EXFOLIATE LIKE A PRO! Faye Purcell, head of research and development at skincare brand Q+A (www.qandaskin.com) says: Exfoliation is brilliant for achieving radiant, fresh and flake-free skin; however, it’s important not to over-exfoliate. How often you do it depends on your skin type, but as a rule of thumb, you should exfoliate no more than two to three times per week. A great entry level AHA product for all skin types is the Q+A Glycolic Acid Daily Toner, £8. Containing glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid, it brightens, balances, hydrates and reduces skin congestion in a few swipes. With continued use, it can help to reduce the visible signs of ageing, such as hyperpigmentation. Nobody needs to exfoliate daily, but if your skin is dry, you may need to do so just once a week. If oilier, you could benefit from exfoliating up to three times a week. I’d suggest using a gentle formula like the Q+A Apple AHA Exfoliating Gel, £8.50, once or twice a week as it’s highly effective at buffing the skin and is packed with skin soothing ingredients. Whether you need to exfoliate in the morning or evening depends on your ingredients. A chemical exfoliator, like an AHA, should be used at night, as it can make skin more sensitive to UV rays. The same goes for retinol. Begin your exfoliation routine with a thorough face cleanse to decongest your pores and create a clean canvas. Then, apply your chosen chemical exfoliator, ensuring you meticulously follow the usage instructions. If it’s a toner or a serum, usually there’s no need to wash off. Complete your routine with a barrier-protecting moisturiser to seal in the benefits of exfoliation. A physical exfoliator can be used in the morning. Work a 10p-sized amount into skin gently in circular motions, so as not to drag or tear. Rinse with warm water and pat skin dry with a towel. Follow with a daily moisturiser, and always apply your SPF. If your skin looks or feels red or irritated, you could have overdone it. You may think that harsh, gritty or strong formulas will work faster, giving you quicker results, but they can do more harm than good. As with any skincare, always follow the instructions. If it says to leave the product on for one minute and rinse, don’t leave it on for 10! Go low and slow – lower inclusions of exfoliating ingredients gradually introduced into your regime can still have a big impact. When using any exfoliator, it’s vital to use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher on a daily basis. Removing the top layer of dead skin cells makes the skin underneath more prone to sun damage, so don’t skimp on this important step! Unsplash via Autumn Goodman HAIR GOALS Try to get your hair in the best possible condition pre-wedding so you have maximum shine on the day! Start using treatments, leave-in conditioners and getting regular haircuts leading up to the wedding. When going to your hair trial, always wash your locks the night before and wear white to your appointment, preferably a top with a similar neckline as your dress and take along any hair extensions, accessories and veil that you’ll be wearing for your special day including your mood board and inspiration photos. For the morning of your wedding, have clean, dry hair by washing it the night before and don’t use any products. Steam all dresses the night before to avoid any heat and steam ruining your hair or the bridesmaids. Wear a baggy top in the morning or one with buttons to avoid messing the hairstyle up. Take any hair bands off your wrists that will leave a mark, and always be ready an hour before the ceremony to have time for photos and a drink. Never go last for hair or make-up. Stay hydrated and eat some brekkie while playing a great playlist. Remember to take a deep breath, relax and take it in! Stacey Granger | Stacey Granger Hair www.staceygrangerhair.co.uk https://terriandlori.com https://nikkiwatkinsphotoandfilm.com 66
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