As we enter the New Year, many women are rethinking their skincare routines – shifting away from quick fixes and towards long-term skin health. Discover the top expert-backed principles for achieving plump, healthy looking skin all year round
Plump, radiant skin isn’t about chasing trends or piling on actives; it’s about strengthening the foundations that support the skin at every stage of life.
From hydration and barrier repair to collagen stimulation and daily protection, Laura Porter, skincare expert & facialist shares her top principles form the blueprint for achieving plump, healthy looking skin all year round.
Plump skin is healthy, well-supported skin. The key is protecting your moisture barrier, keeping hydration levels high and stimulating collagen consistently. Here are the fundamentals every woman should focus on:
1. Prioritise deep hydration (inside and out)
Skin instantly looks fuller when its water content is high. Look for humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and polyglutamic acid, they pull water into the skin and give that juicy, cushiony appearance. And don’t underestimate internal hydration; even mild dehydration shows up immediately as dullness and fine lines.
2. Strengthen the skin barrier
A strong barrier prevents water loss. Ceramides, fatty acids, squalane, and niacinamide are essentials for keeping the skin supple and preventing ‘deflated’ texture. Most people think they need more active ingredients, but often they just need a healthier barrier.
3. Use collagen stimulating ingredients
To get truly plump skin long term, you need collagen. Retinoids, peptides, and vitamin C are the gold standard trio. They firm, thicken, and smooth the skin from within.”
4. Don’t skip daily SPF
UV exposure is the number one cause of collagen breakdown. If you’re not wearing SPF every day, all your efforts to get plump skin are working against constant damage.
5. Increase microcirculation
Gentle massage, gua sha, and even regular facial exercises help boost blood flow. When circulation improves, nutrients and oxygen reach the skin more efficiently, instantly boosting radiance and fullness
6. Support skin health through lifestyle
Sleep, protein intake, and stress management directly impact skin density and hydration. Consistent poor sleep, for example, makes the skin appear thinner and more dehydrated.
All tips credited to Laura Porter, Skincare Expert & Facialist, Founder of FAB Skincare
