Good things take time. Commit to your skincare!

Commitment to consistency. With so many promises of beautiful skin wrapped up in the irresistible allure of something new and exciting by the beauty industry, it is difficult to stay on track. Sure, there are many new and exciting discoveries being developed with super ingredients and formulas by the beauty and skincare industry. Still, none are going to make much of a difference unless you commit. Good skin means you need to invest and commit, allowing your skincare of choice the time it takes to work for you. It’s time to take a long-term view in 2023.

Whatever you choose to introduce needs to be something that you stick to. Every. Single. Day. Dr Alek and the SkinMiles team have put together 5 commitments, plus product recommendations, that if done daily will benefit your skin and show visible long-term changes.

Commitment 1: Cleanse gently and religiously

Ditch that bar of soap or the face wash laden with foam, cleansing can’t be done here and there. No matter your skin type, texture, or current condition. It’s an everyday necessity, clean skin is where it all begins.

Commitment 2: Exfoliate with an active ingredient

Exfoliating acids have fast become a popular trend because of their proven ability to resurface the skin. These chemical exfoliants work in two ways: by lifting the build-up of dead cells on the skin’s surface to reveal a brighter, smoother complexion (in the case of alpha hydroxy acids – AHAs), or by penetrating the pores to shift build-up and help clear breakouts (in the case of beta hydroxy acids – BHAs). Either way, exfoliating is a key step in your weekly skincare routine and one that shouldn’t be skipped.

Commitment 3: Include Vitamins A, C, E and B3 into your daily skincare routine

Vitamin A – Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A works by accelerating the rate of cell turnover in the skin, meaning new, fresh skin cells make their way to your skin surface faster than they normally would. Retinol’s benefits span from ageing and help with pigmentation or acne scarring to overall skin texture and radiance.

Vitamin C

– this is an all-rounder in your skincare. It is a powerful antioxidant, which helps fight free radical damage, lightens hyperpigmentation spots and aids in skin renewal. Vitamin C works to build the skin’s immune system and prevents premature ageing and further breakdown of the skin barrier.

Vitamin E

– is also an antioxidant and serves as a good moisturiser and soothing cream. Vitamin E provides photo-protection to the skin by absorbing UV light. It helps in the biosynthesis of collagen and elastin, benefiting the skin building and rejuvenation process.

Vitamin B3

Vitamin B3 (or niacin) – is a powerful antioxidant and has anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to soothe the skin. Niacinamide also works to tighten pores and tackles uneven skin tone and dullness.

Commitment 4: Find a good moisturiser

Your next vital step is to moisturise. This is a non-negotiable to ensure your skin is hydrated and protected, making it look soft and supple. There are three basic categories of ingredients found in moisturisers – humectants, occlusives and emollients, and most moisturisers will contain a combination of the three in varying proportions. #SkinSchool – humectants are molecules that attract and bind water from the deeper layers of the skin. Occlusives create a barrier over the skin to prevent water loss. Finally, emollients work by filling in the gaps between skin cells and replacing skin lipids.

Commitment 5: Choose your sun protection wisely

This is another non-negotiable. If you want to take your skincare seriously, you absolutely must be using an SPF every morning of 30 or higher. It’s so important to protect your skin against the harmful rays of the sun and because this is ignored skin cancer and pigmentation are genuine issues for so many South Africans! Without the use of sun cream you will constantly be reversing any good you are doing to your skin.