SAIRA

"Women: unstoppable forces of strength, beauty, and resilience."

As a woman in her 50s leading a busy working life and raising a family, I know what it feels like to look in that mirror and think, “I look tired, I look old, I don’t look like myself”.

The beauty of getting older is that you grow wiser, and wisdom has taught me to be kinder to myself, to not compare myself to others, and to accept and appreciate that beauty is skin deep.

I feel happier, healthier and calmer now than at any other stage in my life. I am living my best life which I believe comes from a very simple mindset; that of looking after myself, as well as others.

I have come to understand that the rituals we create for ourselves and the space where we create meaning and purpose can be truly transformative. I wanted to create a skincare range for busy women like me, one that was simple to use, multi-tasking and deeply nourishing, and which respected the skin as well as the principles of sustainability.

I have found that my skincare rituals allow me to pause, look in the mirror, focus on my feelings and connect with myself and remind myself that I am enough. It is during these magical moments that I’m able to find balance and become empowered. 

I hope you can experience this beautiful way to uplift yourself and find real clarity and love for who you are and what you stand for.

HOLISTIC APPROACH TO SKINCARE

Let’s be honest, nothing in life stays the same - nor should it. As we age, our skin changes too. I’ve noticed the loss of volume and tone has left me looking older, tired and even angry at times and it knocks my confidence.

A deep respect for the sun

I wear sunscreen 365 days of the year as I believe it’s the most important product in any skincare ritual. Using sun protection every day helps to protect the skin from harmful rays like UVB and UVA, which can lead to premature ageing and skin cancer. It also helps protect skin from the blue light that is omitted from our digital devices, which can penetrate into the skin’s deeper layers causing pigmentation and collagen breakdown. 

A healthy diet

A healthy diet really does matter if you’re serious about improving your skin. Foods that are nutrient-rich and full of vitamins and antioxidants will help strengthen skin from the inside, helping skin look clearer and healthier. 

Over the years I’ve found that my skin improves as soon as I reduce my intake of refined sugars and processed foods so I’ve created a list of the best foods you can eat to give your skin a boost from the inside:

  • Fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel and herring – excellent foods for healthy skin. Rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, they help reduce inflammation in your body, including in your skin.
  • Avocados – high in healthy fats essential for many bodily functions, including healthy skin. Getting enough of these fats will help keep skin flexible and moisturised.
  • Walnuts – these nuts are another great source of essential Omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Sunflower seeds – crunchy, versatile seeds that contain Vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant to protect skin. Use a handful of seeds as salad toppers, or mix them into your morning yogurt with a drizzle of honey.
  • Broccoli – this green, leafy veg is full of the vitamins and minerals that are important for skin health, including zinc, vitamin A and vitamin C. It also contains lutein, which helps protect skin from oxidative damage. I love steaming mine but it’s also great in soups or lightly stir-fried.
  • Green tea – the powerful compounds found in green tea, known as ‘catechins’, work to improve the health of your skin by improving its moisture, roughness, thickness, and elasticity.

A love of hydration

For me, water is an essential part of skin health. Our body’s cells and tissues are mostly water, and being properly hydrated can improve blood flow in the skin and body. Water assists the blood in carrying essential nutrients to the skin, which helps protect it from premature damage. I drink freshly made herbal teas and filtered water every day, and I’ve noticed that when I reduce my water intake my skin is often dry and cracked.

A sensible exercise regime

I incorporate stretching, resistance and strength work, cardio and walking into my working week to keep physically and mentally fit – but also to look after my skin. When I work out, blood is pumped through my body, working my heart muscles and circulating blood and oxygen, leading to improved vitality and more effective cellular repair. Exercise also helps the body to expel toxins and reduce stress and inflammation. Together, the result is a major contribution to healthier, happier skin.

A practical approach

We have partnered with Heliocare, a professional SPF range that helps protect your skin from the daily damage caused by the sun. For more information click here.

The only way to address some of the skin changes that arise as a direct result of ageing is to go deeper into the epidermal layers and stimulate the body’s natural collagen production to plump and tighten the skin effectively.

I found a specialist aesthetic clinic that could help with this and I now make regular visits for additional treatments with Dr Sabika Karim, a specialist in skin rejuvenation, alongside using my SAIRA products.

The rich nourishing organic formulations in each SAIRA product are designed specifically to cleanse, exfoliate, nourish and soften the skin. Used twice daily, the products will help you see an improvement in the appearance and texture of your skin within seven days, helping you enjoy skin that looks brighter, fresher, toned and glossy.