Your skin is the first point of call with anti-ageing wellness, and perhaps the first stumbling block. There are so many magic ingredients and new beauty therapies, it can be hard to determine the best thing to do for your wellbeing. In fact, just looking for your skin solution can just leave you with more questions than you had in the first place, so let’s take a look at some popular questions, as see if we can answer them.
1. How can I get rid of dead skin cells? Exfoliating is a good way to get rid of dead skin cells, but it’s up to you as to what you use for buffing. Generally a soft washcloth, spinning brush or a body scrub with synthetic beads will get the job done. If you have dry skin, you can probably get away with gently exfoliating once a week, but if your skin is oily, you may have to exfoliate twice weekly. However, if you have sensitive skin or acne, exfoliating may be irritating to your skin so speak to your dermatologist. No matter your skin type, exfoliating too much or too hard can irritate and thicken your skin, so be gentle. Some skincare products contain dead cell-removing ingredients, such as salicylic acid or retinoids. Look out for these ingredients in acne medicines and anti-ageing products. You can also slough off dead cells with microdermabrasion or a chemical peel, either at-home or at the doctors.
2. I have dark skin – do I need to do something different? Having darker skin means that you are more sensitive to the sun, as well as chemicals. Therefore, you need to have a skincare routine that’s simple and gentle, and includes daily use of a moisturiser and a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sun cream. You may not bother with sun cream because you never get burned, but this product is absolutely vital to protect your skin wellness from skin cancer, wrinkling, and dark spots.
3. Which nutrients are good for my skin? Just like the rest of your body, your skin needs good nutrition to be in tip-top shape. Research shows that nutrients can improve and protect your skin which, first and foremost, you need to get from foods. These meaning choosing foods that contain vitamins A, B3, C and E. It may also be a good idea to choose creams and serums that include vitamins C or E, as these may protect you against sun damage, while ones that have vitamins A or B3 may be able to correct the sun damage you have already.
4. Are organic products better for my skin? While “organic” or “all-natural” are appealing labels to see on your beauty products, there’s actually no scientific proof that these cosmetics are safer for your skin. In fact, organic products may irritate your skin, especially if it’s sensitive. Just because plant extracts are natural, it doesn’t mean they won’t cause rashes or other allergic reactions if your skin is so inclined. As with any skincare product, you need to first test organic cosmetics on a less noticeable area of your skin.
5. Do I need to have salon facials for good skin? While salon facials are relaxing and make your skin look smoother for a while, they’re not necessary for good skin care if you cleanse and exfoliate your skin properly at home. Moreover, in some people, facials may cause irritation or allergic reactions, which is obviously the opposite effect than the one you’re after. So if you find facials give you rashes or redness, it might be wise to avoid them.
