Here are some tips that you may choose to ignore at your peril. Because ignoring these could mean skin that is more prone to clogging, spots, sallowness and ageing.

Sugar

Previously all the talk about ageing was connected to free radicals and which foods to consume, i.e. those rich in anti-oxidants, to avoid the assault of free radicals on our body. Now the latest bogeyman is AGE – Advanced Glycation End-Product. AGEs are produced in the body when sugar binds with certain proteins or fats. AGEs are key players in skin ageing. So it is important to avoid the glycation process. Even if you think you are following a healthy diet, be aware that excessive fruit consumption can not only be a contributor to Type 2 diabetes, but can also lead to poor skin health and skin ageing.

Exercise

Yes, exercise is good for the skin, but it is important to shower immediately afterwards to reduce the sweat that could clog the pores. Be mindful, however, that water dehydrates the skin, so it is critical to apply hydration (e.g. hyaluronic facial spritz) and moisturisation products immediately following a shower. After exercise and showering, the blood vessels are more dilated and the skin pores more open. Now is the time to apply good skin care products as they are more easily absorbed and can perform more effectively.

Exfoliation

I’ve often been astounded by how infrequently clients exfoliate. Most people think once or twice a month is sufficient and then wonder why, even with maturing skin, their skin becomes prone to blackheads (comodones) and whiteheads (milia). Relying solely on the skin’s own natural exfoliation process (desquamation) is not going to cut it, even in the winter when the shedding of skin does slow down. Exfoliation is as important to mature skin as it is to younger skin.

It is recommended that exfoliation is performed at least once a week (colder months), if not twice. Upon exfoliating we facilitate the removal of the build-up of dead skin cells and help the skin to breathe better. The skin is also prepped to better absorb skin care products that work on building the proteins in our skin to create more definition (muscle) and lift. Try exfoliating products that contain gentle manual exfoliants, such as sugar, oatmeal or small-sized synthetic beads.

Sunscreen

You’ve probably heard this one before, but do keep wearing sunscreen products on the face throughout autumn. UVA and UVB rays exist all year long—even on cloudy and rainy days. For autumn skincare, choose a sunscreen that contains hydrators (such as glycerin, squalane, Vitamin E and hyaluronic acid) and has a SPF 30 or higher.

Dehydration

The problem with autumn and winter is that our skin can become quickly dehydrated. This is because of the wind factor, environmental pollutants and the fact that we live in centrally heated homes. Poor diet, smoking and intake of certain medications can also cause dehydration. Dehydration is not the same as dry skin – it isn’t a skin type, it’s a condition of the skin. So we can have oily skin that is dehydrated. You know when you have dehydrated skin is when the skin looks patchy and flaky and the skin feels tight (even under an oily film). Fine lines start to appear.

Our Special Offer in October

This month, you can take advantage of 20% off an ageLOC facial. Why the ageLOC facial?

1. It features an award-winning gentle exfoliation and cleansing LumiSpa routine.
2. It incorporates a choice of 1 of 3 masks: 1) a marine mud-mask with over 50 beneficial sea minerals to deep-cleanse, refine and close pores; 2) a bentonite clay mask to detox and create a silky, smooth skin; or 3) hydration mask to replenish lost moisture and plump up the skin.
3. It includes a Galvanic spa facial routine utilising ageLOC gene-based anti-ageing gels – this miracle, award-winning system achieves multiple results: removes debris/dirt at a deep level from the skin, amplifies moisture in the skin, adds muscle-building proteins to lift and smooth out lines in the skin.
4. Features a clinically proven product to reduce fine lines and wrinkles around critical areas: mouth, nose, eyes and forehead.
5. Last not least a beautifully relaxing and spiritually reviving face massage. The massage alone will tone and lift the skin.

Use FACIAL20 as a coupon code when you book the 60-minute version of this facial.