Your teenage years are often challenged by problematic skin (we’re looking at you, acne!). During puberty, your body produces sebum, an oil that leads to blocked pores, blackheads, spots and an oily t-zone. There’s no better time than now to get your baseline simple skincare down to a fine art to say goodbye to that annoying acne! A good skincare routine and the right products will repair skin damage, prevent major skin breakouts and keep your skin in check. The steps you take now to understand your skin and establish a good routine will set you up for an amazing complexion decades into the future. The Total Body Concept team have put together a guide to baseline skincare to help keep your skin balanced, blemish-free and feeling great. Be your best beautiful self! If you are new to the world of skincare, book in a skin consultation with us at our Christchurch skin clinic. A skin consultation will allow us to assess the condition your skin is in and the skin type you have, whether it be oily, dehydrated, dry, sensitive or combination. Cleanse twice a day Skin needs to be cleansed morning and night. A good cleanser should not only cleanse your skin but nourish and maintain its moisture too. If you can, use a prescribed cleanser for your skin type so it doesn’t strip your skin from its lipid barrier and natural defences. If you’re suffering from acne, blemishes or blackheads, the lightweight Ultra Clear Foaming Cleanser by Ultraceuticals will help to regulate excess oil production. It works to remove dirt, debris, makeup and excess surface sebum (oily secretion), to help prevent clogged pores, and leave your skin feeling refreshed. Apply a hydrating serum Despite what you think, it is important to keep up your skin’s hydration levels, even if you do have acne. At Total Body Concept we recommend using a fast-absorbing oil-free serum or gel for intense hydration, i.e. Ultraceuticals’ B2 Hydrating Serum which gives your skin an incredible supple and dewy appearance. The right product will penetrate your skin at a deep level, instantly smoothing, hydrating and plumping your skin. Use targeted skincare for acne-prone skin Targeted acne skincare will set you on the path to clear skin. The Ultra Clear range by Ultraceuticals has been specifically created for acne-prone skin, and works to treat some of the most common effects of acne, including inflammation, congestion and scarring. The range targets blemishes throughout the entire development cycle, visibly treating and decongesting your skin, and minimising future breakouts. The Ultra Clear range includes a lightweight foaming cleanser, a treatment lotion, a targeted spot treatment and a purifying mask to effectively treat all areas of your skin. Antioxidant serum An antioxidant serum protects your skin from free radicals which ages your skin faster. Go for a serum that includes a powerful blend of antioxidants, for example, Chaparral, Silymarin, Provitamin C, Vitamin E and Ferulic Acid. Ultra Protective Antioxidant Complex is a great example of this. These will help reduce the visible signs of premature ageing by helping to minimise free radical damage. Free radicals age your skin faster and can be found in car fumes, smoke and UVA and UVB rays. Daily protective moisturiser The sun is public enemy number one when it comes to our skin so make sure you apply sunscreen before you leave the house, and apply every two hours on your face and body if you are outdoors. Go for a non-whitening fast absorbing formula that protects your skin from harmful UVA & UVB rays to help reduce the signs of premature skin ageing. Restorative night treatment cream Invest in a night cream and your skin will love you for it! During the night is the peak time for cell turnover and rejuvenation, so assist your skin by hydrating with a prescribed night cream for your skin type. Maximise your skin’s opportunity to reproduce healthy, buoyant cells during this precious renewal time. Best night cream: Upon prescription for your skin type Find out when to use and how to apply these products by booking a consultation at Total Body Concept. — If you liked this blog, head over to our Journal page to read more of our helpful skincare guides! If you live in Christchurch and new to the world of facials, get in contact with us or make a facial appointment here. Meet the Total Body Concept team on this page, or head over to our online store for some skincare retail therapy!
