From acne breakouts to thirsty skin, here are the solutions you need to save face from some of the most common skin concerns.
Blemish-prone skin
Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that causes a disorder in the activity of pores. In normal conditions, sebaceous glands produce oil which lubricate and protect the skin’s surface. In the case of acne, these glands produce more oil than normal causing a build-up of oil, bacteria and dead skin cells which leads to an obstruction to the follicle. This ultimately results in the formation of pimples and red spots.
Acne-fighting salicylic acid-based products pack a real punch when it comes to pimple-zapping goodness. Look for AHAs/BHAs that gently exfoliate to remove buildup and unclog pores.
And we know it’s tempting, but it’s important to leave your face alone! The less you touch a pimple, the more it will calm down and be less likely to spread to other areas of the face – and less likely to result in permanent scarring.
Pigmentation
If you’ve spent your fair share of time in the sun, freckles and other forms of pigmentation will rear their ugly heads. In its various forms, hyperpigmentation affects over 80 percent of women over the age of 25 and is rated the number-two skin concern after facial wrinkles. Hyperpigmentation refers to changes in the melanin content and distribution of the skin.
There are four major types of hyperpigmentation: Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) caused by trauma to the skin; age spots accumulated with age from exposure to the sun or pollution; freckles caused by an excess of melanin on the skin, either as a result of genetics or from excess sun exposure; and melasma, which often appears on the face as larger brown patches with a non-distinct border and is often linked to hormonal imbalances.
Topicals loaded with active ingredients have been shown to improve the appearance of pigmentation. A high concentration of Vitamin C can significantly improve brown spots, as well as skin-brightening ingredients such as hydroquinone. Vitamin A, in the form of stabilised retinol, enables surface hyperpigmented cells to be sloughed off, as well as helping to reduce melanin production. Vitamin B3/Niacinamide helps prevent transfer of the melanin pigment from the melanocyte to the keratinocyte in the epidermis. Koji acid is another commonly used ingredient in treating pigmentation as it helps inhibit the production of tyrosinase.
If there’s one thing you can do, it’s this: wear sunscreen every day! Not only does it help prevent potentially fatal skin cancer but it also protects your skin from harmful UV rays – the culprit behind most pigmented spots.
The best way to tackle tricky pigmentation is with a multi-pronged approach including cosmeceutical-grade skincare using actives mentioned above, using broad spectrum sun protection every day, and individualised clinical treatment such as cosmelan® depigmentation treatment. This advanced formulation from mesoestetic, a multinational pharma specialising in medical cosmetics, offers an in-clinic solution and home system for hard-to-treat pigmentation.
Red, irritated skin
Redness is fickle and can be hard to tackle. If your face looks red or flushed, it can be due to a variety of things such as alcohol, your lifestyle, your genes or simply your skincare regimen.
Be sure to use facial skincare products that do not contain irritating ingredients; look for fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. Skin irritation can lead directly to inflammation and redness.
Common ingredients found in facial products that can irritate your skin include fragrances, alcohol, lavender and linalool. The name of the game is ‘gentle’, so avoid scrubbing and any abrasive cleansing tools. Look for calming serums with antioxidant-rich plant extracts to keep dryness at bay and help diminish skin redness and inflammation.
Remember, the sun can be a big player in facial redness so make sure you always use a SPF15 or greater titanium dioxide or zinc oxide to protect your skin.
Dry skin
Dry skin is a manifestation of the skin relating to both internal and external factors. Barrier is the word of the day. In healthy skin, the epidermis (top layer) has a seal around the cells to trap the moisture, known as a barrier function. However, dryness, cold and sensitising products wreak havoc on this natural function, so you need products to bolster your skin’s defences. Up the ante by using a richer cream or oil into your routine and incorporate moisture-infused brightening masks into your skincare routine.
Use regenerating day moisturisers and night creams, massaging the skin in a light circular motion to improve circulation and keep the skin’s outer layer active and healthy. Try layering your products to lock moisture into your skin. A hydrating serum underneath your moisturiser will penetrate deeper into the skin for boosted hydration and brightness.
And remember to drink plenty of water and reduce the intake of alcohol. The recommended eight glasses of water will help keep your skin healthy and plump.
Ageing skin
Give your skin the fuel it needs to rejuvenate and repair. Look for products containing hyaluronic acid (HA), antioxidants, vitamin complexes, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and peptides to really deliver results and reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, dehydrate, sagging and lacklustre skin.
Topical vitamins are key players in protecting and repairing skin. Vitamin C, for example, is an antioxidant that works to prevent free radical damage and help reinforce the skin’s own defenses and prevent long-term damage. Arguably the most potent topical is retinol, a derivative of Vitamin A (retinoic acid), which is widely touted as ‘the’ anti-ageing solution. Retinoids encourage better cell function and turnover, stimulating the dermis and helping to boost collagen and elastin production and improve fine lines and wrinkles, skin texture, skin tone and colour, and your skin’s hydration levels.
Hyaluronic acid (also found naturally in the skin) is a standout ingredient in many anti-ageing products due to its ability to attract and bind water, locking moisture into the skin and binding collagen with elastin.
Find a different skin rejuvenating moisturiser for day and for night that work well in synergy. And don’t forget to moisturise your neck and décolleté as well – these areas are one of the first to show signs of sun damage and age.
