My Personal Skincare Story: Chef and Foodie Nicola Halloran - The Gloss Magazine

My Personal Skincare Story: Chef and Foodie Nicola Halloran

aveeno skin cream logo
aveeno skin cream logo

Nicola Halloran on the importance of good nutrution, her personal skincare story and why she always reaches for Aveeno®…

Nutrition and skincare go hand in hand and you really are what you eat. Any form of a bad diet will show on your skin, whether that’s excess sugar or a lack of variety. It’s about knowing when to treat yourself and trying to have good food 80-90 per cent of the time. I’m a huge fan of choosing basic healthy ingredients – for example honey, which has an antibacterial aspect to it (if locally sourced, it can help to soothe hayfever symptoms, too).

First and foremost, water is paramount; I keep a bottle beside my bed so I drink some as soon as I get up. And it’s key to eat a wide variety of fruit and veg; try added extras like adding a handful of spinach into a stir-fry. There are lots of really simple things you can do to get those extra benefits.

I love the fact that Aveeno® is powered by oats which, for me, are the key thing to get in at breakfast. They’re a carbohydrate which helps with keeping you satisfied throughout the day. And I think oats are really good for your skin because they soak up any excess oil, which can really help you have glossy skin.

It’s easy to get oats into your diet. You can never get bored with porridge in the morning, with all the different toppings you can add, such as cacao, which is packed full of antioxidants and can help repair and protect your skin. Have a bit in the morning with almond milk, like a less-sweet hot chocolate. Overnight oats are great too – have them ready in the fridge to save time getting out in the morning. With porridge, experiment with milk or water to find what you prefer: just keep a basis of one cup of oats to two cups of any liquid. For another skin boost, add bananas, rich in vitamin A to lighten and brighten your skin for a healthy glow.

Otherwise, add oats into granolas or make healthy flapjacks using alternative sweeteners, or energy balls. Oats can be great for crusts, say an oat and herb crust on top of a baked salmon, or a chicken and broccoli bake with extra oats on top in place of breadcrumbs; or add a tablespoon into an apple crumble. Oats also add some fibre into smoothies, and keep you fuller for longer.

MY DAILY ROUTINE

I’ve been using Aveeno® for the last two or so years – I’ve always had very dry skin, especially on my legs, so I can’t go a day without moisturising. As soon as I’m out of the shower I moisturise my legs – it soaks into skin really quickly, and if I miss a day I really notice it. I use Aveeno® Skin Relief Body Wash in the shower, and then the Aveeno® Skin Relief Body Lotion – the pump is so handy, and I love the non-sticky texture. I have a favourite perfume that I wear all the time and don’t like anything to interfere with that so, for me, the neutral scent really appeals. I tend to be loyal to a few key products that work for me – even with lipstick I always buy the same colour.

I think anything that’s part of your daily routine needs to be affordable – for me, the Aveeno® range is something that you can throw into the trolley as part of your weekly shop or online order, which makes it really accessible, and means you’ll use the products regularly too. I keep a few in the press so I don’t run out, as routine is paramount when it comes to moisturiser.

On holidays, when you feel super-lazy, I love the Aveeno® Daily Moisturising After Shower Mist. It’s very quick and easy to use if you’re coming up from the pool and just need a quick blast of moisture.

With the increase in sanitising and washing hands, I’m better at using hand cream regularly now. And since I do a lot of weight-lifting too, something like Aveeno® Skin Relief Hand Cream, with Prebiotic Oats, really helps; I work a lot with my hands so they need to look good. It’s vital for females to have really good core strength, at every age and you’re never too old to get into strength and fitness – there are so many benefits to being strong. To get started, find an expert trainer or gym and try a few personal training sessions. A beginner’s class will help you learn the ropes and connect with people who are on a similar level.

Alongside a healthy diet, make sure you’re getting enough sleep and time away from screens before you go to bed. Being well-rested is key, along with plenty of water and looking at small changes you can make in your diet, to go alongside your skincare routine.

www.thewonkyspatula.com

To find the right AVEENO® product for you, visit www.aveeno.ie.

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