As you age, your skin changes and so should your approach to skin care. Whether you detect dry discolouration (where you didn't use to have it) or you suddenly start breaking out along your jawline (hi, hormones) and every now and then, your cheeks get Highveld-dry. You best believe you are not alone in the struggle. These changes can be a bit stressful as you try to navigate a brand new skincare routine. So why not seek out the experts (a.k.a dermatologists) to decode the riddle that is skin types? Here, we break down what they are, how they're different and why shopping for tailored products can be helpful.
Dry Skin
▸ WHAT'S THE DEAL?
"Dry skin has a tendency towards redness, scaly patches and the feeling of tightness," says Dr Anjali Mahto, dermatologist and author of The Skincare Bible. And this is because it produces less oil (a.k.a.sebum) compared with most other skin types, explains Dr Ben Esdaile, also a dermatologist. "Dry skin is not able to retain moisture and leads to a rough and sometimes flaky surface," he adds.
▸ NEVER SKIP: The single most important thing to remember when you're treating dry skin? To restore your skin barrier (the outermost layer of skin). Get that right and you'll prevent a whole load of moisture loss. "Look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, shea butter and ceramides," says Dr Esdaile. They work to hydrate and strengthen the barrier, allowing it to hold in moisture.
▸ STAY CLEAR OF: Dr Mahto recommends avoiding long, hot showers, as they can strip the skin of moisture. Instead, opt for warm water and keep things speedy. "Use gentle soaps and washes and avoid any excessive exfoliation, which could further irritate skin," she adds.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Irreconcilable Differences?
You’re one-upping your partner on all health fronts and now your relationship has more tension than your new resistance bands. Here’s how to get over the hurdle of mismatched goals.
Hot And Bothered
Inflammation is all the rage in health conversations right now and research is establishing it as a major player in all sorts of issues you don't want to deal with. But! You can safeguard yourself from the smokin' internal inferno with these smart strategies.
Self-esteem under the microscope
The term brings to mind positive-thinking memes with sunset backdrops and swirly lettering. But could I you sum up self-esteem when asked as part of a pub quiz? Didn't think so. And there's more at stake here than winning the points.
the reset
IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO START OVER
Mind Over Muscle
Could you level up your strength training just by putting your mind to it?
ON BEING THE HEROINE OF YOUR OWN LIFE
Olympian. All-African Games winner. African champion. Record-breaker. Javelin athlete Jo-Ané van Dyk talks mental fortitude and what it takes to live up to your own hype. If there's one thing she can do, it's to throw down. And it's all about to reach peak levels.
Why Women Are Choosing to Be Child-Free
The choice can be liberating, yet stigmas persist. Here, how to cut through the noise with clarity and confidence to make the decision that's right for *you.*
FUEL YOUR SKIN
Inside your body, there's a crew of unsung protein heroes that scientists believe are the key to a healthy, glowing complexion. Heads-up: your routine is about to change for the better.
How To Be Decisive
You could use a Magic 8 ball to help you make a choice. Or, while you're waiting to 'ask again later', let our experts explain the best ways to get unstuck.
Build A Strong Base
You heard it here: the pelvic floor is the forgotten core - and you're selling yourself short by waiting for a specific life stage to train it. Your four-move workout is here.
