As the seasons shift, so should your skincare routine. Warmer weather sometimes calls for lighter textures, hydration and consistent sun protection. Here are my top tips for transitioning your skincare routine into the warmer months.

1. Swap your winter moisturiser for a lighter one

If you have been using a rich cream for the last few months, now might be the time to switch to a lighter formula. In warmer weather, heavy moisturisers can clog pores and leave your skin looking shiny.

My pick is AlumierMD Hydralight moisturiser. This is a lightweight moisturiser that will keep all skin types nourished and hydrated without clogging pores or leaving a greasy residue. It is perfect for maintaining balance.

2. Hydrate with serums

Adding a serum underneath your moisturiser is a great way to create a moisture barrier on the skin and prevent dehydration.

I recommend ASAP Super B Serum for daily use. It is suited to every skin type and supports healthy, glowing skin while delivering an intense boost of hydration.

3. Exfoliate your skin 

Exfoliate 2-3 days a week to remove any dead skin cell build up and keep your complexion flake-free, smooth and glowing.

Mix ASAP Daily Exfoliating Scrub with a little water and massage around your face for 60 seconds. This will gently remove any dead skin cells and leave you with smoother, more radiant skin. Formulated with Glycolic Acid, this helps to give you that radiant, healthy spring glow.

4. SPF, SPF, SPF

Sun protection is so important in all seasons. Adding SPF to your daily routine will protect your skin from damaging UV rays, premature ageing and pigmentation.

Glo Skin Beauty Oil Free SPF40 is a light-weight moisturiser with added sun protection. It absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving a greasy residue or shine, making it ideal for all skin types in the warmer months.

So, adjusting your skincare routine with the seasons doesn’t have to be complicated. Switching to lighter textures, maintaining hydration, exfoliating regularly, and prioritising SPF will keep your skin healthy, balanced, and glowing all season long.

The post How to Tweak your Skin Routine for Spring appeared first on Maria Nolan Skin Expert.

One of my most asked questions from men is how to get rid of redness or bumps after shaving. This all starts with a good skin routine, keeping pores clear, exfoliating and using anti-inflammatory ingredients. Below are my three simple recommendations.

1. Cleanse

Use a gentle face wash every morning and night to wash away dead skin cells or oil that has settled in the pores.

My choice for men: ASAP Gentle Cleansing Gel

How to use: Apply a small amount to the hand, add water and rub the hands together to foam it up and massage gently around the face and wash off well.

2. Exfoliate

Exfoliation refers to the removal of dead skin cells from the skin. It should be part of everyone’s skincare routine. Dead skin cells can build up on the face and cause bumps, ingrown hairs and irritation when you shave.

Exfoliating will not only scrub away any dead skin cells, it will also unclog your pores, prevent breakouts and leave the skin brighter.

Use a face scrub with some chemical exfoliants in it like ASAP Daily Exfoliation Scrub twice a week.

My Choice: ASAP Daily Exfoliation Scrub

How to use: Massage gently around a damp face and jaw for 60 seconds after you use your face wash and wash off well with a facecloth and water. Repeat two days a week. Follow with moisturiser (see below).

3. Moisturise

I usually recommend an oil-free moisturiser or a light-weight moisturiser for male skin. Also, the moisturiser you use in the mornings should contain an SPF (ie sun cream). Applying sun protection every day not only prevents against skin cancer, it also prevents premature ageing caused by UV rays eg lines, wrinkles or pigmentation to the skin. Opt for a moisturiser with anti-inflammatory ingredients after shaving as this will help calm the skin.

My choice: Glo Oil Free SPF 40 is a nice light-weight moisturiser that won’t clog pores. It will give you protection against UVA & UVB rays. A lot of SPF moisturisers leave an oily, greasy feel on the skin which men don’t tend to like, however, this is light-weight and absorbs super quickly.

Now you have no excuse as I have put together a tried-and-tested Trio of products to help you on your skincare journey!

The post Men’s Skincare: How can I get rid of razor bumps, irritation or redness after shaving? appeared first on Maria Nolan Skin Expert.

