13 TIPS FOR CLEANER SKIN
There is no doubt about it, clean, glowing skin is the number one priority on everyone’s beauty to-do list. But right now, you might be worried that you don’t have particularly healthy skin and want to do something about it. Sound familiar?
If this is you, you have probably trawled the internet countless times to find out exactly how to get clean, glowing skin but had little or no luck. That’s where the Mouda tea comes in: with our complete guide on how to get healthy skin, you needn’t panic on that front.
1. USE SUNSCREEN DAILY
We know, we know—you’ve heard it a million times, but wearing sunscreen is the single most effective and easiest way to prolong clean, healthy, glowing skin and look younger for life. An astonishing 95% of wrinkles are from sun exposure and it is so much easier to prevent the damage by wearing sunscreen than it is to fix it afterwards. That means no slacking during winter months either, when rays are just as strong and can reflect off of buildings onto your face. What’s more, don’t forget to apply it when you’re in the office or the car, as cell-damaging UVA rays can penetrate glass too.
It is best to apply a sunscreen at the end of your skincare regime rather than using a moisturizer, BB cream or makeup with an SPF added. Studies were conducted in Britain where they measured how much UV light was absorbed, researcher from the University of Liverpool used a modified camera to measure how much UV light was actually hitting the participants skin after each type of sun protection was applied. In two separate tests, researchers had a group of participants apply either a SPF 50 sunscreen, a SPF 50 moisturiser, a SPF 50 BB cream or makeup infused with an SPF 50 before measuring how well each method actually blocked the sun’s rays.
The researchers found that when the participants applied the SPF moisturiser, the SPF BB cream or makeup infused with a SPF, they missed an average of 16% of their face, especially around the eyes. When the same participants applied the SPF sunscreen, they missed only 10% of their face, again the eye area was the most neglected.
Even with the areas covered, the researchers found that the SPF was not as strong in the moisturiser, BB cream or makeup even though each formula was shown to have an SPF of 50, the same as the sunscreen. The problem? The participants were proven to apply a thinner layer of the moisturiser, BB cream or makeup than they did sunscreen.
So the point is if you want to be absolutely sure you are getting the most sun protection, apply a sunscreen instead of just a moisturiser, BB cream or makeup with an SPF. Look for a formula that offers broad-spectrum protection to guard against UVA rays (the ones that cause premature aging) and UVB rays (one of the main causes of skin cancer).
Skinstitut Age Defence SPF 50, $49, Mouda Laser and Skin Clinic.
2. CLEAN YOUR MAKE-UP BRUSHES
An Australian study found that 72% of women never wash their brushes or sponges, even though they collect dirt and bacteria which can cause breakouts – not what you want when you’re trying to get better skin. You should wash loose powder brushes every two to three weeks, and those used to apply foundation once a week. Mix a couple of drops of gentle facial cleanser or shampoo and lukewarm water in a cup, swish your brushes around, rinse with lukewarm water, pat dry, and lay flat to air dry.
3. START USING SERUMS FOR RADIANT SKIN
They are much more concentrated than creams or lotions, so you tend to only need a small amount daily to see results. Look for ones with the correct percentage of active ingredients, they become the skin’s major defence against free radicals and stress, and are a must-have when it comes to boosting collagen and elastin, the support structure that gives skin a firm, youthful appearance. Don’t worry about spending a fortune on the ingredients; Skinstitut has Even Blend, Rejuvenate 15, Retinol and Vitamin C products ($49 per product or $99 for 3 which equals $33 per product or $149 for 5 which equals$29.80 per product). For best results, apply to freshly washed skin; follow with and appropriate moisturiser to lock in hydration and sunscreen to product against the damaging UVA, UVB rays.
Skinstitut Even Blend, Rejuvenate 15, Vitamin C powder, $49 each or 3 for $99, Mouda Laser and Skin Clinic.
