Problem: redness
If you have a florid appearance like Amanda, a gentle skincare routine will work wonders.
How does it appear?
Skin can look red and flushed, and might also be blotchy and warm to the touch. Redness commonly affects the cheeks but can also affect the nose, chin and neck or chest areas.
What’s the cause?
The skin is thinner and more delicate, and the capillaries can overreact to stimuli such as heat and friction. In some cases, the skin may also be touch sensitive. Additional causes include UV exposure, spicy food, alcohol, incorrect use of skincare products and stress.
What can I do?
Reduce your skin’s exposure to heat and friction, and avoid washing your face with hot water or using exfoliating scrubs. Look for products developed for sensitive skin that contain ingredients such as oat extract, ginger and chamomile.
**Try:
1** Dermalogica Ultra Calming Mist, $22.
2 Nivea Daily Essentials Sensitive Caring Micellar Water, $11.59.
3 Ultraceuticals Ultra Red-Action Moisturiser, $89.
4 Avène Antirougeurs Redness Relief Dermo-Cleansing Milk, $39.90.
Problem: Enlarged pores
Christina’s oily complexion is kept under control with the use of cleansers and scrubs.
How does it appear?
The skin acquires a coarse, orange-peel texture that’s visible on the nose and chin.
What’s the cause?
Your genetic make-up, skin type and age will all have an influence on pore size. Collagen and elastin fibres support the pores in our skin and as we age, our bodies produce less of both. Exposure to UV rays over time can cause further degradation. Overactive oil production can make pores stretch, especially if the oil becomes blocked and forms a plug in the pore.
What can I do?
It’s important to keep the skin clean and free from a build-up of dead skin cells or debris – this will help prevent the pores from becoming blocked. While using pore-minimising products can be helpful, the result is usually only temporary. Silicones can provide a blurring effect over open pores, which will flatter the skin’s appearance.
**Try:
1** Clinique City Block Purifying Charcoal Clay Mask + Scrub, $67.
2 Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Oil-free Cleanser, $45.
3 Sukín Oil Balancing Pore Refining Facial Scrub, $13.99.
4 Moisture Mist Mattifying Pore Concealer, $28.
Problem: Dryness
Fight the flake just like Kate with moisturising products.
How does it appear?
Your skin looks visibly dry and may feature flakes that can make your face feel rough. You could also have tight pores, and be prone to lines and wrinkles.
What’s the cause?
Dryness is primarily a genetic condition, but it can be exacerbated by using a soap-based cleanser as well as exposure to weather.
What can I do?
Dry skin like Kate’s needs insulating with oil-rich, nourishing products. Using a milky, creamy cleanser will help maintain the moisture levels in dry skin. You can manage the problem on the rest of your body with a rich, long-lasting cream.
Try:
1 Neutrogena Hydro Boost Mask, $24.99.
2 Nivea Rich Nourishing Body Lotion, $6.69.
3 Olive Rich Cleansing Milk, $16.95.
4 Manuka Doctor Replenishing Facial Oil, $29.95.
Problem: Pigmentation
Dark spots needn’t stick around – make like Lindsay and target the area with clever creams.
How does it appear?
Brown or discoloured patches that can be seen on the cheeks, forehead and upper lip.
What’s the cause?
The major cause of hyperpigmentation is exposure to UV rays. It can also occur when a combination of UV rays and the artificial fragrance in perfume react on the skin, or even from the use of some medications that cause sun sensitivity. It can also appear during or after pregnancy.
What can I do?
Exfoliating and using skin-brightening products will give the best results. Look for products that contain lactic acid, rice extracts, liquorice and vitamin C.
**Try:
1** Dermalogica PowerBright TRx C-12 Pure Bright Serum, $168.
2 Innoxa Restore Brightening & Even Complexion Crème SPF 15, $31.95.
3 L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Laser X3 Night Peeling Lotion, $44.99.
4 Murad Intensive-C Radiance Peel, $105.