Brighter, more hydrated skin and a relaxed you is just one treatment away

Bright, bright baby

The dreaded overproduction of melanin that many suffer from causes some areas on the face to have darker patches and spots than on the rest of the face. To make matters worse, HEV light from our computers, laptops and phones causes further degradation of skin cells. To take matters into your own hands, use a sunscreen with blue light and pollution filters every single day, even when you’re just staying inside. Pair that with vitamin C, an antioxidant powerhouse, along with AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid) treatments to tackle the issue. Rev up your night-time routine with the help of targeted, specialised skincare. Because some of these formulas are a bit harsher than, say, a regular night cream, it’s the perfect time to use them when the harsh summer sun isn’t as prominent. Some active ingredients, such as retinol and high levels of vitamin C, can sensitise skin due to the faster rate of cell turnover, which makes winter a safer time to kick skin into reparative gear. 

Get with the glow

The quickest way to go from dull to diamond is by, you guessed it, exfoliating. Think of it as polishing – without some form of abrasive action, the diamond appears bland. Physical exfoliation on your skin, however, literally sloughs away dead skin cells – those that just sit on top of the stratum corneum (outermost layer of the epidermis) and do nothing but make you look dull, and absorb whatever you put on your face. During the cycle of skin cell renewal, cells travel up through the epidermis in order to make space for new cells underneath, and then finally land on the outermost layer, where they no longer serve a function apart from being a barrier. Because these cells are essentially made up of keratin, they need to be sloughed off regularly to avoid becoming trapped in pores, and so that new cells can shine through and allow better product absorption. To help with this process, a daily chemical exfoliant containing AHAs and BHAs such as glycolic or salicylic acid helps to speed up the cell renewal process and dissolve keratinocytes (skin cells) before they get the chance to block pores. 

At home

A gentle physical scrub will help to get rid of build-up, will smooth the skin’s surface and help the products that follow to be better absorbed. Try something gentle but gritty, and massage the product in small, circular motions all over the face, focusing on areas where it feels rough or congested. Gently remove the scrub with a warm cloth. Next up, reach for a hard-working mask containing all the good acids. We’re talking glycolic, lactic, mandelic, salicylic, azelaic or kojic. Or a product with fruit enzymes, which is just as good at breaking down dead skin cells, but with a milder approach. Leave on for the recommended time, remove, and marvel.

Tools of the trade

Skincare tools come in all shapes, sizes and price points. Your best, most accessible and affordable tool? Your hands. Most tools’ endgame is to aid in absorption and improve circulation, enhance relaxation and create a sensorial effect. Your hands can do all of that, but sometimes a tool can do just a little more. Pop a gua sha stone or jade roller in the fridge to help reduce puffiness and soothe redness. They’re also perfect for relieving achy bits like your temples and jawline during a headache. For a rejuvenating effect, head to the freezer and grab an ice block, wrap it in a cloth and smooth all over the face to help temporarily tighten and tone your skin. Pair your tools with hydrating masks or oils to really create an at-home hydration treatment, and always use in an upwards and outwards motion with light pressure.

Words by Leandri de Kock
Photography: Courtesy images