Beauty tip: adapt your skincare to suit your skin type

Beauty tip: ensure that your skincare regime compliments your complexion concerns.

Alcohol, detergents, lanolin, abrasives - particularly the fruit pits and nut shells found in some facial scrubs - alkalis and artificial fragrance and colourants can all aggravate, scratch and/or strip the skin of its natural surface lubricant leaving it prone to irritation, inflammation and sensitivities. 

Instead of piling on the products in an attempt to eliminate an existing skin concern - think ousting oil via the application of (harsh) aggravating products and overstimulating dry, sensitive skin through excessive exfoliation - adapt your skincare regime to suit your specific skin type by pin pointing the right products for your problem/s i.e. eliminating the exfoliation of sensitized skin in order to prevent compromising its natural protective barrier, choosing a clay based mask to oust oil, clean clogged pores and aid the control of sebaceous gland secretions and ditching the over cleansing of dehydrated skin - the over cleansing that will strip the skin of essential lipids and the cellular matter responsible for retaining moisture.

Top tip: although problematic skin may trigger the temptation to turn to the chemical fuelled products that promise to banish our blemishes, tackle our troublesome t-zone and eliminate our excessively dry skin, the majority of these pricey lotions and potions pose a severe risk to our skin's health. Always analyse the ingredients of the products that claim to calm and clear your complexion and if in doubt, make an appointment with a qualified skincare professional who will be happy to point you in the right direction of the products that will work for you.