Make 2022 your year to glow!

Like the year before, 2021 was tough on personal health. And our skin, doctors say, has taken an especially severe beating.

In fact, it seems that due to constant handwashing, mask-wearing and staying indoors, not only have acne, eczema and rosacea flare-ups become more common, many folks also appear to have aged faster.

So how do we reverse all of this in 2022?

With COVID-19 is still around, we still can’t get rid of all the pandemic-related skin issues entirely. But, it’s entirely possible to restore your skin to its pre-pandemic glow this year. The best part is that it needn’t be overly complicated.

Wash your face daily with a light cleanser

Great skin begins with a clean complexion. So wash your face twice a day with lukewarm water to rid it of oil and grime. Remember to be gentle!

Plus, the skin on your face is sensitive and contains natural oils. So avoid over-scrubbing and using body soap.

Instead, opt for dedicated cleansers like DEFY Dirt Fighter and Physio Radiance’s Gentle Foaming Cleanser that are light yet effective.

Tone and moisturise

Just as important as cleaning your face is ensuring that it’s adequately hydrated.

True, dry skin on its own isn’t harmless. Nevertheless, moisture loss throughout the day can result in prolonged dryness, which increases the risk of acne and dermatitis and can even cause wrinkles.

As such, applying a toner and a moisturiser at least twice a day — to soften and smoothen skin — would help a great deal.

And don’t stress at the thought of having to use two different products because you don’t.

There are numerous all-in-one solutions, like the DEFY Youth Tonic, which tones as well as hydrates the skin.

Add healthy-ageing serums

Cleansing, moisturising, and toning are all going to put your skin back on the path to recovery.

Nevertheless, for optimum effect, consider adding serums to your skincare regime.

Serums act like vaccine booster shots. And the best of these contain antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients that penetrate deep into the skin and offer extra protection.

Granted, there are many options to choose from in this department. And, unsurprisingly, selecting the right one can get rather complicated.

To keep things simple, opt for an easy-to-apply solution like Physio Radiance’s Firming & Lifting Serum. It contains natural ingredients that support cell turnover and help fight the effects of ageing.

Don’t forget the sunblock

While it’s true that sunlight can help the body make Vitamin D that’s vital for bones, blood cells, and the immune system, extended exposure to UV rays can seriously damage skin and contribute to wrinkles and a loss of firmness.

The solution, then, is to never step out of the house without having first applied sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.

In a nutshell, SPF — which stands for sun protection factor — extends the skin’s natural defences. And the numbers indicate just how much protection is offered.

So, SPF 30, for example, would provide 30 times more protection to your skin than if you didn’t have sunblock on.

Eat, drink and sleep well

A simple skincare regime aside, great skin also requires certain lifestyle changes.

Has 2021 been a year of poor eating habits? Have you been constantly clocking in fewer hours of shuteye?

Well, some of that needs to change in 2022 if you’re serious about having supple, healthy skin.

Start by resolving not to skip meals, generally eating healthier, drinking enough water, and getting at least seven hours of sleep a day.

Regular cardiovascular exercise is also going to help a tonne.

And don’t worry if you can’t always hit the gym or hop on the treadmill.

A short walk once a day can work wonders to get your blood pumping and relieve stress — a major cause of skin conditions!

In short, just remember these few basic rules, resolve to stick to a simple routine, and you’ll be on your way to glowing skin in no time this year!