Under The Mask – Skincare 2020

How good does it feel when you arrive home and take off your mask….2020 has created new skin challenges and in part 2 I am sharing how I’ve navigated and adjusted. Wearing a mask continues to be part of our daily attire as we transition into 2021, so how can we support our skin? For myself my skin communicated to me by breaking out. “I got it”, I would say as I looked in the mirror, “I love you – I’m on it”. I also found my lips were getting dry under my mask. At Sephora, one of the samples I got with a purchase was a lip sleeping mask by Laneige and it really works. I started applying it before wearing my face mask (it looks like a baby pink lip balm and feels great). My distressed skin however, needed more then a mask. It required internal intervention.

As a model (and actress) my skin is expected to stay flawless (especially when being the face of a skincare campaign), eating a plant based diet has certainly continued to nourish my skin from the inside out during this time. However my skin needs extra love under the mask. I cleanse my skin as soon as i get home now so it can breathe. I drink more H2O. I am aiming for 3 liters a day, aiming being the operative word. I am averaging at 1.5 liters. I know I’ve said this before but I need to remind myself as much as anyone else who needs to hear it, drink more water. It is the most nourishing skincare and the most cost effective. As my beauty lovers know, my approach to beauty is from the inside out and was born out of my choice to be a vegan. That’s how I learnt what you eat changes your skin. The basic skin supplements I take are D3, Zinc, Vitamin C, MSM and alpha lipoic acid. I have been exploring amino acids recently and I am fascinated by their superpowers. I have started taking turmeric again for its anti inflammatory and potent antioxidant benefits. All disease, including skin issues stem from inflammation. Eating anti inflammatory foods, eliminate inflammatory foods (yes main culprits are sugar, alcohol, processed meat), exercise, lose weight and manage stress to nourish your body. My anti inflammatory crew consists of; Alpha Lipoic Acid, which is a fatty acid made by your body. Zinc – our whole body needs this micronutrient, which can help ward off inflammation and is a major skin and immune booster. I even added ginger to soothe my skin. I am going to try vitamin E as a stand alone supplement and will let you know what I think. MSM is also anti inflammatory and it is my secret hair tool – it adds thickness and shine. My hair stylist, who works on a number of high profile entertainers, asked me what I was using and I just smiled and said MSM. D3 is a vitamin we should all take and if you are not. Start. Apart from the profound skin benefits, it boosts immunity, strengthens bones and muscles, increases mood, aids in weight loss and improves heart function. Wearing masks, more time indoors and now for a lot of us – winter, means we all need more vitamin D3 right now.

To supplement the inner work I like to layer my skincare. I have streamlined my skincare even more this year. I still use the hardworking, Organic Luxe Oil by Sibu Beauty, it is a staple in my skincare routine all year (and my mums). My skin glows in gratitude. I also have to recommend their Organic Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil for skin issues. It is a powerhouse for irritated skin and restores it. In fact I was not using it when my skin reacted to the mask while I was working out at the gym. Now I am using this pop pow of goodness and it shows. i also love face sprays and use them all year. I’ve found if I spray my skin while I wear my mask it helps keep it hydrated. So I will remove the mask (while 6 feet away and not inside – wink to the camera) and spritz. Let it dry and then put my mask back on. I continue to use the Organic Bulgarian Rose Water by Alteya Organics. I set goals with my skincare. I am continuously fine-tuning and adjusting and this year has simply taken more fine-tuning then usual. Love yourself up so much it pours out of you into this world through your largest organ – our skin.

Our mindset affects our skin also and i know this year is especially challenging when we are unable to be with our loved ones. My family is in another country and my heart aches to see them. However, love is nourishing, supportive and protective and we will all be together soon and then we can actually hug, kiss and love each other up with peace of mind. This is true love. When you love someone so much you don’t want to risk jeopardizing their health. Wishing everyone who celebrates a very happy Christmas. Glow into 2021….

www.sibubeauty.com

www.us.laneige.com

www.alteyaorganics.com

All supplements available at Wholefoods.