from one look that I used to sunbake myself silly? The answer was yes, as they could detect the sun damage in my skin, but they advised me on how to move forward with this and helped me feel totally comfortable in my own skin.
After sitting down with Sarah Relic, one of Coco's Registered Nurses, to discuss skin care and appropriate treatments, I decided to personally test out some of the recommended treatments for glowy, radiant skin. Here are HUNTERhunter's top tips for amazing skin results based on my experience at Coco.
1. Sunscreen
To put it simply, SPF is an everyday product. Yes, even when it's cloudy! The number one cause for premature signs of ageing is the sun. So if there is one thing that you can do right away to help your skin, it is sunscreen! Protect your skin from ageing and more harmful effect of sun damage by adopting this routine every morning. Australia has the third highest rate of skin cancer in the world, so it makes sense to incorporate sunscreen into your beauty routine.
Sarah recommends Propaira SPF50+ with Niacinamide sunscreen, a great affordable option for use on the body, arms and legs. It contains niacinamide iron oxide pigments and vitamin E to nourish the skin. The formula is lightweight and easily absorbed leaving no greasy residue.
2. Broadband Light Therapy
BBL™ is a non-invasive and innovative light-based technology, that treats unwanted skin conditions caused by the ageing process and sun damage. The treatment smoothes out your skin tone and complexion to leave a glowing finish by effectively minimising and removing pigmentation, freckles and redness in the skin. The BBL™ treatment also tightens the skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and has been proven to reverse the signs of ageing at the DNA level.
3. Mineral make up
Sarah recommends Jade Iredale Products for a number of reasons. Jane Iredale products contain a high amount of minerals that create a smooth and soothing protective barrier and allow the skin to breathe and function normally. Many of their products provide sun protection, are anti-irritant and carry minimum allergen risk. Below are two of Coco's favourite makeup products:
Jane Iredale Glowtime BB Cream
A favourite among Coco staff, this amazing product is makeup, sunscreen and concealer all in one. It is 100% mineral based meaning there are no nasty chemicals. It is best used in combination with a smooth affair primer as you can tailor your coverage to your individual needs. Plus, the BB cream comes in a wide range of shades, so there is a shade for everyone.
Jane Iredale Smooth Affair Primer
A lightweight 100% mineral primer that reduces the appearance of fine lines and enlarged pores. This product provides an amazing base and compliments with the Jane Iredale BB cream. By giving the skin an added luminosity and hydrated look.
4. Hydration
If you're looking to glow from the inside out, water will be your body's best friend. Grab yourself a reusable water bottle and cleanse those toxins out. But if you're looking to get the ultimate hydration boost for your skin, I recommend Coco's Hydrabrasion treatment.
Using a small suction device, my face was firstly cleansed then exfoliated and lastly nourished with serums. If you struggle with congestion such as blackheads, like myself, this is the treatment for you.
5. Omnilux™ LED Light Therapy
Omnilux™ LED light therapy works with the body's own natural processes to counteract the effects of ageing and also clears acne-prone skin, via the delivery of specific light wavelength. I was lucky enough to try Coco's signature Omnilux™ treatment out. For someone with rosy cheeks and pigmentation, this was perfect. I noticed a difference in my skin tone and complexion within days of the treatment. The session is totally relaxing and to help find your Zen, the treatment is accompanied by a hand and arm massage.
6. Exercise
When it comes to exercise, find what works for your body and what you enjoy doing. A workout shouldn't be punishment, this is especially true for those of us that battle with rosy red cheeks or Rosacea as Sarah explains, 'high-intensity workouts can flare up the skin'. For those needing to de-stress and unwind, Coco has recently introduced a Hatha yoga timetable as an exercise option that is gentle, mindfulness-based and reduces stress levels which also helps with treating stress-induced skin concerns.
7. Skin Consultation
Perhaps the most important of all, booking in for a skin consultation. Whilst these tips will help you get started, everyone's skin is unique and there is no one size fits all approach to achieving healthy skin. Book your consultation with one of Coco's Registered Nurses to discuss what will work for you and your skin.