4. USE YOUR SKINCARE IN THE RIGHT ORDER
When it comes to clean, glowing skin, the sequence in which you apply your products could be even more important than the products themselves. Apply those products with the most active ingredients as soon as you wash and dry your skin. These are the most powerful, so you want them to come into direct contact with your skin. If you’re using more than one active product, start with the thinner, anything that’s water soluble should go first, followed by the product that’s thicker and creamier. If you do it in reverse, the heavier cream will block the ingredients of the lighter one from penetrating the skin, so they won’t have any impact. These are then followed by a moisturiser and sunscreen.
5. SANITISE YOUR PHONE
According to a Stanford University study, our phones can get more germ-infested than a public toilet. In fact, the glass touch screens on mobile devices are so good at spreading viruses that sharing them may be almost as bad as sneezing in someone’s face. Here’s a scary thought: All those germs land right on your cheek and jawline every time you chat away, causing spots and irritation. To keep your phone (and face) bacteria-free, wipe it down with a clean cloth dipped in a 50-50 solution of water and white vinegar.
6. EXFOLIATE FOR SMALLER-LOOKING PORES
It’s amazing how something so tiny can feel so huge, but enlarged pores are one of the most common beauty complaints. Pores appear larger when they’re filled with dirt, oil, dead skin cells, and keratin, a protein that lives on the surface of skin, remove those plugs, and they seem to shrink. To clear out the gunk, reach for an exfoliator that contains an Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA), lactic or glycolic acid. These skin-friendly acids work to chemically exfoliate dead skin cells and dissolve dirt lurking deep within pores.
Skinstitut Enzymatic Micro Peel and Glycolic (14%) Scrub, $49 each, Mouda Laser and Skin Clinic.
7. MASTER THE DOUBLE CLEANSE AND CLEANSE BEFORE BED
If you’ve been wearing a particularly full face of makeup, a single cleanse might not cut it….enter the double cleanse. This facialist trick is much less difficult than it sounds: simply begin with either a rich oil or Skinstitut’s gentle cleanser to emulsify stubborn waterproof mascara and long-wearing foundation, then go in with a cleanser that contains Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA), lactic or glycolic acid to really treat your skin.
Leaving make-up (including eye makeup) and dirt on skin doesn’t just clog pores; it can cause excessive dryness and even breakouts. Most makeup contains a sugar-type molecule that can grow yeast overnight. It can lead to bumpy rashes around the eyes or small white bumps called milia cysts. Try a gentle, oil-free cleanser that quickly melts away everything from waterproof liner to mascara, leaving you with healthy skin.
Skinstitut Glycolic Cleanser, Lactic Cleanser, Gentle Cleanser, $49 each or 3 for $99, Mouda Laser and Skin Clinic.
8. START USING RETINOL FOR YOUNGER-LOOKING SKIN
Everyone should use retinol, it has decades of clinical data to support its efficacy, helps skin cell turnover, and boosts collagen production to keep skin firm and youthful. Most dermatologists agree that if you’re only going to use one anti-ageing product, a retinol is the magic bullet as it has great anti-inflammatory power, which is why it’s as effective at treating acne as it is at treating wrinkles and other signs of ageing.
Skinstitut Retinol, $49, Mouda Laser and Skin Clinic.
9. DON’T NEGLECT YOUR NECK AND CHEST
Most of us are guilty of stopping our skincare routine as soon as we hit our chin. We neglect our neck and chest which take vengeance by wrinkling, sagging, and displaying dark spots that beg to be hidden by a turtleneck. The skin on these areas is thinner and doesn’t have a strong blood supply, so it doesn’t heal well, plus it’s an area that we often forget to protect with sunscreen. Use the same products as you would on your face, but start lightly (every other day) when applying active ingredients like retinols or acids since they may cause some initial irritation.
10. DON’T WAIT TO MOISTURISE
Most creams and lotions have key ingredients that create a protective barrier on the surface of the skin to lock in moisture, but because skin cools itself by evaporating water, you only have a few minutes before that hydration is gone forever, so get that moisturiser on your face quick!
