From barefaced to beautiful

By Bobbi Brown

Learn how to gauge what your skin needs and adjust your skincare regime accordingly, blog by Bobbi Brown for MiNDFOOD.

HOW TO CARE FOR SKIN

A good beauty routine should always start with skincare. When skin isn’t properly cleansed and hydrated, it shows.

A lot of factors play into how skin looks and feels. In addition to genetics, you must pay attention to your diet, the weather and how much stress you’re under.

This means that your skin’s needs may change on a daily basis – one day your skin may feel very dry, and the next day it might feel normal.

So rather than reaching blindly for the same skincare products, learn how to gauge what your skin needs and adjust your routine accordingly.

THE BASICS

These basic products should be a part of your everyday regimen:

Cleanser

If your complexion feels dry, use a cream- or oil-based cleanser that moisturises as it cleanses. Look for ingredients like wheat germ oil, which cleans without stripping, and glycerin, which attracts moisture to the skin’s surface.

Water-based gel cleansers with oil-fighting ingredients like seaweed extract are perfect for times when skin feels oily.

Ideally, you should have two cleansers: one for days when skin is a bit oilier than normal or needs extra cleaning, and another for days when skin feels a bit drier. Never use body soap on your face, as it will strip skin and leave it feeling tight and dry.

Sunscreen

I firmly believe in wearing SPF year-round, not just in the summer. A lotion with SPF protection of 15 to 30 is essential whenever you’re outdoors, running errands or going to work.

If you plan on spending an extended amount of time in the sun, cover up with SPF 30+. Apply sunscreen before moisturiser and make-up. Here’s a good timesaver: moisturiser with sunscreen is just as effective for daily use.

Moisturiser

This is the most important step to look fresher, with or without make-up. When skin isn’t well-moisturised, it looks dull, tired and older than it really is.

Choose a lightweight moisturising lotion for everyday use, and opt for a richer, hydrating cream with ingredients like petrolatum, glycerin, or shea butter when your skin feels drier.

Even oily skin benefits from moisturiser, so choose an oil-free formula that hydrates while it helps control overactive oil production. Pamper skin overnight with a rich, restorative cream.

Don’t be afraid of face oil – it’s an instant lifter. And experiment with layering formulas, for example, a hydrating cream with a richer balm or face oil.

Eye cream

This skin around the eyes is more delicate than the rest of your face and has special needs. In the morning (before you apply concealer), use a lightweight eye cream (it should feel wet) that hydrates and absorbs into skin, leaving it smooth.

At night, choose a richer balm containing shea butter or beeswax that will stay on longer and keep hydrating while you sleep.

THE EXTRAS

Think of these products as add-ons for when your skin acts up and needs a little something extra:

Toners

If skin feels too oily or you’re wearing a lot of make-up, a toner can clean away anything your cleanser has left behind. The newest formulas are alcohol-free and don’t strip skin of its necessary oils.

Masks

Clay masks draw out dirt and impurities from pores. Hydrating masks with glycerin or essential oil add moisture back to skin and leave it feeling soft.

Glycolic acid masks and grainy masks exfoliate skin and help unclog pores. For an at-home spa treat, smooth on a mask once a week. You can use different types of masks to pamper your skin and to treat different symptoms.

Serums

These concentrated liquids are typically packed with vitamin C and other skin-nourishing nutrients that work to improve skin’s appearance and help prevent visible signs of aging. Apply after cleansing, before moisturiser.

Balms

I’m never without a balm. These super-rich moisturisers target dry patches of skin on face, hands, feet and body.

Look for thick, dense formulas with ingredients like avocado extract and shea butter. For subtle glow, I warm some in my hands and pat it on my cheeks after applying all my make-up.

Exfoliators

These are designed to help slough off dead skin cells. Exfoliate one to two times a week with a scrub that’s gentle and designed specifically for the face.

Face oils

These are old-fashioned beauty products that work great on dry skin and don’t clog pores. I don’t care what most dermatologists say – as a beauty expert, I highly recommend using face oils containing sesame, sweet almond, olive and jojoba oils.

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