*This is a contributed post.


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Your skin is the largest organ in your body, but so few people take proper care of it. Sure, your skin will probably get by of its own accord without you facing too many problems. But a proper skincare routine is essential to keep your skin in the best health it can be - particularly the skin in sensitive areas like your face, chest and upper back. Here are a few suggestions that can help you to maintain your skin as best you can!

Stay Hydrated

Let’s start with a step that doesn’t require any specialist products (so is affordable) and that will benefit absolutely everyone. For good skin, you need to make sure that you’re hydrated. Not only is this a good health tip for your overall well being (water helps with many of your body’s vital functions), but being sufficiently hydrated can prevent dry skin and keep your skin plump and fresh. It’s generally recommended that the average adult drinks eight glasses of water a day. This will go towards combating dullness, tightness, flakiness, and dryness. Being hydrated also helps your skin to filter out any impurities, consequently reducing issues such as spots. So, always keep a refillable bottle of water on you and eat more hydrating foods like cucumber, celery, melon, berries and more!

Develop a Skin Care Routine

Everyone should have a skincare routine. It doesn’t necessarily have to be anything elaborate. Instead, you simply need to ensure that you have a face wash and a moisturiser that suit your skin type and can keep your face clean and moisturised. You can find plenty of options at Colorscience. If you’re dedicated to maintaining the best skin possible, you can also get toners, night creams, face masks and more. You may also want to look into skincare products for the body, hands and feet. It only takes a few more minutes to incorporate these into your daily routine, but it will make all the difference!

 

Use SPF

SPF stands for “sun protection factor” and it really is important that you use products containing SPF on your skin on a day to day basis. Generally, people will only use sunscreen when they head away on holiday. But the sun isn’t just a threat when you head to places that are hot and sunny. You’re exposed to UV rays every time you go outdoors, even on overcast days, and they can wreak havoc with the health and appearance of your skin. UV exposure can increase your risk of developing serious conditions, such as cancer, and can also increase the ageing process of your skin. So, use lotions, face creams and lip balms that contain a high SPF!

 

You can also view a range of Dermatology Services available at Guys & St Thomas.

These are just a few suggestions that can help you to take the best care of your skin possible! They really will make all the difference, so we recommend you get started as soon as you can in order to start seeing the benefits.

What do you do to take care of your skin? Leave a comment below and while you are here why not check out more of my beauty posts?

*This is a contributed post. All opinions are the writers own.

Your body is doing so much more for you than you will ever realize. It scours through whatever you put in it, whether good or bad and keeps going against all the odds. We work ourselves to the point of exhaustion at times, and our bodies keep up with no conscious help at all. Bearing that in mind, we should treat them with massive amounts of respect, marvelling at their wonders and doing things to make it easier for them to do their jobs, right?

We should, but we don't.


Image credit: Pixabay CC0 License

Few of us are giving our bodies the love they deserve. Worse than that, we often fail to listen to whatever they have to say. Not being receptive to signs that your body sends you could have serious consequences. Indeed, most of the time, your organs, and things like your hair, skin, and nails can take care of themselves. However, they may need a little help from you every now and again. Not doing this could lead to functional impairment and serious illness. You should do everything that you can to keep your body as healthy as it can be.

So, what signs are you supposed to keep an eye out for? There are quite a few things your body might try to tell you. Let us start with the most important-the need for the right nutrition. To make your body work at its best, you need a healthy diet. Nutrients in food are essential in the healthy functioning of your body. If your body does not get what it wants, it is going to have a hard time trying to keep up. To give it a helping hand, make sure you are eating a balanced diet that gives you plenty of nutrition. Do some research regarding what you need for optimum health.



It's also important to listen to warning signs. If you are not in the best state of health, your body will give you various symptoms to let you know, from nail changes to rashes and lumps - this blog has more tips. Check your body regularly for any signs of change, and if you see anything, it's important to find out what it means. Of course, for some of the minor things, rather than head to the doctor, you might want to go and speak to a pharmacist or download an app to give you ideas. However, if you are not sure, professional medical advice is always the best option. Knowing about the problem is not always enough, either - you need to take action to make it better and ensure that it does not occur again.

Once you start paying attention to your body, you will realise that it can work with you instead of against you. As a team, you are sure to function better. Give your body what it wants, and it will reward you by making you feel great!

Leave a comment to let me know what you do to keep your body healthy and while you are here why not check out more lifestyle or beauty posts?

*This is a paid guest post. All opinions are the writers own.

These days, plus-sized women are finally being recognised by clothing manufacturers. In the not-so-distant past, there were very few plus-size options. Today, it is easier than ever to show off your unique fashion sense. Clothing designers lavish plus-sized women with clothing that helps them look and feel beautiful.