For dry, dehydrated and normal skin, it is best to use a moisturiser that contains hyaluronic acid. Put on your moisturiser while your face is still damp. This heavy-hitting hydrator can hold up to 100x its own weight in water, meaning it’ll draw water into every layer of the skin and hold it there.
For oily skin, it is best to use a moisturiser that contains Sebaryl. This is a complex of amino acids, peptides, vitamin B, caffeine and zinc salts which act together to regulate sebaceous gland (oil gland) secretions.
Skinstitut Moisture Defence Ultra Dry, Moisture Defence Normal, Moisture Defence Oily, $49 each, Mouda Laser and Skin Clinic.
11. SLIP ON YOUR SUNGLASSES AND USE EYE CREAM
As if you need another reason to buy a new pair of sunglasses, turns out they provide more protection against under-eye wrinkling and ageing than sunscreen. While your eyes are equipped to handle sunlight, the area around them is comprised of the thinnest skin, where most of the signs of aging are. Every time you squint from bright light, you’re creating lines from that repeat movement. To keep the wrinkles away, choose a pair of polarised glasses that’s wide enough to fully cover the eye area. Also use an eye cream will help with firm brighten and refresh your eyes.
Skinstitut Moisture Defence Ultra Dry, Moisture Defence Normal, Moisture Defence Oily, $49 each, Mouda Laser and Skin Clinic.
12. EMBRACE THE PEEL
If the thought of having a facial peel conjures images of red-raw skin and a terrifying recovery process, think again. Today’s peels should be considered a step up from at-home exfoliating products – perfect for the lead-up to a wedding or big event.
Rejuvenating skin peels are one of the key secrets to maintaining beautifully glowing and clear skin all year round. Gone are the days of the “Sex And The City” style peel where you will leave the clinic looking like your face has fallen off! We can now have facial peel treatments at regular intervals to achieve lasting results with minimal downtime.
Skinstitut has 4 skin peels in their range, each one is for a different concern. At Mouda Laser and Skin Clinic we have these skin peels available. The AHA Enzyme Peel, is suitable for all skin types. No preparation of the skin is needed prior to treatment. It is a gentle micro exfoliating treatment designed to soothe, hydrate and micro exfoliate dry, flaking and sensitised skins. Benefits: Gentle skin exfoliation for a smoother, brighter complexion, Hydrates and softens, Refreshes and revitalises.
The Peel Accelerator, is suitable for all skin types. It is a L-Lactic, Glycolic and L- Mandelic Acid peel to renew, brighten and smooth the skin. Pre Treatment; Skin must be prepped for a minimum of two weeks prior Glycolic Cleanser (at least once per day), Even Blend am and pm (vitamin C may be added if treating stubborn pigmentation). The Skinstitut Even Blend Serum will help to both even out pigment and also aid in the prevention of new pigmentation by working as a tyrosinase inhibitor, Age Defence SPF 50+ to be used in the morning. Post Treatment/ Home Care Advice: Skin will be sensitive for 1-3 days post peel, No active products (AHA’s, Retinol, Exfoliants, Vitamin C) can be used for 1-3 days, or until the skin has healed and is no longer sensitive. Healing Products for Recovery Period: Rejuvenate 15, Multi-Active Mist, Multi-Active Oil, Skinstitut Moisturiser, Repair Balm and Age Defence SPF 50+ to be used 1-3 days post peel Benefits: Contains L.Lactic and Glycolic Acid L.Mandellic, Provides anti-bacterial support, excellent for the treatment of acne and acne related symptoms, Restores the lipid barrier of the epidermis and assists in alleviating dry skin conditions, Improves skin colour, tone and texture, Increased hydration, Strengthens and restores skin resilience.
