We all wish for a fresh and radiant looking complexion, but how can you achieve naturally glowing skin without resorting to highlighters and foundation all the time?

Our philosophy stems from a belief that, although not everyone is born with supermodel looks, taking good care of yourself brings peace, confidence, and self-acceptance. It’s not enough to simply put on a daily moisturiser and hope for the best. A holistic approach to self-care should include a healthy lifestyle and happy mindset combined with a regular skincare ritual.


How does pollution affect our skin?

The skin is our largest organ and acts as a protective shield to the body. It is susceptible to lots of stress, including harmful UV rays from the sun, changeable weather, and environmental pollutants. Pollutants induce free radical damage and break down collagen levels, resulting in inflammation and dehydration which prematurely ages the skin.


Protecting your complexion against environmental assault

The demand for ‘anti-pollution’ beauty products is soaring. Between 2011-2013 there was a booming 40% rise in beauty and personal care products with ‘anti-pollution’ claims ( Mintel Report ). While you can’t stop the skin from coming into contact with environmental pollutants daily, you do need to do your best to protect it. Pollution related skin concerns include dull and uneven skin tone, premature ageing, clogged pores and blemishes, as well as sensitive and inflamed skin.


Antioxidants and amino acids

Check product labels for the inclusion of antioxidants and amino acids which counteract free radicals in the air. These help the skin to rehydrate and restore elasticity which can be lost due to premature ageing. They encourage cell renewal, plumping the skin to create a fresher appearance.


Think holistically

Your skin is unique to you and everything from the clothes you wear and the place you decide to live, to your lifestyle choices, affects its luminosity.

Here are our Top 5 Holistic Tips for a radiant complexion:

1. Protect with SPF - UV rays are the primary cause of colour changes and texture in the skin. Apply good sun protection with at least SPF30 before your make-up.
   
   
2. Gut health - Nourish your gut flora with live active cultures and avoid processed and sugary foods which can show on the skin as anything from eczema to acne.
   
   
3. Stay hydrated – At least 8 glasses of water per day will help to keep your body and skin moisturised.
   
   
4. Calm irritated skin – If you feel like your skin is suffering and you need an extra added boost, try a targeted approach with a serum such as O’PUREO’s ‘Treatment №2 Relief Serum for Face’ 
   
   
5. Get good beauty sleep – It's generally recommended to get at least 8 hours of sleep per night but everyone is individual, so listen to your body. Not enough sleep creates dark circles, new fine lines and wrinkles, and even compromised skin defence.

By using serums fortified with innovative anti-pollution ingredients in tandem with your regular skin routine, you can rest assured that you're giving your complexion a chance to thrive. O’PUREO’s ‘Regimen A Defence Serum for Face’ has been formulated to reduce free radicle production. Inspired by Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) it works internally to improve the skin’s resilience to pollution. This concept of fortifying the skin from the inside out goes far beyond any topical cream. It works to address skin health on a much deeper level.

So, as you can see, taking good care of your skin means taking good care of yourself. It's not as easy as smoothing on face cream and hoping to look radiant all day long. Invest in yourself with positive lifestyle and diet choices, a gentle skincare routine, and some enhancing serums and you’ll feel confident and fresh-faced all day long!