When it comes to establishing good skincare habits, it’s all about routine.
Nothing quite says natural beauty like bright, clear skin. While genetics often play a role, especially when it comes to different skin types and concerns, it’s certainly possible to improve the condition of your skin with a solid daily routine. Finding the right combination of products can take some trial and error, and the way you choose to care for your skin needs to fit into your schedule and lifestyle — read on for our top tips and general guidelines to help you build a regime that works for you.
1. CLEANSE THOROUGHLY
The simple act of washing your face should be the first step in your daily routine. Be sure to cleanse thoroughly to remove impurities, dead cells and any makeup or sunscreen that may be stuck to your skin. Ideally, you should cleanse your face in the morning and evening — this will help keep your skin looking and feeling radiant and prevent your pores from becoming blocked with dirt.
To keep your skin bright and clean, it’s best to remove your makeup before you begin the cleansing process. Then, use a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water, as extreme temperatures could irritate. Gently rub your fingers in an upward direction — this will help to boost circulation – and don’t forget your neck and jawline, as these areas are also susceptible to the build-up of dirt. When you’re done, gently pat dry your skin – leaving your face wet can contribute to dryness.
When choosing cleansing products, consider your skin type – concerns like dryness, excess oil and acne can all be addressed with the right combination of ingredients. Oily skin, for example, is best suited to a foaming liquid cleanser formulated to break down dirt and oil in the pores, while dry and red skin usually benefits from a cream wash with hydrating properties. You might consider a lightweight oil cleanser if you have particularly sensitive skin, while mature skin usually does well with a nourishing melting balm.
Esse Refining Cleanser
This luxurious cleanser is a clay-based product that lightly foams, exfoliates and detoxifies. Bentonite clay acts as a superfine exfoliator while drawing out toxins.
100ml | R375
Dermalogica Daily Glycolic Cleanser
This brightening and conditioning cleanser renews dull and uneven skin tones. It helps remove build-up caused by environmental factors.
295ml | R999
Exuviance Total Correct Wash
This cleanser is creamy in texture, soap-free and leaves the skin clear and smooth. Suitable for non-sensitive skin, prematurely aged or mature, sun-damaged skin.
125ml | R730
2. TARGET SPECIFIC ISSUES | SERUMS + OILS
One of the best things you can do when building a healthy skincare routine is to incorporate active ingredients that protect your skin from day-to-day damage. You’ll find these ingredients in serums, which can address specific concerns, like fine lines, pigmentation and redness, or can simply be used to keep the effects of environmental damage at bay. Look out for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which keeps the skin strong; retinol and peptides, which keep the skin firm and elastic; and colloidal sulfur, which reduces inflammation. To apply your serum, use your fingertips and gently smooth the product over your face and neck. Don’t rub too hard — simply allow the product to absorb into the skin.
If you’re looking for a concentrated targeting treatment, another great option is an oil. Oils help to protect the skin’s moisture barrier and can be used to address specific concerns, depending on the type you choose. Simply apply a few drops to your face and gently pat it onto your face and neck. If you have specific areas you would like to target, you can concentrate your application on these places.
Endocare Expert Drops Hydrating Protocol
A day treatment with an exclusive formula with Hyaluronic Acid that provides long-lasting hydration.
And a night treatment formulated with retinol and synergy of key ingredients constitutes a double chemical and enzymatic peeling that promotes cell renewal.
R735.37
Lancôme’s Advanced Génifique Serum
Formulated with Bifidus Prebiotic, Hyaluronic Acid, and Vitamin C, Advanced GénifiqueSerum accelerates the skin surface barrier recovery for stronger skin in one drop. A strong skin barrier helps to lock in hydration and defend against external aggressors, including pollution and cold and dry weather.
75ml | R1 780
Gatineau Collagene Expert Hydra Essence
A collagen-boosting essence for advanced hydration to plump & balance the skin whilst smoothing fine lines & reviving a youthful-looking complexion.
120ml | R1 240
3. DON’T FORGET YOUR EYES | EYE CREAM
The skin around the eyes – which tends to be very thin – is often vulnerable to issues like fine lines, puffiness, hyperpigmentation and dark circles. In fact, this area of skin is particularly prone to dryness because it loses water much faster than other parts of the face. Because it is so delicate, it’s a good idea to give this area extra attention daily. If you struggle with inflammation, choose soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and peptides. Dark circles can be reduced with vitamin C, niacinamide and kojic acid, all of which work to brighten the skin. Be sure to avoid fragranced products, which can cause stinging and irritation.
To apply your eye cream, place a small amount onto the back of your hand and then dip your finger into the cream to make a semi-circle of dots in the target area. Begin below the inner part of your eyebrow, and move sideways and up along the bone that encircles your eye. Gently pat the cream onto your skin as you go, and ensure that you don’t rub it in, as this could irritate the skin and eyes.