The Ageless Peel, is suitable for Aged, Sun Damaged and dull lifeless skin. It is a medical grade anabolic restructuring treatment containing potent antioxidant and amino acid complex to target visible signs of ageing and sun damage. This revolutionary peel works on a dermal level to encourage normalised cell production resulting in a revitalised, smoother and more even complexion. Pre Treatment: Skin must be prepped for a minimum of two weeks prior with Glycolic Cleanser (at least once per day), Even Blend Serum to be used am and pm (vitamin C may be added if treating stubborn pigmentation). The Skinstitut Even Blend Serum will help to both even out pigment and also aid in the prevention of new pigmentation by working as a tyrosinase inhibitor, Age Defence SPF 50+ to be used in the morning, Retinol or Rejuvenate 15 to be used at night to stimulate retinoic acid cell receptors. Post Treatment/ Home Care Advice: Skin will be sensitive for 1-3 days post peel, No active products (AHA’s, Retinol, Exfoliants, Vitamin C) can be used for 1-3 days, or until the skin has healed and is no longer sensitive. Healing Products for Recovery Period: Rejuvenating Serum, Skinstitut Moisturiser, Repair Balm and Age Defence SPF 50+ to be used 1-3 days post peel. Benefits: Contains L.Lactic Acid, Provides anti-bacterial support, excellent for the treatment of acne and acne related symptoms, Restores the lipid barrier of the epidermis and assists in alleviating dry skin conditions, Improves skin colour, tone and texture, Increased hydration, Strengthens and restores skin resilience.
The Purple Peel, is suitable for Pigmented, Sun damaged, Ageing, Acne Skin Type. It is an Intensive skin peeling system designed to accelerate skin regeneration and resurfacing, L-Lactic, Glycolic, Salicylic and L-Mandelic Acid peel to renew, brighten and resurface the skin. Not Suitable for severely dehydrated skin, allergies to asprin or skin types Fitzpatrick 4 and above. Pre Treatment: Skin must be prepped for a minimum of two weeks prior with Glycolic Cleanser (at least once per day), Even Blend am and pm (vitamin C may be added if treating stubborn pigmentation). The Skinstitut Even Blend Serum will help to both even out pigment and also aid in the prevention of new pigmentation by working as a tyrosinase inhibitor, Age Defence SPF to be used in the morning. Post Treatment/ Home Care Advice: Skin will be sensitive and tight for 1-3 days post peel, Moderate to severe peeling will be experienced for 5 – 10 days after treatment depending on the severity of frosting experienced, No active products (AHA’s, Retinol, Exfoliants, Vitamin C) can be used for 1-3 days, or until the skin has healed and is no longer sensitive. Mandatory Healing Products for Recovery Period: Repair Balm and Age Defence SPF 50+ to be used 1-10 days post peel to alleviate tight, flaky skin and ensure maximum UV protection, Avoid Direct UV exposure. Benefits: Contains a combination of 58% AHA’s as well as Salicylic Acid to regenerate and refine the skin, Provides anti-bacterial support ,excellent for the treatment of acne and acne related symptoms, Improves skin colour, tone and texture, Strengthens and restores skin resilience, Softens and resurfaces sun damaged and pigmented skins, Assists skin resurfacing and rejuvenation of the skin, Excellent for refining uneven skin texture.
13. FIND THE BEST FACE MASKS FOR GLOWING SKIN
While we all probably associate masking with a pampering treatment, the best face masks actually do so much more than help us unwind after a long week. However, not all formulas are created equal, so it pays to choose wisely. Congested skin? Try a clay-based mask, as kaolin and its earthy sisters have been shown to absorb excess oil and impurities from within the pores, leaving you with a super-clean complexion that doesn’t feel tight or stripped. However if dryness or dehydration is the issue then choose a cream- based mask that contains Trehalose – a sugar found in plants and fungi. It works on stabilizing the cell structure by wrapping and capturing water molecules to allow the skin to maintain constant hydration.
Skinstitut Hydrating Mask, $49, Mouda Laser and Skin Clinic.