If you think by the time you see fine lines on skin you won't have any more breakouts - think again. According to dermatologists acne across the globe is on the rise among women from their late 30's. So with this in mind, should you use anti-acne or anti-ageing skincare or both? Here's how the team at BeautyEQ tackle fine lines and breakouts at the same time.
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Use a calming cleanser
Steer clear of harsh cleansers that strip your skin of its natural oils. These will break down the skin’s barrier and leave your complexion feeling tight and dry feeling, which accentuates fine lines and wrinkles. Opt for a gentle, soap-free cleanser that you wash off with cool water.
Neutrogena Extra Gentle Cleanser, $17. Avène Eau Thermale Avene Cleanance Gel Soapless Cleanser, $42. Sukin Foaming Facial Cleanser, $16. Trilogy Very Gentle Cleansing Cream, $44.
Understanding your hormones
After having a baby or pre-menopause acne is common, thanks to your hormone levels being all over the place. Look to review your contraceptive choices, especially post-baby. Visit your GP for a check-up and find out if your skin issues are related to these changes in your body.
Keep your stress levels in check
Breakouts can be triggered by increased levels of cortisol - the stress hormone - especially around the chin area. Tweak your lifestyle, rest up and check your diet is not loaded with sugar and dairy, which can cause spikes in hormones such as insulin. Invest in a session with a nutritionist to help you pinpoint any deficiencies in your diet – a lack of omega-3 fats has been shown to trigger outbreaks.
Check the ingredient list in your skincare
Salicylic acid is an anti-inflammatory hero – as well as glycolic acid. They both work to boost cell renewal, which correct acne scarring and fine lines. Also, look out for antibacterial ingredients such as niacin (vitamin B3) and vitamin C which help boost collagen production and clear, wrinkled, spotty skin. One of the most common problems with ageing skin that is also suffering with breakouts is dehydration. The fastest way to correct this is by using a facial serum. Always apply serums before moisturiser on clean skin.
Avène Eau Thermale Hydrance Optimale Serum, $61. Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Ageing Intensive Repair Daily Serum, $399. Trilogy Very Gentle Calming Serum, $45. Estèe Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex 11, $129.
Understand your SPF and wear it daily
The sun and wrinkles ago hand in hand. And despite the common misconception, not all facial sunscreen triggers breakouts. Opt for a fragrance-free, mineral based sunscreen - these are far more gentle on the skin.
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream SPF50, $43. Oasis Sunscreen Lotion, SPF30 Travel, $19. Invisible Zinc Tinted Daywear SPF30, $26. Sunsense Daily Face SPF50+ Invisible Tint, $36.
Pump up your vitamin A
The latest retinol-based creams, serums, and treatments will be your skins best friend for treating wrinkles and pimples. Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A that once on the skin, enzymes in the body convert it into retinoic acid, the active form of vitamin A. This helps boost the skins cell turnover, which ramps up collagen production, and that's not all. Retinol treats everything from cystic acne to wrinkles, and sun damage..
Embrace light therapy
Laser or light therapy treatments are now worthy of a place in any beauty routine. For their ability to heal skin at a deeper level and treat everything from dullness to acne, pigmentation, and redness. About Face are pioneers of all light therapies including Omnilux to Fraxel or Clear + Brilliant and Hair Removal lasers. The benefits of these treatments help transform skin that needs correcting from the inside out.
All products available at Life Pharmacy.