Lesley’s beauty A-Z
WAKAME One of Japan’s best-kept skin secrets, this antioxidantrich seaweed is derived from an exotic kelp (actually a sea algae) and can be eaten both fresh and dried, but when used as skin care it comes into its own, stimulating collagen for smooth, plump, more youthful skin. Rich in vitamins and minerals as well as calcium, sodium, iron and potassium, it also helps to soothe the skin from any inflammation.
TRY:
Green People Beauty Boost Skin Restore, £21, which combines all the magic of a facial in one treatment and contains the superhero ingredient that is wakame.
WATERMELON Packed with vitamins A, B6, C and E, watermelon is the new must-have skin care ingredient. Although mostly made up of water, it still manages to cram in antioxidant lycopene and essential fatty acids. Great for your lips and hair as well as your complexion, the lycopene in watermelon can fight off free radicals to slow down ageing. In fact, one slice of watermelon provides the daily allowance of lycopene!
TRY:
St Tropez Self Tan Watermelon Infusion, £14.49, a light bronzing mousse that sinks into the skin quickly for a natural glow.
DIY:
Watermelon mask: Mix 2tbsp watermelon juice with 1tbsp plain yogurt and apply to cleansed face and neck. Leave for 15 mins and rinse off. It’s a great glow booster!
WALNUTS Mainly popping up in exfoliators due to their grainy, rough shell, but many believe that walnut scrubs can be way too abrasive – especially if you have sensitive skin or open areas, because of jagged edges. Nut allergies are also another concern. Factors such as how finely milled the walnut powder is, how sensitive your skin is, and what allergies you have all play into your reaction when using a walnut exfoliation. Before you use it on your face always spot-test on your skin, preferably inside of your elbow. But it can be great for rough scaly patches on the body.
TRY:
Superdrug Vitamin E Sugar Oil Body Scrub, £4.99, sugar, sea salt and walnut shell blended with sweet almond oil to gently polish the skin.