Over the years, I’ve learned to recognize and appreciate the various stages of my skin. From being a model in my twenties to becoming an esthetician and skincare business owner today, my skin journey is one I’d love to share with you.

YOUNG SKIN

As a model I was always in a panic of breaking out before a shoot or a show as I suffered from acne.

Dermatologists treated me with antibiotics and harsh soaps designed to get rid of the excess oils. Neither worked. I found that drying soaps and alcohol-based skincare actually stimulated oil production and irritated the blemishes.

Now I know that eating a diet rich in fruits and veggies works best to keep the digestive system and the skin clean.

MID-LIFE

At 40, I started getting fine lines under my eyes. I began using a proper moisturizer, every day, both morning and night. Through my training I learned that skin at every age needs an oil-based moisturizer, but maturing skin requires some extra loving care.

As mid-life hormonal changes kicked in, my skin became much drier, and I started moisturizing all over my body as well as my face. From 50 onwards it’s important to use a heavier coat, especially around the eyes, mouth and neck, and replenish by mid day in those areas when needed.

MATURE SKIN

Now at 69, I need all the help I can get! It goes without saying that I look after my skin really well .

And I live well. I make it a priority to eat healthily, meditate and take daily walks in nature. I enjoy a small glass of wine with dinner.

Additionally, I also make sure to get a good nights rest. Sleep is so critical for our health and beauty , honestly nothing takes its place.

Overall, I’m happy to say I feel in good health and enthusiastic about life.

AND YOU?

But, everyone’s skin is different. Your skin has its own needs.

Over my career in beauty and skin care, I’ve noticed that it’s women of Irish descent who have the driest skin, followed by Nordic women. If you have Mediterranean skin like mine, or black or Asian skin, you are probably blessed with more natural oils, and need less moisturizer in your youth.

GREAT SKINCARE AT EVERY AGE

Although generally skin gets drier with age, I have met people under 20 with very dry skin, who need frequent and intensive moisturization. And we might think of breakouts as a teenage phenomenon, but sensitive skin is surprisingly common at every age.

I’ve used all my experience of my own skin and other people’s to formulate our enriched anti-aging skincare so that it works beautifully for everyone.

I hope that regardless of where you are in life, you’re also feeling great in your skin!

SUMMER SUN

Enjoying the warmth of the sun on your skin, is one of the great pleasures of summer.

Moderate doses of sunshine help your body produce vitamin D. This essential vitamin keeps your bones good and strong, and even helps ward off diabetes and some cancers.

ON THE BEACH

In excess however, we all know that the ultraviolet radiation in sunlight is strongly aging for your skin. It promotes collagen breakdown and the formation of damaging free radicals.

On the beach, sunscreens may be the most practical option, and I recommend choosing one based on zinc oxide, with no alcohol or perfumes.

DAY TO DAY SUN CARE

For day to day use, reports about the toxicity and absorption of some of the chemicals and preservatives in some sunscreen products, mean that I prefer a more natural approach.

Simple steps like wearing a hat, cooling natural fibres, and long sleeves, plus eating a diet rich in skin-enhancing fruits and vegetables, may be just what your skin needs.

These delicious sun-protective superfoods will not only do you all kinds of good on the inside, but can be protective for your skin as well.

Nourish your skin deeply from the inside, and it will keep looking fantastic on the outside.

NATURE’S HELPERS

Tomatoes are packed with an antioxidant called lycopene, and clinical trials of regular consumption have shown they help protect your skin against sunburn. Watermelons are also rich in lycopene.

The antioxidant beta carotene, found in abundance in orange foods like carrots and sweet potatoes, has been shown to even reverse sun damage.

The vitamin C in strawberries is another potent antioxidant, great for fighting those pesky free radicals.

A botanical compound in green tea – a polyphenol called EGCG – also fights free radicals, and reduces inflammation.

Pomegranates and dark chocolate are rich in antioxidant flavonoids.

The glorious curcumin in turmeric is a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

And of course there are more – the vitamin E in almonds, the omega three oils and selenium in oily fishes, the flavonoids in red wine – so many delicious ways to do yourself good.

Here is how to keep your skin beautiful through your summer vacation…

HYDRATION

On the plane, or on the beach, make sure to drink plenty of water.

Plane travel is very drying, and dehydrated skin looks tired and dull.

ALCOHOL

It’s best to completely avoid alcohol on the plane.

And of course  alcohol should also be avoided in your skincare products .

SUN

A little sun is good for your health, but if you’re going to get lots, get ready by eating plenty of sun-protective superfoods .

If you need to use a sunscreen, be sure to choose one based on zinc oxide, with no alcohol or perfume.

YOUR ROUTINE

Even if it’s inconvenient to take all your usual skincare products with you, a summer trip is not a good time to make a break in your skincare routine .