PRAI Ageless Eye D-Crease
This supercharged creme, powered by Matrixyl®, peptides, and precious oils, fights every key visible sign of ageing: wrinkles, dark circles, puffiness, and dryness.
15ml | R1 150
Sothys Eyelid Lifting Serum
This serum, inspired by dermo-aesthetic techniques, smooths the lids leaving them defined and radiant with youth.
15ml | R995
Esse Eye Contour Cream
Targets main concerns around the eye area including crow’s feet, dark circles and puffiness.
15ml | R1 430
4. MOISTURISE
It’s no secret that regular moisturising is key to keeping the skin in tip-top shape. But the specific product you choose will depend on your skin type and any concerns you have. Lightweight gels are usually a good option for oily skin, while classic lotions are good for normal and combination skin. Dry skin benefits from a formula that is especially nourishing — oil-based creams are an excellent choice. A moisturising balm will serve you well if you have very dry, sensitive or inflamed skin.
A small, pea-sized amount of moisturiser is usually enough to use each time. Apply the product to your face and neck with your fingertips, rubbing gently in circular motions.
Lancôme Advanced Génifique Night Cream
This moisturising night cream soothes the skin, repairs the skin barrier, seals in moisture, and repairs the skin barrier to achieve visibly younger skin.
50ml | R1 260
PRAI Ageless Throat & Decolletage Crème
A rich, luxurious creme featuring the unique Sepilift technology and Hyaluronic Acid to dramatically lift and tighten sagging skin and diminish fine lines and crepiness.
50ml | R960
Esse Ultra Moisturiser
This moisturise is super rich and nourishing for dry skin. Grape Seek Extract acts as a potent antioxidant.
50ml | R765
5. PREVENT SUN DAMAGE | SUN CARE
The importance of daily sun protection simply cannot be overstated. Even if you spend most of your day indoors, it’s advisable that you apply an SPF of at least 30. Many day creams multitask as sunscreens, which makes it easy to make sun protection part of your regime.
If you’re baffled when it comes to choosing a sunscreen, bear in mind that most formulas contain chemical ingredients, which are absorbed into the skin and provide protection from the effects of ultraviolet light; and physical ingredients that remain on the surface of the skin and prevent damage from UV rays. Ideally, it’s best to opt for a formula containing a combination of these ingredients — this will help protect your skin from UVA and UVB damage.
Heliocare 360º Age Active Fluid SPF 50
The complex features a trio of hydrators to help plump the skin and smooth lines, while an additional ‘soft focus’ complex helps diffuse light, reducing the appearance of fine lines.
R612.38
Litchi & Titch Vitamin-Rich Face Cream + SPF 20
This SPF is a lightweight lotion that seals in moisture to last the entire day. It can be used as a daily moisturiser. Vegan.
R380
Lamelle Helase Urban Defence 30
Lamelle Helase Urban Defence 30 is a multi-functional broad-spectrum photo-protector that helps reduce the impact of urban pollution.
R550
6. TRY AN OCCASIONAL EXFOLIATOR OR MASK
While it’s not necessary to use exfoliators and face masks every day — every two weeks or so is sufficient — these products can give your skin the boost it needs from time to time. Masks are formulated to address specific concerns and work by trapping ingredients and moisture in the skin. This, in turn, creates a film that moisturises or exfoliates the skin, depending on the ingredients, and allows an intensive dose of ingredients to enter the skin quickly. Although there is no substitute for proper skincare, these products can complement your regime and contribute to healthier-looking skin.
When it comes to exfoliating, there are two options — mechanical exfoliation involves the use of a brush or scrub to remove dead skin cells, while chemical exfoliation uses chemicals to dissolve skin cells. Whichever method you prefer, ensure you are gentle with your skin. Apply the product in small, circular movements for about 30 seconds before rinsing off with lukewarm water. Using a sponge or brush, use light strokes and moisturise afterwards to keep your skin hydrated.
AQ Moisturising Mask
This intensive hydro-gel mask increases cell and blood vessel production and collagen and elastin production for a youthful complexion with healthy, radiant skin.
R299
Litchi & Titch Gentle AHA Exfoliator
This gel-like chemical exfoliator leaves your skin feeling revitalised and renewed. Ingredients include salicylic acid, aloe and blueberry.
R370
Gatineau Limited Edition Radiance Enhancing Gommage
A unique balm to oil exfoliator with AHA’s includes Glycolic, Lactic, Malic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin C.
R542
Lelive Seatox Mask
This sustainably sourced mask with marine algae and aloe will give your skin the deep cleanse you need without stripping your skin of its natural protective oils. It also soothes inflamed skin.
R319
Dermalogica Milkfoliant
A gentle exfoliating powder made with a blend of coconut milk and oat that polishes and reveals a more vibrant skin. This exfoliator is so gentle that it can be used as part of a daily routine.
R1 329
The post Best of beauty: get your skincare regime right appeared first on Aspire Lifestyle Magazine.
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