Basically a list of things we missed during the lockdown period!

P.S. We’re fully operational again! Shop all your favourite skincare products online—delivered to your door in the safest way possible.

1. Physical exfoliators

Remember the feeling of a freshly exfoliated face? It makes us go “ahh” just thinking about it. It’s no secret that exfoliating your skin can improve its radiance. Why? Just to recap: because it removes dead cells (which can make your skin look dull). BUT did you know that there are different types of exfoliators? Namely, physical, and chemical exfoliators.

Physical exfoliators, like sugar scrubs, use teeny-tiny grains to clear your skin of debris. Our advice is to always check the ingredients list and avoid large exfoliants (like fruit pits and nut shells) because these can do more harm than good. Think micro-tears and inflammation! No, thanks!

We missed these physical exfoliators…

2. Chemical exfoliators

There’s clean, and then there’s post-chemical exfoliation clean. Chemical exfoliators aid in cell turnover with the use of—you guessed it—chemicals. They work by loosening the bonds or glue between cells. Which chemicals should you be looking out for?

We missed these chemical exfoliators…

If you have dry skin, then look out for AHAs

AHAs, like lactic or glycolic acid, are water-soluble and focus on exfoliating your skin’s surface layer—revealing smoother, more luminous skin beneath.

If you have acne-prone skin, then look out for BHAs

BHAs, like salicylic acid, are oil-soluble and able to dive deeper into your skin. They have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

If you have sensitive skin, then look out for enzymes

Fruit enzymes, like pineapple, citrus, mandarin, willow bark, and papaya, gently dissolve only the dead skin cells, without damaging the newer skin underneath.

3. Anything with retinol in it

Retinol (another name for vitamin A) is sort of the Jane of all trades of the beauty world. Its glow-inducing benefits include: encouraging collagen production, clearing acne, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, and evening out skin tone. As with all things, great power comes with great responsibility. Since retinol thins the very top layer of your skin (which is a good thing), it can cause sun sensitivity. However, if you just apply sunscreen daily, then you’re golden (literally).

We missed these retinol creams…

4. Vitamin C products

We could all use a little extra light in our lives, are we right? Enter vitamin C (or ascorbic acid). The miracle ingredient can soften the look of dark spots and help brighten the appearance of your skin. High-quality vitamin C products all have these things in common: L-ascorbic acid (the most active and stable form of vitamin C), 10-20% concentrations (a small amount is all that’s needed), and other antioxidants (like vitamin E and ferulic acid).

We missed these vitamin C products…

5. Clay masks

We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again: nothing says self-care like a face mask. Plus, there’s a mask for every skin type! So nobody gets left behind. Clay masks keep your skin fresh by removing toxins and stimulating cell regeneration. We love them for oily and acne-prone skin as they absorb excess oils and can help with unclogging.

We missed these clay masks…

6. Sheet masks

Sheet masks are famous on Instagram—and for good reason. They’re super hydrating and are designed to soothe and calm dry, dull, or depleted skin. They contain high concentrations of mineral-rich waters and oils which leave your skin bright and glowing.

We missed these sheet masks…

7. Toners

Toner (or beauty water, as we like to call it) is an essential part of our skincare routine. In the past, toners used to contain high concentrations of alcohol. As a result, they were incredibly dehydrating. So not glowy. Today, toners are designed to help your skin absorb the rest of your skincare products. They do this by prepping your pores and balancing your skin’s pH level.

We missed these toners…

If you have combination skin

Look out for BHAs and AHAs. These acids gently exfoliate without irritating your skin

If you have sensitive skin

Look for hyaluronic acid, glycerine, antioxidants, and ceramides. These ingredients replenish and repair your skin barrier.

If you have acne-prone skin

Look for ingredients that work to remove excess oils, like BHAs and fruit enzymes.

If you have dry skin

Look for gently purifying ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerine, vitamin E, and aloe vera.

8. Serums

Serums have magical powers. OK, not really. But they are packed with potent ingredients. Serums absorb into your skin—to target specific skin concerns—on a deeper level. Elixirs, potions, or whatever you want to call them… there’s a galaxy of serum options to choose from.

We missed these serums…

For smoothing

#HyaluronicAcid #Peptides

For hydration

#VitaminB5

For potent protection from UV radiation

#VitaminC #VitaminE

9. Moisturisers rich in hyaluronic acid

What if we told you that we have the secret to plump and dewy—in other words, glowing—skin? In a word, hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid—found naturally in the body—is a sponge-like molecule that helps your skin maintain as much moisture as possible. If your skin is on the drier side, then look for hyaluronic acid moisturisers.

We missed these moisturisers rich in hyaluronic acid…

Be a little kinder to yourself (and your skin).

Yours in skin,

Dr Alek and the SkinMiles Team.