"Diminish the looks of fine lines and wrinkles"
Clear skin is desired by everyone: young, mature, female and male. Unfortunately, we have numerous factors like pollutants and hormones waiting to attack our complexions.
The desire of achieving clear skin seems to be farfetched; however, it does not have to be this way.
If you want to attain clear skin all year round, all you must do is ensure you incorporate some simple steps into your skincare routine.
Not only will attaining clear skin help you look healthy, but it will also make you feel good.
We explore the top five tips that everyone should follow to set your skin back on track.
Cleanse, Cleanse and Cleanse
Every day our skin is exposed to the pollutants in the air which cause excessive dirt to build upon the surface of the skin.
This dirt and bacteria can lead to the blockage of follicles, trapped sebum and sweat and dead skin cells which result in breakouts.
Daily facial washing rids the skin of these impurities to reveal fresh skin surface.
Another important factor of actively cleansing the skin is helping maintain a healthy level of hydration avoiding rough, dry and dull skin.
Regularly washing the skin helps manage PH levels which allow for sufficient water and product retention.
On the market, there is an excessive amount of cleansers to choose from in various forms like foam, gel, oil-based and cream cleansers.
Remember it is imperative that the cleanser you use daily must be suited to your skin type.
For dry skin ensure the cleanser does not have a high alcohol content and opt for a cream product. This will not dry out your skin rather it will leave it feeling hydrated.
If you have oily skin then pick a cleanser with a lower PH level that is either of gel or foam consistency. This will help target clogged pores.
For sensitive skin select a product that is free from fragrances, additives and synthetic ingredients.
Ideally, you need to choose a cleanser that is marketed as “gentle” to avoid your skin becoming inflamed, irritated or dry.
In this instance, it is best to compare product details and reviews to help you make the most informed decision.
After all, it is something we use daily, thus a little time and consideration go a long way.
Moisturiser
After having cleansed our faces in the morning or just before bed, it seems moisturising is another chore. But is it necessary?
We are all aware that applying moisturiser to the skin helps it feel soft, but does it help achieve clear skin?
In fact, moisturiser is one of the most essential steps of any skincare routine as it ensures the outer layer of the skin (stratum corneum) is functioning properly.
In this instance, the stratum corneum is made up of fatty acid and ceramides that keep the deeper layers of skin hydrated and protected.
It is important to feed the skin with a moisturiser that is right for your skin type.
The director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, Joshua Zeichner said:
“Just because your best friend likes the feel of a particular product does not mean it will work well for you.
“With so many products on the market, you can select the ideal formulation for your preference; gel, creams, lotions, ointments and foams can all be effective.”
Numerous formulations are designed to address various skin concerns. Typically, an effective moisturiser will contain hydrating properties.
Yet, to address specific skin issues you will need to take a closer look at the product’s formula.
For example, an ideal moisturiser for oily or acne-prone skin is noncomedogenic (oil-free) products.
The director of Cosmetic Dermatology at South Shore Medical Centre, Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip said:
“Those with oily or acne-prone skin fear that moisturising will only make (their skin concerns) worse.
“So, instead they use harsh products and cleansers to dry their skin out.”
Unfortunately, this misconception can be counterproductive leading to the skin producing more oil.
For dry skin, a moisturiser with thicker consistency is perfect particularly if it contains hyaluronic acid.
To maximise the benefits of your moisturiser for clear skin, apply it when your skin is slightly damp.
This will allow the damp skin to absorb and retain the moisture more readily for plump skin.
Another top tip for clear skin is to consider switching your daytime moisturiser to a night-time alternative.
During the night, your skin is actively repairing, rebuilding and rejuvenating itself.
Using a night time cream will help this process along. Night creams are designed to be denser and more nourishing allowing it to seep deep into the skin.
Take your moisturiser down your neck in an upward motion as this will help combat signs of ageing.
It turns out our mothers were right when they would constantly nag us to apply moisturiser on our face.
Retinol
This clinically proven product is a must-have in your skincare bag. Retinol is a powerhouse ingredient that helps exfoliate, anti-ageing and anti-breakout.