Achieving healthy, glowing skin is a universal skincare goal, but how can you get that natural, radiant glow? Read my 5 essential tips to help you achieve dewy, luminous skin below.

1. Hydration is the key to glowing skin

Healthy, glowing skin starts from within. Make hydration a priority by drinking at least 2 litres of water every day. Incorporate a hydration serum into your daily skin routine. This will help lock in moisture and give your skin a fresh, dewy appearance. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin.

2. Nourish the skin with a good moisturiser  

A nourishing moisturiser is a must for glowing skin, especially at night. Apply a hydrating moisturiser before bed for an extra boost of moisture, leaving your skin soft and glowing by morning. Be sure to choose a formula that suits your skin type to avoid breakouts.

3. Exfoliate to banish dullness

Exfoliating twice a week is key to fresh, radiant skin. It removes dead skin cells that can contribute to dullness and uneven texture. Opt for a gentle exfoliator that suits your skin type. Avoid harsh scrubs though as these can cause irritation.

4. Sun protection is a must for healthy skin

Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is essential for maintaining its health and radiance. Excessive sun exposure can cause pre-mature ageing, pigmentation and lead to lines and dull lackluster skin. Apply broad spectrum SPF daily to keep skin youthful and glowing.

5. Use hydrating make-up to enhance your glow

Lastly, to enhance your now lovely dewy skin, use make-up products that add radiance. Choose foundation or tinted moisturiser with a dewy finish to add a glow to your complexion. Avoid heavy powders or matte formulas as these can mattify and dull your skin’s natural radiance.

So, the secret to radiant glowing skin is simple! Commence a daily skin routine that focuses on hydration, exfoliation and nourishment. By adding the above 5 tips to your daily routine and using the right products you can achieve a radiant complexion and a natural healthy glow. I hope this helps.

For personalised advice on products to suit your skin type and skin goals book a skin consultation with me here.

The post The Secret to Radiant, Glowing Skin appeared first on Maria Nolan Skin Expert.

One of my most asked skincare questions is, how can I get rid of open pores?

So, I have drafted my top three tips for you all below 🙂

1. Figure out the cause
There is no point using a product to treat your pores if you are still using a product that is causing them. So, ideally go for a skin consultation and get some advice on products to suit your skin.

2. Focus on lightweight skincare products
Heavy night creams can block your pores and cause blackheads. The best products I have found for this are from Glo Skincare. Glo have oil free moisturisers that suit all skin types but won’t cause pores or blackheads. They have a fab daytime moisturiser with SPF and a night time moisturiser. They are both super light-weight and have no oils in them. Therefore, they will give you your hydration without clogging pores.

3. Exfoliate: Keep the pores clear
Exfoliate gently a few times a week to remove all dead skin cells from the pores. I like the ASAP Daily Facial Cleanser for all skin types as this contains a good chemical exfoliant which will deep cleanse the pores. Using this a few times a week can really make a difference.

I hope these tips help. If you would like some more advice on how to get rid of open pores feel free to book a skin consultation with me here 🙂

The post How To Get Rid Of Open Pores appeared first on Maria Nolan Skin Expert.

Did you know that one of the main causes of skin ageing is the sun? UVA rays from the sun can penetrate and damage the skin. Long term exposure breaks down collagen and elastin giving us more lines and wrinkles. We can also develop pigment spots and rough skin. It is advisable to wear SPF daily on your face, neck and chest to protect your skin and maintain its youthfulness for longer.

There are many nice moisturisers with sunscreen that are suitable for daily use. Some are thick, white creams and others are watery… So, the trick is to get a formula that suits your skin type. Below are some of my favourite SPFs for different skin types and skin concerns.

SPF for Dry or Sensitive Skin

If you are prone to dry or dehydrated skin then AlumierMD Sheer Hydration SPF 40 is a nice choice. This is a nourishing moisturiser that will keep even the dryest of skins hydrated all day. It contains antioxidants Vitamin C and Vitamin E. This SPF uses a mineral sunscreen therefore, is suited to even the most sensitive skin types. This product is €54 here.

