HELP! MY HOUSE IS AGEING ME

I’m being deadly serious. It’s been over six months living in a building site and I’ve aged about ten years in the process. It’s not just me saying this, I’ve spoken to an army of experts who all agree. Whether you’re knee-deep in a house reno or you’re planning to embark on one, you need to read this…

SKIN

Carole Smilie and Handy Andy have a lot to answer for, because while we Millennials grew up watching Changing Rooms after school, the reality is far from fast. Board Certified Dermatologist, Dr Alexis Granite explains, ‘prolonged exposure to dust and air pollution can lead to skin irritation, dryness and the build up of dull, dead skin cells.’ Regular exfoliation is key, so using a retinol overnight to increase skins cell turnover and slough away the dead cells, as is upping the hydrating levels to stave off fine dehydration lines.

My skin has been super dry and dull, so pushing any moisture back in has been essential. I’ve been upping the hydration levels with a slew of cocooning serums and masks. I’ve also had a Profhilo skin booster treatment with Dr Granite which is a hyaluronic acid stimulator, deeply hydrating skin and stimulating collagen and elastin production.

Cleanse: Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm*

Exfoliate: Ole Henriksen Dewtopia 25% Acid Flash Facial Mask*

Serum: La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum*

Mask: Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask

Moisturiser: Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Moisturiser

Retinol: Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10

*use discount code thisismothership

HAIR

Air pollution has been proven to contribute to the premature greying of hair. When dust, toxins and pollution build up on the hair, they react with the hairs surface proteins to generate free radicals, these attack the structure of strands, triggering pigment loss in the hair follicle manifesting as grey strands. My hair colourist Maxine at Hershesons also pointed out that stress (at it’s peak during house renovating) is a well-known contributor to grey hair, damaging the stem cells that produce pigment in the hair follicles, leading to a loss of colour. Stress also contributes to thinning hair, and I have noticed the patches around my temples losing hair density.

Cleansing dust from the scalp with a clarifying shampoo helps keep follicles clear. Follow with an anti-oxidant rich serum which will neutralise the free radicals. Serums promoting hair growth are also a great option, I prefer these to the gummies on the market as you are targetting the growth in the specific area, rather than just general hair growth (which if you’ve had laser hair removal, you aren’t going to want!)

Exfoliate: Arkive The Crown Scalp Scrub*

Shampoo: Living Proof Clarifying Detox Shampoo*

Treat: K18 Leave In Molecular Repair Hair Mask

Serum: Champo Pitta Growth Serum

Condition: Beauty Pie Super Healthy Hair Oil

*use discount code thisismothership

NAILS

Because we’re living here, it’s also a case of constantly cleaning. Scrubbing dust away from every surface, vacuuming the floors and the sofas multiple times a day. Thank the Lord then for BioSculpture manicures – which have truly made it through the ultimate test, chip-free and unscathed. I get asked all the time how to find a BioSculpture tech to come to you. The best way is either by clicking here or going through their instagram. Click on the ‘link’ tab in their profile and it’ll take you to a WhatsApp chat option, if you type in your postcode it’ll reply with a list of verified local BioSculpture techs and salons.