Retinol’s impressive abilities have decreased wrinkles and have reportedly helped with acne.
The founder and dermatologist of Murad Skincare, Dr Murad highlights how retinol work through “exfoliating, aiding in the production of collagen and fighting free radicals.”
Linda Blahr, Head of National Training at SkinCeuticals, confirms that retinol is a powerhouse product. She said:
“Retinol can help increase the appearance of firmness, diminish the looks of fine lines and wrinkles, significantly improve uneven skin tone, smooth and finally refine the surface of the skin as well.
“Retinol is definitely a powerful multi-tasker.”
This product is best used during the night because exposure to sunlight results in the product being less active and beneficial. Blahr continued to state:
“Retinol is prone to increase photosensitivity within the skin. Always use a high, broad-spectrum sunscreen when using this product.”
As a result of this, retinol products are best used two/three times a week. This allows time for the skin to adapt to the treatment.
Despite the numerous benefits, retinol is not suitable for everyone.
If you are someone who suffers from eczema, psoriasis or inflammable skin then be sure to consult a dermatologist before incorporating retinol into your routine.
Dermarolling
Dermarolling, also known as micro-needling is when mini needles fixed to a roller (derma roller) is gently rolled over the face avoiding the eye area.
Originally this process was carried out by a dermatologist; however, it can be carried out at home with utmost care.
This process punctures the skin. Do not worry it does not damage the outer layer of skin. In fact, it helps break down any scar tissue.
This method of controlled injuries to the skin helps evoke the body to act with healing responses.
The responses include:
- Substances stimulating skin growth.
- Formation of new blood vessels in the skin.
- Skin producing more collagen.
These benefits help the skin become firmer, clearer and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Follow these simple steps ahead on how to use a derma roller at home:
- Remove the derma roller from its container, spray it with alcohol/antiseptic solution and rinse with warm water to sterilise.
- Wash your face with cleanser and pat dry.
- Gentle roll the derma roller across the skin; repeating in different directions (horizontal, vertical and diagonal).
- Re-sterilise the derma roller and store away.
Once the skin has been punctured, you can follow up with your choice of serum and moisturiser.
This method is used to maximise the benefits of your skincare products as they are absorbed more efficiently into the skin.
It is also important to note that derma rollers are available in different sizes from 0.2mm to 3.0mm.
Typically, the needle size determines the skin aliment one wants to tackle. For home use, the needle length is 0.15 or less.
To ensure the best results of this technique for clear skin, carry out this process at least once every week.
Sun Protection
Another major factor to consider when thinking of clear skin is sun protection.
We all love the radiating sunshine but if we leave our skin exposed to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays chances are it will harm our skin.
There are two UV rays to know:
- UVA rays: can cause premature ageing and wrinkles.
- UVB rays: links to the development of skin cancer, melanoma and can cause sunburn.
Sun damage occurs over time, therefore it is important to wear some form of sun protection every day even on a cloudy day.
This can either be a sun cream or a product that contains sun protection factor (SPF) count.
On the market, products with SFP are advertised as; SPF 15, SPF 20, SPF 30 and SPF 50. The higher the count, the greater the protection against UV rays.
Unfortunately, the idea of wearing a higher SPF count leads to “a false sense of security.”
The director of Dermatologic Surgery, Steven Q. Wang stated how people unknowingly fall victim to more sun damage. He said:
“People who use them (SPF) tend to stay out in the sun much longer. They may skip reapplying.
“And they may think they don’t need to seek shade, wearing a hat or cover up with clothing.
“They end up getting a lot more UV damage, which of course defeats the purpose.”
As a result of this, it is crucial to keep the skin topped up the sun cream every couple of hours.
To ensure that our various other products used in our skincare routine work to the best of their ability, it is necessary to protect our skin against UV rays.
So, remember to slather on that sun cream before you leave the house every morning.
Alongside these tips and tricks to help you achieve clear skin, it is important to note that each product will show successful results with regular use.
Remember clear skin requires work and patience to be the best it can be.