SPF for Oily Skin or Open Pores

If you have oily skin or are prone to open pores or breakouts the Glo Oil Free SPF 40 is an ideal choice. This is a light hydrating SPF moisturiser without a white cast. If you are prone to oily skin then some SPFs may make your face greasy and shiny – this is an oil-free SPF, it is light in texture and won’t clog pores or leave a greasy texture. This product is €60 here.

SPF for Red Skin or Uneven Skin Tone 

Heliocare Color Gelcream SPF 50 is a high protection SPF with a tint. This is ideal for anyone that wants to cover up blemishes, redness or uneven skin tone. It has a gel texture which means it feels very light on the skin. This won’t clog pores and will allow the skin to breathe. This product is €31 here.

The post Choosing the right SPF for your skin appeared first on Maria Nolan Skin Expert.

Serums are skin products that deliver active ingredients into the skin. There are many different types of serums available which do different things in the skin eg hydration serums, skin brightening serums or anti-ageing serums. Adding an active serum to your routine is a great way address skin care concerns.

ASAP Skincare have a fab range of potent serums. So what serum should you use? Read on to see which one is your match.

Super B Serum

ASAP Super B contains Hyaluronic Acid and Nicinamide (Vitamin B). This is a serum to increase skin hydration and calm the skin. It is suited to both oily and dry skin types as it won’t clog pores. I believe every skin type should use this daily to maintain healthy, hydrated skin. This is a drink of water for your skin!

Super C Serum

ASAP Super C is an antioxidant serum with a high concentration of L-ascorbic acid Vitamin C. This is a pure Vitamin C serum and is ideal for daily use for all skin types. The active Vitamin C will help reduce pigment, prevent lines and wrinkles and give a glow to the skin. This is ideal serum if you are looking for a glowing complexion.

Radiance Serum

ASAP Radiance serum is an active serum with AHAs & BHAs. This serum helps to brighten dull, tired and ageing skin, leaving skin noticeably smoother and more refined skin texture. While this is suitable for all skin types it is particularly useful for anyone prone to congestion or breakouts.

I hope this helps you choose an active serum suited to your skin 🙂

The post Which ASAP Skincare serum is right for you appeared first on Maria Nolan Skin Expert.

1. Ultimate Boost Serum by AlumierMD

Give your mum the gift of radiant, hydrated skin with this luxurious serum from AlumierMD. The Ultimate Boost Serum is the perfect addition to any daily skin routine. Packed with hyaluronic acid, it locks in moisture, while a blend of powerful peptides work to improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This refreshing serum will leave your mum feeling hydrated and ready to embrace the sunny days ahead. Shop here.

2. Liquid Platinum by ASAP Skincare

Treat your mum to the ultimate anti-ageing solution, Liquid Platinum. This innovative product is designed to target lines and wrinkles, while also exfoliating the skin to reveal a radiant, glowing complexion. Infused with Glycolic Acid, it gentle exfoliates, helping to smooth the skin’s surface and even out tine. It also strengthens the skins barrier, helping to ensure long-lasting moisture retention for a plumper, brighter appearance. Shop here.

3. Firming Eye Lift by ASAP 

Everyone needs a good eye cream, especially when it comes to reducing dark circles, puffiness and fine lines around the eye area. ASAP Skincare Firming Eye Lift is an anti-ageing powerhouse that targets all of the above concerns. It has a unique anti-ageing formula that suits all skin types, providing nourishment and smoothness to the skin around the eye area. Shop here.

4. A Voucher for an Anti Ageing PhotoFacial

If you’re looking for the perfect way to help your mum relax and revitalize her skin, a PhotoFacial is a lovely treat. This advanced facial includes a deep cleanse, gentle exfoliation, LED light therapy, and the application of active serums to restore the skin’s natural glow. It is the ultimate relaxation experience that also delivers real, visible results. Give your mum the gift of a skin-transforming, relaxing treatment with a voucher for a PhotoFacial. This is €90. To purchase a voucher, click here or feel free to call at 085 1459826 if you would like more details.

The post Top Skincare Gifts for Mother’s Day: Treat her to Glowing, Radiant Skin appeared first on Maria Nolan Skin Expert.

