It's Time To Target Your Skin's Enemies

It’s time to target your skin’s enemies. Say goodbye to the saboteurs and say hello to a glowing complexion.

Skin enemy #1: DEHYDRATION

Dry skin can be a major problem as it can lead to fine lines, wrinkles and an almost crepe-like complexion. One overlooked cause is over-cleansing, which can strip the skin of its natural oils.

“Hot water combined with dry conditions can sap moisture from the skin. Two to three minutes of cleansing is enough,” says Emma Hobson, education manager of The International Dermal Institute. Try cream cleansers or cleansing balms and give your skin a moisturising boost with a hydrating gel mask at least two times a week after exfoliating. “This will instantly help restore lost moisture.”

She also recommends using a silicone moisturiser (which is water- and oil-free) to seal in moisture and protect the skin. Also, use a hydrating serum underneath your daily moisturiser, then spritz your skin with a hydrating toner (containing an ingredient called hyaluronic acid) to keep dry skin at bay.

Skin enemy #2: ACNE

Pimples can sometimes appear outside their regular monthly appearance and turn into full-blown acne. If you are pimple-prone, when it comes to choosing skincare products, look for products labelled “oil-free” and “noncomedogenic” (which means it won’t clog pores).

Cleansing regularly can prevent breakouts. Emma suggests using a cleansing oil. “These are terrific at deep cleansing the skin. Follow this with an antibacterial facial gel wash or clay-based cleanser,” she says. Spend a bit more time focusing on the problem areas.