Bright Spark

Wondering why your skin looks lifeless and tired? Chrystal Johns, head beauty therapist at The Chelsea Aesthetic Centre in Cape Town, says if you can answer ‘yes’ to one of the below questions you may have found your answer.
• Do you smoke?
• Do you exercise enough?
• Do you eat healthily?
• Do you drink enough water?
• Do you get enough sleep?
• Do you expose your skin to too much sun?
• Are you using the correct beauty products for your skin type?

Smoking, drinking and too many late nights can leave your skin oxygen-deprived, says beautician Claire Gould, from the Constantia Health and Beauty Clinic. She suggests using a gentle exfoliator everyday, such as the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant (R695) to keep your skin smooth and bright.

Johns agrees: ‘Exfoliate and get rid of dead skin cells to expose healthier, fresh cells underneath. This will allow for better absorption of products and increase microcirculation, which brings new blood and oxygen to feed the cells.’ Try Dermalogica Skin Prep Scrub (R390).

Carrying around unnecessary stress can also affect skin by aging it prematurely, says Gould. Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque (R560) contains Vitamins A and C which will give your skin the boost it needs.

In terms of your diet, Gould recommends plenty of red berries like cranberries, blueberries and raspberries – the antioxidants fight off free radicals and leave your skin looking brighter. Eating nuts and fish oils (rich in Omega 3) will nourish your skin with the essential oils needed to keep your skin supple, hydrated and wrinkle-free. ‘And as always, drink plenty of water to flush out your system and keep your skin hydrated from the inside. This is your best beauty secret.’

Water isn’t the only way to hydrate your skin, says Johns. Try Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Mask (R480). Investing in a good serum, like Dermafix Vit C Serum (R335) or Environ Hydrating Capsules for dryer skin (R317) will also fight free radicals as well as feed the skin.

If you’ve had a late Puza Thursday and your skin needs a pick-me-up, Johns recommends Smashbox specialised primers, such as Photofinish Clear Foundation Primer (R305) or one of their three Colour Correcting primers (R315 each) for a quick-fix cosmetic finish.

Author: Lindi Brownell