Keeping your face clean is critical and before a mask is worn you should wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Look for cleansers containing ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, as these ingredients keep pores clean and reduce bacteria levels on the skin. This should be followed by a moisturiser, as dry skin is a common problem associated with wearing a mask. Ideally the moisturiser should contain an anti-inflammatory ingredient, like niacinamide, as this will support your skin’s natural barrier and retain water in the skin. This ingredient will also regulate oil production, thus, reducing the chances of a breakout. One should also consider the type of mask worn. For example, cloth masks can absorb natural oils which can trick the skin into producing more oil to compensate, leading to more acne. The best cloth mask option for clear skin is one made from or lined with silk. Silk has antimicrobial properties and has been shown to be better suited to individuals with sensitive skin. Also consider masks made from more breathable materials, such as cotton which is lighter and less irritating on the skin. It is also essential to regularly clean your mask, as residual oils and any dirt will affect your skin.

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SPF stands for sun protection factor and is a measure of how long a sunscreen will protect your skin from UVB rays that cause sunburn. A sunscreen with an SPF of 30, for example, means it takes 30 times longer for your skin to get burnt by the sun than when no sunscreen is applied. The higher the SPF, therefore, the longer the sunscreen will protect your skin from the sun.

Although SPF is a helpful measure to determine how well a sunscreen will protect your skin, it shouldn’t be the only factor one takes into account. Your skin type, age and how you apply the sunscreen can make a big difference in how well your skin is protected. SPF also only takes into account how well a sunscreen protects your skin from UVB rays, so it’s important to purchase one with broad-spectrum protection to account for UVA rays as well.

Regardless of the SPF, sunscreen should be applied 20 minutes before going into the sun and reapplied every 2 hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating. One can’t rely on high SPFs alone and should still seek shade, wear protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats and UV-blocking sunglasses to ensure your skin receives maximum protection from the harmful effects of the sun.

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Your skin is protected by a barrier, known as the hydrolipidic film, which consists of water, sebum and lipids. The hydrolipidic film protects your skin from external aggressors, like bacteria, and seals in water and electrolytes that keep skin looking dewy and smooth. The skin barrier is essential for protecting the body against external factors that could negatively impact our overall health, so it’s extremely important to look after and protect your skin barrier.

The first step in protecting your skin barrier is to assess the strength of your skin barrier by paying careful attention to your skin. If your skin barrier is in poor condition, your skin could be itchy, inflamed, dull and flaky. Not drinking enough water, consuming too much alcohol or caffeine can also damage your skin barrier, as well as environmental factors like being exposed to too much sun or wind. If your skin barrier is healthy, however, it will successfully retain water, and be more supple and radiant as a result. The good news is that a damaged skin barrier can be corrected and restored to good health with a good skin care routine and a healthy lifestyle, but a dermatologist may need to be consulted if there is an underlying skin disease.

To ensure you are protecting your skin barrier, make sure your skin care products contain the right ingredients. A good moisturiser, like those which contain the ingredient linoleic acid, can help repair barrier function. Washing your face with luke-warm water is also preferable as hot water can be damaging to your skin barrier. If the water is too hot for the skin on your hands, it will definitely be too hot for your face. Wearing an effective, broad-spectrum sunscreen that’s full of antioxidants will ensure your skin is protected from the harmful rays of the sun and from other environmental stressors. It is also important to drink enough water and eat a balanced diet full of omega rich foods like fish, flax seeds and walnuts as these foods promote a healthy skin barrier.

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The amount of UV light the skin is exposed to, depends on factors like the time of day, the season and your geographical location. The degree of damage from UV rays depends on their intensity and the length of time your skin has been exposed without protection. Although UVA and UVB damage can be severe, you can greatly reduce the risks by taking steps to protect your skin.

