Feed and protect your skin with the best products out there. By Juana Parathyras

Every day we expose our skin to environmental assaults such as harsh sunlight and free radicals.

So what’s the best way to protect your skin against these elements? And which ingredients should you look out for?

MOISTURE 101
Using the correct moisturiser is the easiest way to prevent skin problems.

Oily skin
Opt for an oil-free lotion that won’t add oil to your skin and make it shiny.

Dry skin
Try a thick cream with an ingredient like hyaluronic acid, one of the best hydration ingredients out there.

Acne-prone skin
If you are prone to breakouts, choose a lotion or gel instead of a cream. Check the bottle to make sure the product is non-comedogenic (does not clog pores).

Sensitive skin
Look out for products that contain plant-based oils and are fragrance and colourant-free.

Want to try a new product?

To sample new creams without breaking into a rash, stick to testing one at a time. If the new product has ingredients that may cause irritation, such as retinol or alpha hydroxy acids, keep everything else simple – a basic cleanser, no exfoliation and a plain moisturiser. Apply a small amount of the new product to the side of your neck. If you have a reaction to it, you can cover it up with your hair or a scarf. If it passes the neck test for three days, it’s ready for your face.

BE A LABEL DETECTIVE

Know what’s in the product and why it’s there

COLLAGEN

The fibres that support skin structure. When collagen breaks down (due to environmental damage and ageing), skin looks less firm and wrinkles appear.

RETINOL

A derivative of Vitamin A, retinol helps increase collagen production in the skin.

GLYCOLIC ACID

An exfoliating ingredient derived from sugar cane that sloughs off dead skin cells for a brighter complexion.

HYALURONIC ACID

A super-moisturiser that plumps skin and fills in deep creases.

SALICYLIC ACID

Found in a number of cleansing products, this substance helps prevent the build-up of sebum and dead skin cells within pores, keeping them clear and less prone to developing blemishes.

PEPTIDES

Peptides are believed to improve lymphatic circulation, helping to diminish dark circles and relax muscles that can cause wrinkles. It also revs up collagen production for firmer skin.

IDEBENONE

This powerful antioxidant addresses the effects of oxidation on the skin. Best when used in a serum, Idebenone reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and age spots.

SKIN POTIONS

Serums are all the rage in beauty circles and here’s why…

They are concentrated concoctions composed of potent active ingredients. Most formulas have one key ingredient or a combination of them. Depending on the formula, one drop can smooth and fill deep wrinkles, tighten saggy skin or give you an even skin tone. Because serums are light-weight fluids, the micro-sized ingredients can easily penetrate skin, which ensures noticeable results. They are great if you like to layer products – slathering on cream after cream can leave you feeling greasy, but using a serum under moisturiser will give your skin a dewy touch. A good start is to determine your skin needs so you can choose a formula that works specifically on those areas. If you have more than one skin woe, opt for a serum that can do double-duty.

• If you want extra moisture, look for a formula with hyaluronic acid.
• To smooth lines and keep skin firm, retinol or peptides are best.
• To fade dark spots, try a serum that contains Idebenone.

HAVE A GOOD SKIN DAY

Keeping your skin in tip-top condition needn’t be hard work. Try these solutions for your problem areas

FINE LINES

Morning Slather on a broad-spectrum sunscreen. It’s the best anti-ageing product.

Night-time Smooth a lotion containing retinol on to completely dried skin.

SENSITIVITY

If your skin turns red or burns every time you apply a product, it’s sensitive. Switch to a fragrance-free option (fragrance is the top cause of skin reactions) and instead of a chemical sunscreen, go with mineral UVA and UVB filters, like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

BLEMISHES

Dot the spot with a sulphur-based mask, and let it dry for five minutes before washing it off. Before you go to bed, apply a treatment cream with a low concentrate of benzoyl peroxide, to dry it out and counteract swelling and redness. Then keep your hands off! Untouched zits usually disappear in a few days, whereas picked ones can take up to two weeks to heal.

HYDRATION

The trick is to use a cleanser that doesn’t strip your skin of the oils and moisture it needs. Then gently exfoliate to remove dead skin cells – no moisturiser can penetrate a layer of flakes. For extra hydration, double up on moisturisers. In the morning, try a light formula with sunscreen that absorbs well and top it off with a tinted moisturiser. At night, go with a dense cream to soothe while you sleep.

DULLNESS

The main cause is the build-up of dead skin. Lots of gentle exfoliation will get rid of those dull bits. Wash morning and night with a mild salicylic acid cleanser, you’ll see a difference the first time you use it. Once a week, remove any straggler dead skin cells with a gentle scrub or peel.

ASHY SKIN

The answer is to exfoliate and moisturise correctly. Use a scrub with soothing ingredients – rubbing the skin raw will make it look worse. Be sure to focus on your elbows and knees, especially during winter. Once you’re out of the shower, slick on a body oil or a rich body cream.