If your skin is feeling tired and dull, or perhaps you have a specific concern, such as Hyperpigmentation or scarring, then clients often seek the help of professionals. There are many treatments we can offer people, from chemical peels to microneedling, however, having a good, consistent skincare routine is key.
I always explain it like, imagine you’re going to the gym and having Personal Training sessions. Personal Training would be your facials, and going to the gym would be your skincare. You would get benefits from doing one, but if you put both together, then you’re going to get the best results for your skin. That is exactly what I would recommend if you’re trying to tackle a particular skincare problem.
So, what products would be good for at-home use, if you’re suffering with any of the problems mentioned above? Well, there are quite a few to choose from, each with their different benefits.
One of my personal favourites is the Decleor Green Mandarin Overnight Bi-Phase Peel. I love anything from the Green Mandarin range, I have their Sun-Kissed Glow Day Cream at home and use it daily. The smell is amazing, very fresh and clean. The Bi-Phase peel combines Glycolic Acid, Essential Oils and Soothing Botanical Oils to resurface the skin. You would use this product for 28 days, then continue to use every now and again as a top-up treatment when needed.
Another amazing product is MediK8’s new Sleep Glycolic Mask. This contains Glycolic Acid that is able to penetrate the skin deeply, to refresh, renew and even skin tone and texture. You would use this 2-3 times a week, and ensure you wear sunscreen during the day whilst using this (although preferably every day anyway). Also formulated with Korean Clover Extract, this ensures that the product is not drying on the skin, so you will not wake up the next day with dry, parched skin.
The Elemis Pro-Collagen Tri-Acid Peel is a newer addition to their world-famous Pro-Collagen line. Their infamous ingredient of Padina Pavonica makes a re-appearance in this product, along with the 8% Tri-Acid complex that encourages natural exfoliation and helps to remove dead skin cells. You apply this product to cleansed skin twice a week, spacing the days apart evenly. Then after 15 minutes, remove with warm water and pat the skin dry. This product is more of a mask, whereas the other two products I have spoken about are products you would leave on overnight. So there really is something for everyone out there.
Alternatively, there is a more traditional manual exfoliator such as the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, which you would (in this products instance) exfoliate with daily, as it is very gentle. You can use this in the shower or at the sink after you’ve cleansed, and remove it before you apply your serums and moisturisers. This manual exfoliation is good for people with texture and congestion issues with their skin, but it is not always the best option for anyone with cystic acne. As if you exfoliate and rub the product around the face, you could be spreading the bacteria. In this instance, a chemical exfoliator, such as the ones spoken about above, would be better. As there is no movement of bacteria as the product is working, and it penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin without the need to be moved around the face.
When using at-home peels and exfoliators, always ensure to use them safely, and to not over exfoliate, such as using more than one type of heavy exfoliating product at once, be it day or night. Follow the instructions on the packaging or that given by your Therapist. If you have sensitive skin for example, your Therapist may suggest you only exfoliate once a week, instead of two to three (as it may state on the packaging).
Utilising these products and their wonderful ingredients will give you amazing results, and, along with your skincare routine, help to clear up any problems you may be experiencing.