Endless exhaustion is an unforgiving adversary. It’s bad enough to suffer from a lack of sleep and the relentless fog that clouds the mind, but it’s another thing entirely when signs of weariness are glaringly evident on your face, compounding the frustration.
Sometimes, it’s not even about poor sleep. The relentless signs of fatigue, like swollen eyes, dark circles, and a lackluster complexion, persistently cling on.
Here are some simple adjustments to your routine to help you appear more alert: If catching extra Z’s is off the table, the aim is to look more alert swiftly. Ever wonder why your skin seems revitalized immediately following a professional facial? That’s often due to superior massage techniques, a step many of us unfortunately skip during rushed mornings. However, dedicating a few minutes to stimulate blood circulation can significantly diminish inflammation.
Joanne Evans, a renowned celebrity facialist and the brain behind the beloved Notting Hill skin care sanctuary Skin Matters, highlights massage as a crucial element for attaining “revived, luminous skin.” “Just a couple of minutes each day, using either our hands or tools while cleansing or moisturizing, or as part of an extended home facial routine,” she suggests.
1. Gua Sha
Originating from traditional Chinese medicine, gua sha (pronounced gwah-shah) has been a part of healing practices long before its recent popularity surge. The technique uses a smooth-edged tool to scrape over oiled skin, easing muscle tension and boosting microcirculation. Joanne advocates for using a jade or rose quartz gua sha tool to “enhance lymphatic flow,” which helps in depuffing and sculpting the face by “boosting blood circulation to oxygenate the skin.” She recommends Hayo’u tools, created by Katie Brindle, a practitioner of Chinese medicine.
2. Ice Rollers
Not for everyone, but the skin benefits of cryotherapy – using extreme cold temperatures – are undeniable. Joanne is fond of globe-shaped ice rollers, available at Skin Matters, and advises using them in a specific “inward-to-outward” motion. “The cold works wonders for tightening the skin and pores, as well as reducing puffiness, especially around the eyes,” she notes. “It also stimulates the lymphatic system and enhances nerve function, allowing serums and creams to absorb better.” Ice globes are a favorite among makeup artists for pre-event skin prep and are also recommended by Joanne for post-laser or peel care.
3. Vitamin C
Antioxidants like vitamin C are crucial for achieving a brighter, more vibrant complexion, particularly useful for combating dullness. They also protect the skin from environmental damage. “I can’t emphasize enough the importance of antioxidants. They repair, fortify, and aid in cell regeneration,” Joanne mentions. She prefers using Environ’s Intense C-Boost Mela-Even Cream in the morning alongside a moisturizer. While some day creams contain vitamin C, she advocates for a more concentrated booster or serum for a potent effect. And, don’t forget your SPF.
4. Caffeinated Eye Cream
Caffeine is a potent ingredient for reducing puffiness around the eyes, a tell-tale sign of a restless night. “Caffeine helps with drainage by stimulating and constricting the capillaries and lymphatic system,” Joanne explains. Following an ice globe massage, she suggests applying a caffeine-infused eye cream in the morning. Opt for a lighter formula to avoid worsening swelling in the eye area. For those with sensitive eyes, she recommends skipping this step or opting for a hydrating eye mask stored in the fridge for an extra cooling effect.
5. Liquid Exfoliant
Particularly during the winter, when low humidity can lead to a dull complexion, acids, also known as liquid or chemical exfoliants, can help revive the skin’s glow. “Toners with glycolic or lactic acid prepare the skin to absorb products more effectively, and some are gentle enough for nightly use after cleansing,” Joanne notes. She advises using a liquid exfoliant over physical scrubs, which can be too harsh, and recommends products like Biologique Recherche’s P50, Environ’s Concentrated Alpha Hydroxy Toner, and Paula’s Choice’s Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant.