JUST A MAMMA : ESTABLISHING A GOOD SKINCARE ROUTINE WITH THE OOLALA COLLECTION

We are delighted to kick off The Oolala Collection Lifestyle Series with this self-care piece by mamma of 3, Marie-Louise Candiotes from the blog Just A Mamma. Marie’s platform is a space for Mammas by a Mamma, intended to inspire, motivate and be helpful. No judgement or expert advice – just gorgeous photo shoots, fun celebrations, great finds for mamma and baby, places to go and vacations to have, as well as her own authentic journey of motherhood and family life. In this post Marie discusses how to establish a good skincare routine with The Oolala Collection and how we have collaborated to create a series of skincare posts which will include: product reviews, more information on ageing, pigmentation, sun-care, other skin concerns and a personalized skincare giveaway 🙂 

Over the past 33 years I haven’t been kind to my skin. Sure, I apply sunblock when needed and I wash and moisturise my face every evening. I even enjoy the occasional mask and serum but I take my good skin for granted, only giving it some much needed attention while pregnant. Mr.Perfect and the girls however, must use every lotion, cream and soap I buy ensuring they are taken care of. I know it’s a “mom thing” – nurturing every except ourselves. Then I met Daniella Shapiro, founder of The Oolala Collection. Daniella reminded me that I too need to look after myself and that in my 30’s, I’m already late when it comes to establishing a good skincare routine.

Skincare has always confused and terrified me…

There’s just so much! From skin types to products, to ingredients I can’t pronounce… Add affordability, anti-ageing and other special treatments, the moral dilemmas that come with the beauty industry and you’ve got me running back to good old soap and water. Thank goodness I’m not the only woman that feels this way. I asked our Instagram followers to send me their skincare questions and concerns and I was flooded with the same confusion. So many questions, too many for one blog post!

So, together with The Oolala Team we have set out a series of skincare posts that will hopefully help all of us learn more about our skin and how we can take better care of it.

The series will include product reviews, more information on ageing, pigmentation, sun care, other skin concerns and even a giveaway too. Today we cover the basics in a quick Q & A. (Your questions, The Oolala Collection‘s answers). I’ve included links to all the products recommended by the experts so, simply click on whatever interests you and also feel free to scroll down to the questions relevant to your age and beauty concerns.

What is a good skincare routine for woman in their 20’s?

Women should begin being proactive about anti-ageing in their 20s. Research shows that as early as age 25, our skin’s two structural proteins—collagen (which keeps it firm, taut, and resilient) and elastin (which gives skin its flexibility, enabling it to stretch out and then snap back into place)decrease.

5 Steps to follow in your 20’s:

Cleanse – Tone – Apply Serum – Tend to your Eyes – Moisturise

1. Wash you face and neck morning and night with Oolala Collection Deep Facial Cleansing Gel or Oolala Collection Rehydrate Cleansing Milk.

2. Eliminate oil and impurities from the skin and restores balance by applying toner to your face and neck. Use Oolala Collection Purifying Facial Toner Alcohol Free.(Apply AM & PM).

3. Before moisturising consider using a serum. For skin in their 20’s Oolala recommends the Oolala Collection Advanced Anti Ageing Moisturiser Serum – Oil Free. It hydrates the skin, softening lines and wrinkles and also reduces flaking while restoring suppleness. It promises to firm and lift skin with long-term use. (Apply AM & PM).

4. It’s time to look at those eyes… Once again serums work well and the Oolala Collection Brightening Eye Serum will help reduce the appearance of dark rings, crows feet, fine lines and puffiness. Boost your eye serum by using the Oolala Collection Moisturising Eye Treatment too. (Apply AM & PM)

5. Now moisturise with the Oolala Collection Day Moisturiser with SPF15 (AM) or the Oolala Collection Active Night Moisturiser (PM).

Extras to add to your routine:

Exfoliating once or twice a week and using a face mask can really make a big difference in improving your overall skin condition and The Oolala Collection has a great selection to choose from. Visit the “Skin Type Guide” on their website to find out which exfoliator and mask best suits your skin. Simply click here.

What is a good skincare routine for woman in their 30’s?

Due to hormonal changes, little sleep (#momlife), and skin that doesn’t bounce back quite as quickly as it used to, this is a critical time to take a closer look at your skincare regimen. A decline in collagen production leads to thinner skin. There is also diminished functioning of the sweat and oil glands, so skin becomes drier. It won’t repair itself as it did in our 20s and you might have to deal with some fine expression lines, acne scars or dark spots. However, it’s not all a loss. We can still keep our beautiful skin as is, it just takes a little work.

6 Steps to follow in your 30’s

Cleanse – Tone – Target damage – Apply Serum(s) – Tend to your Eyes – Moisturise

1. Wash you face and neck morning and night with Oolala Collection Deep Facial Cleansing Gel or Oolala Collection Rehydrate Cleansing Milk.

2. Eliminate oil and impurities from the skin and restores balance by applying toner to your face and neck. Use Oolala Collection Purifying Facial Toner Alcohol Free. (Apply AM & PM).

3. Target skin damage with the Oolala Collection Targeted Pigmentation Corrector. The SkinGLOW formulation helps to minimise the appearance of skin blemishes due to hormonal changes and pollutants. BRING IT ON! I have brown spots due to pregnancy and would do just about anything to get rid of them. (Apply AM & PM).

4. Being older means we need to feed our skin a little something extra. The Oolala Collection Radiance Repair Serum is a powerful blend of plant extracts that assists with the reduction of inflammation while stimulating circulation. It helps to soothe redness and minimise bruising. (Apply AM & PM).

Consider doubling up on serum using either the Oolala Collection Advanced Anti-Ageing Moisturiser Serum Oil Free and/or Oolala Collection Facial Tightening Intelligence Serum. The first hydrates the skin, softening lines and wrinkles and also reduces flaking while restoring suppleness. It promises to firm and lift skin with long-term use. The SkinTIGHT Facial Tightening Intelligence Serum repairs the skin barrier layer while moisturising and preventing ageing. (Apply AM & PM).

Another good serum, only to be used once a day, in the morning is the Oolala Collection Hyaluronic Serum Moisture Boost Day. This is a gel (great for fast absorption), made from a combination of special, blended oils and hyaluronic acid. It’s super moisturising and deeply hydrating improving dry and wrinkled skin. It will help protect your skin from free radical damage too.

5. Time to look at those eyes… Once again serums work well and the Oolala Collection Brightening Eye Serum will help reduce the appearance of dark rings, crows feet, fine lines and puffiness. Boost your eye serum by using the Oolala Collection Moisturising Eye Treatment too. (Apply AM & PM).

6. Finally moisturise with the Oolala Collection Day Moisturiser with SPF15 (AM) or the Oolala Collection Active Night Moisturiser (PM).

If you have extra dry or dehydrated skin, alternate with the Oolala Collection Hyaluronic Oil Moisture Boost Night 3x a week.

Extras to add to your routine:

Exfoliating once or twice a week and using a face mask can really make a big difference in improving your overall skin condition and The Oolala Collection has a great selection to choose from. Visit the “Skin Type Guide” on their website to find out which exfoliator and mask best suits your skin. Simply click here.

Should skincare change during pregnancy?

It shouldn’t if you are using products from the Oolala Collection seeing as all ingredients used are safe. Some mommies-to-be might have to include products aimed at pigmentation or dryness based on hormonal changes that they may experience throughout pregnancy. It is however VERY important NOT to use a sunblock higher than SPF 30.

Does The Oolala Collection make body creams for stretch marks, scars and cellulite?

Yes. The range of formulations, creams and treatment plans specifically aimed at cellulite has been proven to be very effective and include the following:

• SkinFlRM Volcanic Rock Detox Body Scrub – to be used on legs, bum, knees, back of legs and gently on the tummy.
• SkinFlRM Anti Cellulite Serum  – this is a flagship product that comes highly recommended.
• SkinFlRM Anti Cellulite Tone and Smooth Gel
• SkinFlRM Anti Cellulite Slim and Firm Massage Oil

Stretch mark and scar products are still being developed.

