Expert Advice | Four important tips for more balanced skin

Take a good look at your daily skincare routine. Do you have a problem with spots? Or are you trying to conceal the red marks that spots leave behind? With these tips, your skin will be noticeably more balanced!

Tip 1: Avoid products with irritating ingredients

Products containing irritating ingredients (such as essential oils, citrus extracts, menthol and alcohol) can cause daily irritation. This means the skin takes longer to recover. They can also cause oily skin to get even oilier.

Tip 2: Check that your skincare and makeup products are suitable for your skin type

If you have a combination to oily skin, do not use rich creams. The emollients they contain are often problematic for your skin type because they aggravate spots and block pores.

Avoid using solid makeup, such as a foundation in stick form, concealers and cream blushers. These often contain wax or waxy ingredients that block your pores. Products with a gel texture, light, liquid lotions or powders are better for your skin.

Tip 3: Use a well-formulated BHA exfoliant

It is important to use a BHA (beta hydroxy acid/salicylic acid) exfoliant regularly. An exfoliant helps your skin by removing dead skin cells. It also penetrates deep into the pores and clears blockages which can cause blackheads, milia and spots. A BHA exfoliant is also a powerful anti-inflammatory that reduces redness.

Tip 4: Give your pore treatment a boost

If you are unhappy with your daily skincare routine, then adding one or two stronger products will soon produce results. Give the following products a try:

• Choose a highly effective BHA product.
• Nourish your skin with antioxidants and cell-communicating ingredients.
• Products with a ‘cocktail’ of proven beneficial ingredients can dramatically reduce the signs of ageing skin.