Another year brings another lap around the sun. Whether 27 or 87 years young, we always ask ourselves where the time has gone, how we got here and what we want to achieve by the time the next decade rolls around. As 2020 was the year of self-reflection, now more than ever are we are asking ourselves what we should have done or what we could have done better.
When it comes to beauty, if only we could travel back in time and advise our 20-year-old selves on the dos and don’ts of the beauty world – from that dreaded pencil thin eyebrow trend to getting that tattoo of our ex’s name on our wrist. Verve and the The Global Beauty Group have teamed together and compiled a list of advice we would give our younger selves.
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Don’t get that tattoo!
Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m a tattoo lover and can always appreciate a beautiful piece of body art – but we cannot deny the basic fact which is that – sometimes – tattoos can go wrong; from a misspelling, to a change in personal taste, to simply just a bad quality tattoo. Although tattoo removal is very effective, it can take from 6-12 sessions to completely eradicate your ink.
So how does tattoo removal work? Tattoo removal lasers gently penetrate the skin to target the tattoo pigment, and with the laser shattering the ink into fine particles which are then processed out of your body through its natural drainage (lymphatic) system. It is a fairly quick session but can come with a bit of pain – so remember that next time you are considering getting some new ink!
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Embrace the SPF!
We have all been there – summer comes around and you’re ready to leave those pasty legs in the past and embrace the tan lines. We have also always heard the same thing – sun exposure is one of the worst things you can do to your skin. I am here to be that person once again and tell you this has never been more true!
Now here come the facts: 80% of visible ageing is directly linked to UV exposure or sun-damage. The collagen in our skin starts to break down long before we start turning that sun-kissed pink, and here in New Zealand and with the depletion of our ozone layer, our sun is especially intense. SPF 30+ or even 50+ are your best bets at protecting yourself from UV exposure on those hot and sweaty days. When it comes to days out in the sun, vineyard hopping or brunching – a broad spectrum of makeup brands offer tinted moisturisers or bb creams with a high level of SPF built in.
Embrace SPF as early as you can – your skin will thank you later!
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It’s never too late to start laser hair removal
Laser hair removal may seem like a big commitment, but I’m here to tell you it is no more of a commitment than paying $60 every 4-5 weeks for that dreaded, painful wax appointment, that always seems to come around quicker than you think. Laser hair removal is a great investment, committing yourself to at least 6-8 sessions and when your future self only has to shave every once in a while, your legs will thank you for it.
Laser hair removal is great for eliminating that ghastly razor burn and those uncomfortable ingrown hairs that we all despise. Laser hair removal machines use a laser to target the hair follicle, heating it up and essentially killing it which causes it to not grow back. The sessions are very quick and in terms of pain – there is no comparison to those dreaded Brazilian waxes.
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Leave those pimples alone!
We have all heard it – popping your pimples will leave you with scars! Those that have unfortunately suffered from chronic acne will also know that in more severe cases, scarring doesn’t even need to be brought on by touching or picking – this is most often called post-inflammatory pigmentation. If you do suffer from the hardship of acne scarring, micro-needling, also known as Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT), is extremely effective at resurfacing the skin and eradicating those scars!
Micro needling is performed with a micro needling pen, and it works by using small needles to puncture the skins barrier, creating tiny micro wounds, which then trigger a healing response within the body. In the process of the body regenerating itself, the skin’s collagen production levels are boosted and new collagen growth is stimulated in the process. As the new collagen is produced and dispersed, wrinkles appear less deep, fine lines are reduced, pitted skin fills in, texture irregularities become less noticeable, acne scars fade and stretch marks become smoother.
This treatment, as well as all of the above, encourages skin rejuvenation, volumises and plumps the complexion, strengthens the skin barrier and boosts elasticity.
What are you waiting for?
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Invest in a good skincare routine (& stick to it!)
Investing in decent skincare is something we all are aware is very important, and with the abundance of skin care stores that grace our streets, stocking some of the best skin care products, it makes our search just that much easier. Investing in a good cleanser, toner targeted serum and moisturiser is a great place to start, and if you want to get down to the nitty gritty and find the best options for your particular skins needs, seek out a dermatologist, dermal therapist or aesthetician and get yourself a professional skin consult or analysis.
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Learn to LOVE the skin you’re in!
Above all, self-acceptance is the best and most powerful lesson we can learn and the key to feeling your utmost beautiful. We are all different shapes, sizes and colours, and if we were all the same, the world would be a pretty boring place. The constant comparison of ourselves to everybody else around us is a mutual feeling shared by all, so time to start embracing the body you’re blessed with because we only get one in this wonderful life!
Article sponsored by The Global Beauty Group
Words: Annabelle Taurua
