6 beauty habits we're bringing into 2021

Hurray, we made it through 2020! We’re thankful to have survived such a turbulent year, and for the privilege of being able to spend all this time at home, surrounded by our loved ones. And although we’re glad the year is over, it also gave us an opportunity to reflect and make the most out of a bad situation by devoting our time and energy to more meaningful tasks, getting creative, and slowing down for a change. Definitely a year that we’re not going to forget anytime soon.

It won’t come as a surprise to you to know that we also made use of the time on our hands to try out plenty of beauty, wellness and skincare trends. Some we ended up not particularly caring for, some we liked, and some we LOVED (for the way they benefited our skin and body!) We’ve rounded up 6 beauty habits that we’ll be taking with us into 2021.

1. Lymphatic drainage

It’s impossible to overstate the power of a lymphatic drainage massage, provided you know how to do it properly (or get it done by a licensed esthetician). Lymphatic drainage massages have been part of beauty regimens across different cultures, with varying techniques of performing facial massage that drains your face of excess fluid. Whether you prefer Gua Sha or a jade roller, this is one beauty ritual that is definitely worth incorporating into your regimen.

If you’re prone to waking up with puffy skin, make a lymphatic drainage massage part of your morning beauty routine. This will help drain excess fluid, waste and toxins that have built up in your tissues, contributing to swelling and that dreaded ‘puffy’ look. Apply a hydrating serum or facial oil to give your skin some slip, and to avoid dragging your hands or a massaging tool across your skin. It’s best to watch a video that gives precise instructions on how to perform a lymphatic drainage massage beforehand, so you know what you’re doing. Whether you choose to use a stone, a jade roller, or even your fingers, remember to pay attention to the places which tend to hold more tension, like the temples and the jawline. Always move in an upward direction when doing your cheeks and the sides of your face.

2. Facial oils

We love facial oils here at Primary! As for me, I started using facial oils in 2020, and now they’re a crucial part of my routine. Currently my stash includes rosehip, marula and jojoba, all super lightweight oils that boast an array of benefits for the skin. Each oil is different, but facial oils are typically packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fatty acids to nourish and protect the skin. And they truly make your skin look radiant and glowing!

Use facial oils after thinner water-based products and moisturizers to seal in all the goodness from your skincare routine. Our favourite picks: jojoba, rosehip, squalane, marula, and argan oil.

3. Using a humidifier

We’re always talking about the difference between hydration and moisturizing, and we’re even more concerned about adequately hydrating our skin these days when the winter season is well and truly upon us and humidity levels are at a record low. It goes without saying that it's important to hydrate the skin with products like face mists and essences and ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, but these hydrators can only do their job in a humid environment, where they can pull moisture from the surroundings into your skin. In extremely dry weather, your skin will lose moisture, because moisture always travels from a place of higher concentration to lower concentration (hello, osmosis lessons in biology class). The solution: use a humidifier in your room!

By keeping the air moist, a humidifier will keep your skin from losing moisture while you sleep. You can even keep it on during the day. Any humectants you apply topically will be able to perform better in a humid environment. Try using one, we promise you’ll love how dewy your skin will be!

4. Barrier repair

Because destroying your skin barrier by using too many actives is SO last season. A good skincare routine should be gentle on your skin. Higher concentrations aren’t always better. And you don’t need to exfoliate every day. Instead, orient your routine around ingredients that will help repair and protect your moisture barrier. That includes hydrating toners, gentle exfoliants (like our Glow Toner!), essences, and nourishing moisturizers. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, centella, aloe, and shea butter that hydrate and moisturize the skin are key.

Our barrier-repairing moisturizer, Cerapair, combines 3 different ceramides with niacinamide, vitamin E, hydrators like glycerin, panthenol, and sodium PCA, and emollients like shea butter, jojoba oil and argan oil. A good moisturizer that prevents trans-epidermal water loss is essential for the integrity of your skin barrier. Look up our blog on how to repair a damaged skin barrier here.

5. Less is more (don’t overcomplicate your routine)

You don’t need to have 15 steps in your routine. Keep your routine simple – overloading your skin with too many products actually hampers the absorption process, because the skin can only absorb so many ingredients in one go!

You don’t need to use three different toners, four different serums, and two different moisturizers. Also, higher concentrations of active ingredients aren't always better. Higher doses of AHAs, for instance, can end up burning the skin, while other ingredients, like niacinamide, reaches peak effectiveness at 2-5% concentration in a product. Use lower concentrations, and instead of using multiple actives at once, alternate between them in your AM and PM routines. Use an antioxidant serum during the day and an exfoliant or a retinoid at night. Allow your skin rest days when all you do is cleanse, tone and moisturize, followed by sunscreen in the AM. Keep your routine simple and your skin will thank you!

6. Supplements all the way

As important as it is to have a good skincare regimen, your skin’s health is also heavily dependent on what you put inside your body. Supplement your diet with superfoods that will nourish and supercharge your body, and build your immunity. Take probiotic supplements, or probiotic-rich foods like kefir, kombucha and sauerkraut to keep your gut balanced. Poor gut health has been linked to problems such as acne, fatigue, and poor mood. Omega-3 fats contribute to healthier skin. Multivitamins are a great way to ensure that your diet is well-rounded, and to prevent any potential vitamin deficiencies. If wrinkles, fine lines and loss of elasticity is your concern, you might want to try taking collagen orally, which has been shown to improve skin, nails and hair. Consult with your doctor to find out which supplement is best for you. Read more about supplements and which one is suitable for you in our blog here.

What beauty trends will you be taking with you into 2021? Did any of them make our list?