Blue light is high energy light that is emitted by the sun, computer screens and mobile phones. This blue light can cause skin damage just like UV light damage. There is a lot of research to show that blue light from devices can cause changes in skin cells and therefore speed up the ageing process. It can also result in skin sensitivity.

Do you work in an office and spend a lot of time at computer screens? Do you spend a lot of time scrolling Instagram or Facebook on your phone? Then you are exposed to HEV or blue light.

So, how do we stop the blue rays from screens from damaging our skin?

Apply an SPF every morning that offers full protection against UVA, UVB and blue rays.

A nice example is the ASAP Hydrating Defence SPF50. This protects against blue light along with UV rays and suits all skin types.

The post Can blue light from a phone or computer damage your skin? appeared first on Maria Nolan Skin Expert.

On the other hand, you can purchase cosmeceutical skin products from skin clinics. Some examples of cosmeceutical brands include Skinceuticals, Image, AlumierMD, ASAP Skincare, Glo Skin Beauty and Environ.

What effect does a cosmeceutical skincare product have on skin?

Salicylic acid, Retinol and Hyaluronic acid are skincare ingredients that are essential to improve the health of our skin cells. Clinical studies show that we need these ingredients at certain pH levels and certain percentages to work.

A cosmeceutical skincare product is developed with pharmaceutical-grade ingredients at clinically proven percentages. So, an AlumierMD serum for example contains enough Retinol or L-ascorbic acid to change the skin cells and give results! Whereas, a Clarins or Vichy serum will contain a very low percentage of active ingredients. Therefore, these will do nothing for the skin in terms of anti-ageing, acne treatment, oil control etc. 

To conclude, if you want to control breakouts or prevent lines you need ingredients like retinol or salicylic acid at appropriate percentages. These will not be in a product that you can pick up Tesco or Boots!

I hope this helps you understand the difference between cosmetic and cosmeceutical skincare products. You can shop some of my preferred cosmeceutical brands here. Also, if you need some help choosing skin products to suit you feel free to get in contact.

Maria x

The post Cosmeceutical Skin Products Vs Cosmetic Skin Products – What is the difference? appeared first on Maria Nolan Skin Expert.

1. Hydrate from within 

Did you know that the first signs of dehydration show up on the skin? Aim to drink two litres of water each day to glow from the inside out. If you find it hard to drink water try adding some lemon or strawberries to add a little flavour. Lemon has the added benefit of providing Vitamin C and antioxidants.

2. Cleanse

Cleansing is key to healthy skin. I recommend cleansing the face twice a day, morning and night to remove make-up, oils, dead skin cells and dust from the skin. It is my experience that many people cleanse at night in order to remove makeup before bed, however, not as many people cleanse in the mornings. Overnight, things like sweat, oils and debris can build up on the skin and should be washed off in the morning. When choosing a cleanser, avoid harsh ones and stick to a nice, gentle creamy cleanser.

3. Exfoliate

Exfoliating will remove dead skin cells from the pores and encourage fresh, glowing skin. Use a gentle scrub twice a week. I love the ASAP Daily Facial Scrub.

4. Sleep

They call it ‘beauty sleep’ for a reason. When we sleep, our skin cells start to repair. Sleep is good for mental, physical and skin health so it is really important. Aim to get 7 to 8 hours sleep a night. If you find it hard to get a good nights sleep, try to create some calm in your home before bed. Staying away from phones and devices for an hour or two before going to bed can really help you get better sleep. Experiment with different sleep aids such as chamomile tea to relax you and help you sleep or try popping a little lavender oil on your pillow. I love the This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray.

5. Eat well

What we eat has a significant impact on health and wellness, energy levels, immune health and skin health.

As mentioned, healthy skin starts from the inside. Vitamin B, C, E and A and essential fatty acids are among some of the things we should have in our diet for skin health. So, include foods like oranges, carrots, broccoli, tomatoes, potatoes, spinach and bananas. Try to eat oily fish like salmon once or twice a week. Avocado is also super rich in omegas, Vitamin E and antioxidants and is great for the skin!

The post 5 Simple Beauty Tips that will make all the difference – Skin Health from the Inside Out appeared first on Maria Nolan Skin Expert.