The most effective means of UVA and UVB protection is to reduce your skin’s exposure to UV light altogether by avoiding being in direct sunlight, especially between the hours of 10am and 4pm when the sun’s rays are the strongest. You can also reduce sun exposure by wearing clothes like long-sleeved shirts, long pants or skirts, hats and sunglasses. If your skin is going to be exposed to direct sunlight, wearing sunscreen is essential. Try use sunscreens with broad spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, and a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher as these provide the best protection against the sun.

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Unproblematic

Typically, unproblematic (also referred to as ’normal’) skin is not prone to breakouts, and is unlikely to react badly to new products or environmental changes. Unproblematic skin is well balanced, meaning that it is neither too oily nor too dry. Your skin is probably supple, soft and fine-pored. If your skin has these characteristics, you will be able to try a variety of products until finding a routine you enjoy without causing irritation to the skin. I would recommend a cleanser that doesn’t strip your skin’s natural moisture, a good moisturiser and serum to ensure a healthy, glowy-look

Oily

If your skin tends to be shiny, you are likely to have oily skin. Individuals with an oily skin type have heightened sebum production and are, therefore, more prone to blackheads and acne. Oily skin can be genetic, or occur when experiencing hormonal changes/imbalances, when taking certain medication, or from stress. Shine control is a top concern for oily skin and ingredients like mineral oil, and petrolatum should be avoided. Instead make use of exfoliators and moisturisers that help minimise breakouts. Look for products like oil-free moisturisers, chemical exfoliants and clay masks to keep oily skin happy and healthy.

Dry

Dryness is caused by a lack of oil in the skin, which may result in flakiness, sensitivity, and itchiness. Lifestyle and environmental factors, or chronic conditions like eczema can cause dry skin. Dry skin is less elastic and tight because the skin lacks lipids or fats. To care for dry skin, it’s essential to seal in moisture by applying a rich moisturiser daily, avoid using harsh soaps, or products with high fragrance levels. Try introducing a serum to your moisturising routine as serums generally contain higher active levels relative to moisturisers, and prioritise drinking enough water everyday.

Combination

Combination skin takes its name from the fact that it is a mixture of two skin types: unproblematic and oily. An individual with combination skin will have oily skin and develop blemishes in the t-zone of the face, or the area across the forehead, down the nose, to the chin. By contrast, the rest of the face tends to be well-balanced and sometimes dry. With this skin type, it’s best to avoid both high oil and alcohol based products, isolate problem areas with spot treatments, and use toners or balancing creams to even out the skin.

Acne-Prone

If your skin is susceptible to frequent breakouts, you are likely to have acne-prone skin. Individuals with this skin tend to have pores that clog easily, making you more disposed to blackheads and pimples. With acne-prone skin, it is important to use cleansers specifically formulated to treat acne, and make use of exfoliators and moisturisers that help minimise breakouts. Look for products that incorporate acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid, clay, benzoyl peroxide or retinol. If skin is irritated, look for ingredients like Aloe Vera to help with soothing.

Sensitive

Skin sensitivity stems from genetics, allergies or environmental factors. The tell-tale signs of this skin type include skin that flushes easily, frequently develops rashes or bumps, often stings or burns after using skin care products (especially ones with fragrances), and has areas of flaky, irritated skin. Individuals with sensitive skin must be careful when choosing skin care products. Sensitive skin types need to avoid using products that are highly fragranced or have levels of irritants like alcohol. Look instead for products with less additives and ones that are calming, soothing and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Mature

Every skin ages differently, but the signs of mature skin are fairly universal. Aging is a natural process where the skin’s cell renewal and collagen processes slow down, weakening the internal support structure and natural protection barrier of the skin. The characteristics of more mature skin include sagging, dark spots, wrinkles, dullness and dehydration. Mature skin needs advanced care to counter act past and future damage. There’s never an incorrect time to start an anti-aging routine, and starting from as early as 25 years of age is recommended. It is also key to incorporate SPF into your daily skincare routine to protect skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, which can speed up skin aging.

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