- What's the most important thing to remember about your skin routine?
It is important to remember that your skin isn't just formed of the top layer which you can see when you look in the mirror. It's composed of 3 main layers and under that visible top layer is a layer composed of connective tissue/ collagen and elastin and then bottom layer is your muscles and fatty tissue. It's important to look after all 3 of these layers.
The muscles in the bottom layer need to be relaxed and strengthened with exercises like Face Yoga as this provides the 'structure' and 'foundation' for the rest of your face. The massage aspects of Face Yoga are a wonderful way to nourish the middle layer and to promote the collagen and elastin to plump and firm the skin. The top layer needs regular cleansing, toning and exfoliating. Twice a day I recommend a high quality, natural organic serum as the skin, which is a living organ, always responds best to natural products.
- What are the benefits of drinking water?
Water is essential for life. It not only keeps us alive but helps every organ and system in our body work effectively. Our body is composed of around 65% water so even that statistic alone shows how water is so important and the most essential nutrient for the body. Even just being mildly dehydrated can impact of everything from our brain function to our immune system.
Drinking around 2 litres of water a day can help with appetite control, energy, stress, our skin and so much more. Most of know that we look and feel better when we are drinking water but most of us forget during our busy days. My tip is to find a way to remind yourself to drink regular and try to make it fun as well. And remember not to just wait until you feel thirsty to drink water as you will already be dehydrated by that stage, try to drink it before you feel the thirst kick in!
- How does water affect your skin?
There is still a lack of evidence out there on the exact impact that water has on the skin. In my personal experience and in over 13 years in the wellbeing industry, I believe that drinking water can help the skin to look smoother, younger and firmer. Time and time again I have seen clients who have swapped their old sugary and caffeinated drinks for pure, filtered water and have noticed their skin looking more hydrated and clearer. There are so many 'detox' products out there on the market but my message is just drink water, there is no simpler or more effective way to help rid the body and face of toxins.
- Can you tell us more ways to drink water?
I am not a fan of getting our water intake through things like tea, coffee and alcohol as these all have dehydrating effects which defeat the object of trying to hydrate. Also, drinking sugary drinks may feel hydrating at the time but the sugar causes many other health problems. I recommend having a water bottle you love and filling in up at the beginning of the day and taking sips through the day.
This way you will be reminded every time you look at the bottle and you can also accurately measure your intake. Adding fresh fruit, herbs or vegetables like lemon, mint or cucumber make water taste less boring and give you an additional health benefit with the vitamins and mineral boost. Herbal teas and foods with a high water content like cucumber are also a great way to get more hydration.
I love my infruition bottle and jug. They are genius and make water so much for interesting plus give an extra vitamin boost at the same time. The jug looks lovely on the table in my studio and is always a talking point and the sports bottle is perfect to take around to my yoga classes.
- What products do you recommend for your skin routine?
I love using natural products like Manuka honey for a hydrating and softening face mask. Every day I use the Fusion by Danielle Collins Pro Lift Moisturising Serum which is packed full of high performing botanical oils, vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and antioxidants. It is accredited by the Soil Association, the only official body to accredit a product as natural and organic and works so well on skin which is sensitive, dry/mature or prone to breakouts. If I want a natural looking tan without the sun damage I use Vita Liberata self-tan lotion. I also love Microderm MD home microdermabrasion machine.
Danielle Collins - The world's leading face yoga expert and founder of the Danielle Collins Face Yoga Method, www.faceyogaexpert.com
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