Take care of your skin with these easy steps

During stressful times, stress causes a chemical response in your body that makes the skin extra sensitive and reactive.

“Those sudden breakouts that you experience sometimes can be more noticeable when you are stressed. During periods of stress, our bodies release a hormone called cortisol which communicates with the glands in your skin to make more oil. Any skin condition that you may have can worsen during times of stress,” explains Stephnie-Anne Dickinson, head of training at local beauty brand, Optiphi.

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions that may emerge during stressful times due to the overproduction of oil in the oil glands. However, it is also important to note that stress can also cause dehydration.

Self-care is one of the most important ways to help ease stress and give your skin the boost it needs. Here are a few easy steps to follow:

Exfoliate
“Exfoliation of the skin refers to the process of removing dead skin cells from the outer surface of your skin. During this process, smoother skin cells push their way up to the skin’s surface. As we age, the process of cell regeneration slows down. Exfoliation does not only help the skin to look revitalised and energised it also increases blood circulation,” explains Dickinson.

Exfoliation is one of the most crucial parts of an at-home skincare regime. Without proper exfoliation of the skin, a build-up of dead skin cells can get trapped on the surface of the skin, which can lead to clogged pores, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin texture, dullness, and dehydration.

The benefits of exfoliating your skin:
– Detoxifies the skin by increasing micro-circulation
– Brightens dull skin
– Controls excess oil
– Improves overall tone and texture of the skin
– Minimise the appearance of pores

TIP! It is very important to consider your skin type before choosing an exfoliation method.
There are two main types of exfoliations: physical exfoliation and chemical exfoliation:
chemical exfoliation involves the use of products that contain alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) that act on the skin to loosen the glue-like substance that holds the cells together.

“The Classic Refine Foliant from Optiphi® is designed to leave your skin looking toned, supple and refined, the triple advanced complex of alpha hydroxy acid, beta hydroxy acid, and vitamin C, will enhance your skin’s natural moisturising factor,” Dickinson advices.

Here’s her guide to an at-home facial:

1. Start by cleaning your skin
   Every skincare routine should start with cleansing. It is very important to choose a suitable cleanser according to your skin type, skin condition, and concern. Apply in circular motions to enhance the removal of make-up, debris, and sebum. A double cleanse at night time is recommended if you wear foundation.
2. Exfoliation is key
   Before the exfoliation step, steaming of the skin can be done to enhance the results of an at-home skincare regime. There are two different methods:

Method 1:
Steam your face over a bowl or sink of hot water.
– Boil four to six cups of water.
– Pour the hot water in the bowl or sink.
– Use a big towel to drape over your head, it’s important to keep your eyes closed.
– Raise or lower your head for more or less heat.
– Lift the corners of the towel to cool of as you require.
– Allow your face to steam for five to 10 minutes.

Method 2:
To steam with a hot compress.
– Fill the bowl or sink with hot tap water.
– Place a hand towel in the water and leave to soak.
– Wring the towel out until it is damp.
– Place the damp, hot towel on your face, lean back in a chair or lie down.
– Keep the hot towel on your face for five minutes.

“Steaming your face by using any of these methods, will enhance and accelerate the benefits of an at-home skincare regime. Due to the skin being prepped by one of the steaming methods, enhancement of product penetration will occur. Ingredients such as retinol and vitamin C will be able to absorb more efficiently for better results with an increase in blood circulation,” says Dickinson.

TIP! Don’t steam your skin every day. Your skin can become too hydrated which can lead to inflammation.

3. A mask is always a good idea
   This is a luxurious step that can be added to your skincare regime. During the autumn and winter months, most of us tend to struggle with dehydrated skin.
   “A hyaluronic acid mask will be best to apply two to three times a week to keep the skin hydrated and supple. Hyaluronic acid is one of the components of the connective tissue of the skin and is responsible for the moisture and plumpness of the skin, almost like a jelly surrounding all the other protein structures such as collagen and elastin. Without hyaluronic acid, the skin will not be able to protect or synthesise any of the protein structures properly, and it may lead to pre-mature aging and dehydration. During drier months hyaluronic acid provides a surge of hydration to the skin,” Dickinson explains.

The benefits of hyaluronic acid:
– Advanced skin hydration
– Enhanced skin elasticity
– Maintenance of hydration
– Skin volumiser, eliminating fine lines caused by dehydration
– Preservation of barrier function.

4. Don’t forget about your eyes – apply eye cream
   The eye area is much more sensitive and delicate than one thinks and therefore it is very important to choose an appropriate eye cream best suited to your concerns. These concerns usually include dark circles, puffiness and fine lines and wrinkles.
5. Serums also help
   It is important to understand that a serum is target specific and should, therefore, to be chosen on this base. If you want to treat dehydration, a hyaluronic acid-base serum is recommended.

If you want to turn back the sundial and focus on a product that will protect your skin’s natural antioxidant mechanism and hydrate the skin on a cellular level the Protecting Revitaliser from Optiphi® is highly recommended. Ideal for skin that needs to fight and prevent aging. Very anti-inflammatory, so this product is ideal to use before introducing retinol in your regime.

6. Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise 
   Using a moisturiser will keep the skin hydrated. It is a very important step during your facial skincare regime to keep your skin healthy as it will enhance the functioning of the uppermost layer of the skin. The texture of your moisturiser may change based on the time of the year and environment.
7. Sunblock is key!
   Sunblock application remains one of the most crucial steps during an at-home skincare regime. Some people prefer using a sunblock with a slight tint to give light to medium coverage.

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