How regularly should one apply sunscreen and how high of an SPF is toxin free?

SPF 15/30 is best. Remember to be re-apply every 30-40 min when spending time outdoors.

Does diet and exercise influence skin condition?

Yes. What your skin looks and feels like today, and how it will age in years to come, can be traced to your lifestyle. That includes your diet, stress levels, the toxins in your environment, whether you smoke or not, how much you exercise, and how much you sleep.

• A lack of sleep is immediately visible on your face.
• Excessive alcohol use and smoking leads to vascular skin-surface changes.
• High stress levels may cause itching, hives and loss of skin colour.
• A poor diet can result in a dry, lackluster skin.
• Excessive washing with harsh soap can damage your skin.

6 Changes you can make today to improve your skin!

Stop smoking: There’s no doubt; smoking leads to premature ageing and wrinkles, and can give the skin an unhealthy yellow pallor. There are thousands of harmful toxins in cigarettes and, every time you light up, they reduce the collagen levels in your skin. Smoking also constricts the blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the skin, thus depleting it of oxygen and nutrients. Plus, it reduces the body’s vitamin A stores, making the skin even more vulnerable to the harmful effects of the toxins in cigarettes.

Stay out of the sun: Although we all need a little bit of sunshine to boost our vitamin D levels, the harsh rays of the sun can cause lasting damage to your skin. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes wrinkles, loss of elasticity, sunspots and premature ageing. In some people, these changes start to appear in their early 20s. Be ruthless in protecting your skin from the sun. Always cover up, wear a hat, apply and reapply sunscreen with an SPF of 15/30, and wear UV-protective sunglasses whenever you venture out into the sun – even on cloudy days.

Get your beauty sleep: Skin needs sleep for cellular renewal, and not getting at least 8 hours results in a breakdown of collagen and a lackluster appearance. This will highlight any minor skin imperfections, making you look older. In addition, a lack of sleep might cause dark circles under your eyes – a result of dilated blood vessels. Be careful not to sleep too much though, or skin-cell breakdown may actually be encouraged.

Put a stop to stress: Stress can have a detrimental effect on your skin because it leads to the production of a hormone called cortisol. This increases the production of sebum, the oil found in your skin. As a result, your skin may become oily or spotty. Of course, stress can also worsen existing skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Learn to manage stress with meditation, relaxation exercises, breathing techniques and/or yoga.

Exercise more: Grab your gym gear and get moving if you want to improve the health of your skin. Sweating helps to flush impurities and clears pores. Cardiovascular exercise also improves circulation, which encourages the transport of oxygen and nutrients to the skin. Don’t forget to drink lots of water during a workout and, if you prefer to exercise outdoors, always wear sunscreen.

You are what you eat: Poor diet is almost always bad news for your skin and can result in dehydration, dryness, premature ageing, puffiness and clogged pores. In some people, it may even contribute to acne. If you don’t have acne, the solution to a healthy, glowing skin is to follow a balanced diet that’s rich in protective nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre. If you have acne, following a low-GI diet to help you maintain a healthy weight is important. Stock up on fresh fruit and vegetables, unsifted grains, lean meat, fish and eggs, and poly- or monounsaturated fats and oils to make sure you get all the vitamins, minerals and omega fatty acids you need for overall good health and a beautiful skin.

Remember that it’s never too late to start taking care of your skin. Your body’s largest organ works overtime to protect you.

 The Oolala Collection has made things easy, creating a range of UNISEX products that are affordable, proudly South African, striving to promote clean beauty while respecting our planet as well as our furry friends. All products are Vegan too. I have definitely benefited in making some of the changes mentioned above while using their products.  Best of all, the entire range is sold online. With relevant products grouped together, it makes it easy to find exactly what I’m looking for. I can’t wait to tell you more about the results I’ve seen using my Skincare Essentials but, that will have to wait for next month.

Please leave a comment below if you thought this post was helpful and don’t forget to share it with a friend that would like to take care of his / her skin too.

PHOTO CREDIT | Anje-Ilana van Dalen from Madison & West Lifestyle Division.