Gina B: Skin Care Cardinals

Nowadays, flawless skin is often considered a feature only accessible in glossy magazines thanks to the wonders of Photoshop.

But, thanks to the evolutionary developments in make-up and dermatological testing this has become a reality! In this article I will uncover my top 10 AFFORDABLE products and remedies to help achieve this look, available over the counter at the moment.

Sudocrem Antiseptic Healing Cream: As crazy as it may sound this well-known product most commonly referred to as Britain’s Number 1 nappy rash cream is clinically proven to soothe, heal and protect delicate skin. However, its water-repellent base forms a protective barrier, reducing the irritation from every day irritations and weathering effects on the skin caused by air-conditioning, heating and pollution. Its emollient action relieves sore inflamed skin that may go unnoticed to the naked eye. Its additional antifungal and antiseptic properties make it suitable for the treatment of other skin complaints including minor burns, surface wounds acne and eczema. As this cream is thick in texture I recommend only using a thin layer on the skin every evening before tucking into bed. (Boots – £2.69)

Bio Oil: Bio Oil is a specialist skincare product that helps improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks and uneven skin tone. Its advanced formulation, which contains the breakthrough ingredient PurCellin Oil, also makes it highly effective for numerous other skin concerns, including aging skin and dehydrated skin. Bio Oil is formualted with the following all-natural ingredients: Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Calendula Oil, Lavender Oil, Rosemary Oil and Chamomile Oil. Bio Oil is a non-comedogenic (acnegenic), hypo-allergenic product that is suitable for use by individuals with sensitive skin. Just a few drops every morning and every evening sinks quickly into the pores of your skin without leaving a greasy surface. (Boots – £8.99 for 60ml)

 Sanctuary Salt Scrub: Winner of Best Body Scrub – Company Beauty Awards 2011. Sanctuary Salt Scrub is a sumptuous blend of skin polishing dead sea salts wrapped in moisturising coconut, jojoba and sweet almond oils to refine and resurface the texture of the skin and leave it super smooth.(Boots £11.25)

Sovage Idebenol Facial Antioxidant Cream:

http://www.amazon.com/Sovage-Idebenol-Facial-Anti-Oxidant/dp/B000RO2IPO

The numbers don’t lie. A study of women over 60 years old who used Sovage Idebenol showed that these women increased their skin renewal rate to the same rate as an average 29 year old. Uhhmaazing!

1. BB creams are suddenly everywhere! From giant signs in Sephora windows to the best real estate in the drugstores. The craze started in Asia, and at least a dozen brands have launched a BB cream in the States over the last year, with many more to come. BB stands for “Beauty Balm” or “Blemish Balm” depending on the formula, and they’re basically tinted moisturizers with skin care ingredients and SPF built in. Although everyone from salespeople to journalists is touting them as all-in-one miracle creams. My favourite BB cream is, Too Faced Beauty Balm Multi-Benefit Skin Care Makeup, £24.50 www.beautybay.com

1. Quick and easy steps to luscious lips! Exfoliation can help remove the dry, dead skin covering the beautiful soft lips underneath. Regular exfoliation can help dry lips become moist and plump. If you want great lips, then this is the method for you!

First Method: Sugar-Based Scrub1

*Mix a little bit of olive oil with some sugar in a small bowl. Experiment with the quantities until the mixture is pasty in consistency.

*Gently rub the mixture on your lips with a washcloth, massaging in circular motions. The longer you rub in the mixture, the more intensely you will exfoliate your lips.

*Rinse the mixture off with warm water (try cupping your hands). Because all of the ingredients are non-toxic, swallowing a small amount of the scrub is not dangerous.

*Remember to rehydrate the sensitive skin you just exposed by putting on your favorite lip balm to finish it off. Your lips should feel soft and silky smooth.

Second Method: Toothbrush

*Take an old toothbrush (preferably one with straight bristles which are very soft) and put a bit of petroleum jelly on it.

*Rub the toothbrush on your lips in circular motions.

*Leave on the petroleum jelly to rehydrate your lips.

Third Method: Baking Soda Scrub

Take some baking soda and mix it with water to form a gritty paste.

Use an old tooth brush (soft and straight bristles!) or washcloth to rub the paste across your lips in circular motions.

Rinse off your lips.

Remember that baking soda and water do not moisturize your lips at all, so be sure to apply a moisturising lip balm when done.

Fourth Method: Honey Sugar Scrub

Take sugar and honey (less sugar than honey) and mix it all together. Then apply it in a circular motion and leave it for a couple minutes or so.

1. Facial Mask by Lancôme Hydra Intense normal to combination skin. This fresh-gel mask is infused with active ingredients to intensely hydrate the skin, leaving it relaxed, refreshed and deeply moisturized. Helps to diminish the appearance of dry lines and leave skin feeling soft, supple and smooth. •All skin types. House of Fraser for £32.00 per 100ml

1. Philosophy Hope In a Jar Moisturiser from Boots, £35. Successful in keeping skin moisturised all day long, it was tested by Marie Claire Magazine beauty editors in an extremely dry, air-conditioned office and our skin remained quenched throughout the day. Rich in texture, yet easy to blend, your friends will be wondering what exactly you’ve been up to with such a healthy glow!

1. 9.     Aveda: The skin on the lips is very thin and delicate, and Aveda’s Lip Saver contains that all essential SPF15 to protect them, as well as cinnamon leaf, clove and anise oils to moisturise. £11, aveda.co.uk.

Use the new paraben-free St. Ives Apricot Scrub and prepare for “compliments galore” on your “glowing, clear skin.” Boots £3.99