Here are 5 improvements that many designers strive for.

Consistency is Key

It seems that in the world of plus-size clothing, consistency in sizing is not a massive concern for manufacturers. However, it is a big concern for shoppers. Size variations from one brand to another makes shopping frustrating. A woman may be a 16 in one brand of jeans and an 18 or even 20 in another. If manufacturers could work out standard sizing, shoppers would be thrilled.

Such sizing variations can significantly hurt online stores not catering for this market properly. One reason why Jacamo as one example, allows shoppers to tailor online. Fashion editors have pushed out their recommendations on shops for plus-size shoppers. Navabi stock many plus size brands and curate vast collections. This is the consistency, more brands should aim for.

The industry is striving for more affordable, trend-led fashion choices in this category covering casual staples that include jeans and nightwear. 

Plus Size Fashion for All

Don't concentrate on clothing for one age group. Keep the following in mind;

● Juniors, young adults, and older consumers all want to look great.
● It would help if you did not assume that plus-sized people do not want to enjoy all of the trendy clothing that comes out each season.
● Many manufacturers create clothing for the young and the old, leaving out a considerable population.

Consider designing clothing for every age group.

Shopping Should Be Easy

Whether you are a boutique, department store, or online shop, make the plus-size section easy to locate. Shopping should be convenient and fun, no matter what size you take.

Fashion and Function

Women of all sizes want clothing that looks good, and that is functional.

● Add pockets, so they do not always have to carry a purse. Keep in mind that fake pockets are useless. Broad and deep pockets that you can use are what shoppers want.
● Use fasteners that are easy to use.
● Choose fabrics that are easy to care for and comfortable.

Everyone Loves Accessories

Just as clothing is not one size fits all, neither are accessories. Plus-size women want accessories that fit their body type. Some designers seem so focused on small, dainty items that they forget that many buyers want and need something a bit larger such as for plus size going out dresses. Concentrate on bracelets with a large circumference, bigger rings, long necklaces, and even bigger shoes. Your plus-size clients will thank you.

Clothing manufacturers have come a long way when it comes to plus-sized fashion, but do not stop there. Keep doing more to make shopping for these sizes more comfortable and more pleasant. Doing so means more money for you and your company.

Can you think of anything else clothing manufacturers can do to improve plus-size fashion? Let me know in the comments below and while you are here why not check out some more of my fashion posts?

What To Wear To A Wedding

 

*This is a contributed post. All opinions are the writers own.

If you are planning to go somewhere for a brief holiday at home in the UK after lockdown is lifted, then where better than the capitol? London has so much to offer, and whether or not you have been there before you can be sure that there is plenty to do and see every single time you go. If you are keen to try and have the perfect weekend getaway in London, there are some specific things that you will certainly want to bear in mind. In this article, we are going to take a look at some of these things which you might want to consider so that you can ensure that you are going to have a great time in London no matter what.


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Staying In Style

It’s always important to choose a good accommodation, as that is going to inform how much of a good time you have in a big way. You have so many options when you are staying in London, so you can really make it fit whatever your budget is and whatever kind of style you want to go for. If you are keen to stay somewhere particularly stylish you could think about looking for fancy hotels in Shepherds Bush or similar areas. Or you might prefer to look into some humble B&Bs, which you can find all around the city no matter which part of London you might be staying in. Wherever you end up staying, be sure you are close to the sights you want to see.

Eating Out

There are few places in the world which are quite as good as London for eating out, so if you want to do that you should absolutely make the most of it. This is, after all, a fantastic way to spend your time, and it’s an important part of going anywhere for a trip, even if it is just a weekend at home in the UK like this. No matter what kind of cuisine you might be keen on, you will be sure to find it in London somewhere. That could be Indian, Italian, Chinese or of course British food, and even if you just want to eat traditional meals at a pub you are going to find that this is a great part of enjoying the London experience. No matter what else you do, make sure to take in some of London’s finest eateries.


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Seeing The Sights

It’s a funny thing about the capital of where your live - you don’t always get to see the most famous sights, for the simple fact that you know they will always be there to see. But if you never see them, then you might actually miss out on them altogether. So why not take this next trip to go and see the famous sights of London, while you can? You might find that it’s even more enjoyable than you had assumed, and it can make it a weekend to remember.

 

So what are your suggestions for having the perfect London getaway? Let me know in the comments below and while you are here why not check out more of my travel posts? 

Diverse Britain: The Different Ways To See The UK

Four Must-See Sights In The UK

UK Holiday Ideas You'll Love