Let’s face it – there isn’t many of us who go through life without experiencing any skin issues. For me, my skin suffers from dehydration and redness, oh and fun fact – I’ve recently noticed an increase in pigmentation and sunspots too *sigh*. Not to mention many of us deal with acne, pimples, irritation… it’s exhausting just thinking about it, amiright?!
So, how do you solve these skin issues? We’ve enlisted the help of the experts…
SKIN ISSUE: ACNE AND PIMPLES
SOLUTION:
First things first, keep those fingers far, far away. “Don’t squeeze, instead apply a spot clearing treatment product as fast as you can,” suggests Emma Hobson, Education Manager for the International Dermal Institute and Dermalogica. “Key ingredients that help to kill [pimple-causing] bacteria include colloidal silver, lactobacillus ferment and sulphur.”
That said, products with salicylic acid are your go-to for treating breakouts. “Use products regularly that contain salicylic acid – this is [a] true ‘high performer’ in the ingredient world. It’s fantastic at clearing and preventing skin congestion which can cause breakouts.”
bh product picks: Environ Skincare B-Active Sebuwash, Dermalogica MediBac Overnight Clearing Gel
SKIN ISSUE: PIGMENTATION
SOLUTION:
Dealing with dark spots comes down to protection from the sun’s harmful rays. Here’s Emma’s advice: “Avoid sun exposure at all costs (it’s one of the major triggers) by applying and reapplying SPF 30+ sunscreen every day when outdoors.”
To help lighten pigmentation, get your hot little hands on a dark spot correcting serum, too. “Use a daily dose of a concentrated pigment lightening treatment serum. Look for ones that contain the active ingredients of oligopeptide 34, zinc gluconate, glucosamine, vitamin C and its derivatives (MAP – or magnesium ascorbyl phosphate – and ascorbyl glucoside),” says Emma.
bh product picks: Cetaphil Suntivity Ultra-Light FLUID Face SPF 30, Aveda Enbrightenment Brightening Correcting Serum
SKIN ISSUE: DEHYDRATION
SOLUTION:
First of all, it’s important to understand the difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin before treating it.
“Skin becomes dry when it is lacking in oil. Conditions such as eczema, or inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis can also make the skin dry,” explains Dr Nina Wines from Northern Sydney Dermatology. “The skin becomes dehydrated when it is lacking in water content. This can be due to excessive environmental stress, for example exposure to extreme temperatures, [or] excessive dehydration from lack of water intake.”
Now that we’ve cleared that up, how do we treat dehydrated skin? Nina explains: “Moisturise quickly after cleansing – apply your serum or moisturiser within three minutes of cleansing. When the skin is wet, the cells are separated and are ripe and ready to suck in more moisture.”
bh product picks: Neutrogena HYDRO BOOST Serum, Arbonne Intelligence Nourishing Facial Oil, philosophy renewed hope in a jar refreshing & refining moisturizer
SKIN ISSUE: REDNESS AND IRRITATION
SOLUTION:
Red patches or itchiness is usually your skin trying to tell you its protective barrier has been compromised and it needs to be restored, asap. The solution? “Use products with ingredients that help restore and maintain the barrier function of the skin, such as silicones, elastomers, evening primrose and borage seed oil. These can be found in serums, moisturisers and primers. They will help prevent irritants entering the skin that can cause irritation and protect the skin from the environment,” explains Emma.
Target redness by stocking up on products containing Emma’s favourite redness-reducing ingredients. “Use products that contain a good dose of anti-inflammatories such as oats, red hogweed, ginger, bisabolol, cucumber, marshmallow, comfrey, raspberry, grape extract, allantoin, water lily, panthenol and vitamin E,” she says. “You can get some fantastic boosters, serums and toning sprays that work both instantly at reducing redness and irritation as well as long-term redness and irritation with regular use.”
bh product picks: Rosehip by essano Gentle Facial Cleansing Micellar Water, Jurlique Calendula Redness Rescue Restorative Treatment Serum
Do you suffer from any of these skin issues? How do you deal with them?