We put together our travel care set to help with this. Even in our small sizes, our products come in glass containers to preserve their potency.

ADAPT

If you do get sunburn, or get chapped from the wind, skip your exfoliant until your skin has healed.

If you can keep your toner in the fridge , applying it cold will boost its pore-minimizing powers.

MOISTURIZE

And the simplest thing to say about summer travel is that you’ll probably be doing lots of drying things to your skin – planes, beaches, outdoor sports – so moisturize, moisturize, moisturize, should be your mantra.

It surprises me when people find it amazing that I look great in my sixties. Why shouldn’t we look great at any age?

Here’s the real “anti-aging” scoop. I’m so happy to tell you it doesn’t just come in a jar. It is the sum of everything that affects your health in mind, body and spirit.

Mindful Movement

A daily meditation practice that suits you will relieve stress and help shed light on any challenging situation you might find yourself in. You’ll be surprised what a few minutes of gentle breathing and quietly emptying the mind can do.

If you feel tired, take a nap. That’s such a beauty booster as well. And are you getting eight hours of peaceful sleep each night? Herb teas before you go to bed can help promote a blissful night.  Golden milk, too.

Doing exercise that you love will love you in return.

Every day that I can, I practice yoga for about twenty minutes and go on a beautiful one hour walk in nature.

Treat Yourself (Well)

Food quality really matters. Putting great things into your mouth matters just as much as putting great things onto your skin. When traveling, it can be difficult to find organic food, but at home it’s all my family and I eat.

And indulgences, in moderation, are a vital part of nourishing your soul as well as your body. A daily small piece of chocolate with tea is a joy that I wouldn’t think of going without. At dinner a small glass of a fine wine or sake is lovely for unwinding.

Simple Touches

As a former model and makeup artist, I know that less is more, especially as we grow older. Foundation, harsh eye-shadow colors, and too much blush will make you appear older, not younger.

I do love red lipstick, and when used properly, it can be worn day or night without looking made up. I use eyebrow pencil to define my brows, mascara, a discreet eyeliner or a hint of a subtle eye shadow. Gently emphasize your assets. And of course it never hurts to cultivate great skin.

Dress in what makes you feel comfortable and beautiful. I like to dress in clothes that make me feel both feminine and at ease.

At this point and time in my life I try to do what makes me happy. Life is about choices. You can choose to be healthy and radiant at every age.

Blessings!

Beauty is a multifaceted thing. Who you are lights you up, from the inside. And cultivating healthy, radiant skin helps your beauty shine through.

A lovely lady I met the other day said ‘Yes, yes yes. I love your blog. I want to read everything you’ve ever said. But first I want a shortcut! I want the lowdown! I want to know how to make my skin totally gorgeous right now!’

So here it is, the lowdown.

Cleanse

Soap Supérieure Moisturizing Cleanser, to leave your skin soft and moist. This is our soft and gentle cleanser with botanical oils and white clay, and like all of our products it’s certified organic, to look after your skin as naturally as possible. Or, if your skin is sensitive, savor the delicious scent of our  Soap Supérieure Rose Geranium.

Balance

Next use our Toner Supérieure Pore Refiner to minimize your pores, re-establish your skin’s pH balance, and neutralize any excess secretions, for skin inclined to breakouts. It’s gently astringent, and like all of our range, free from harsh alcohols that could dry out your skin.

Now we reach the core.

Nourish

Crème Supérieure Anti-Aging Moisturizer was our first product, our first joyous inspiration on this journey of sharing great natural skin care with you. It feels wonderful on your skin, and helps you look wonderful. Jojoba, pomegranate, apricot kernel oil, and rosemary leaf extract are just a few of the intensely nutritive ingredients that help soften and smooth your skin, reduce fine lines, and restore your luminosity.

If your skin is sensitive, then our Ultra Sensitive Crème will be the right one for you. A magical mix of ingredients including edelweiss, colostrum and evening primrose oil will nurture and protect your delicate complexion. Of all of our products, I can’t tell you how often people rave to me about the transformation they experienced when they started using this.

Refine

Two or three times a week, use Exfoliant Supérieure Refining Treatment to remove dead skin cells and deeply cleanse the pores.. Gorgeous gray Breton salt and mineral-rich pink salt from Bolivia harmonize with nourishing natural oils and extracts, to restore your natural radiance. You’ll see the difference immediately.

Brighten

If your skin needs to be brightened, after toning, use  Serum Supérieure Bio-Active Complex. Your face will love soaking up this luxurious treat. Let it dry on your skin and then moisturize.

And with your face so well looked after, the rest of your body will be delighted to enjoy our Body Crème Supérieure Moisturizing Treatment . It’s packed with emollient treasures, from pomegranates to aloe vera.

And there you go.

That’s the simple routine, using only the best ingredients, in the perfect formulations, that can make your skin sing and glow. Just as it should. And you can start today…