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leading advice from Lamelle Research Laboratories

How to avoid a sunburn (and accelerated ageing!) this summer

For many of us, summer is synonymous with time spent outdoors, be it at the beach, next to the swimming pool, or exploring one of our country’s beautiful hiking trails. While spending time outdoors is great for your physical and mental health, it’s important to take precautions when it comes to your skin. Most of us recall a bad sunburn at some point or another, as extended periods of time spent outdoors often results in neglected sun care. Sun burns are painful and dangerous, and it’s known that getting sunburnt increases one’s risk of developing skin cancer. But that’s not all – the sun’s UV rays are also responsible for the formation of lines and wrinkles, accelerated ageing, hyperpigmentation and skin DNA damage. This doesn’t mean that you have to avoid the outdoors altogether, but it does mean that you need to enjoy it responsibly, taking care to protect your skin when you do so. Lamelle Research Laboratories has identified five important things to do this summer to avoid a sunburn (and subsequently, accelerated ageing): Try to avoid the sun during peak hours Between 10am and 2pm, the sun’s UV rays are at their strongest, so it’s best to limit your exposure during these hours. Try to schedule your walks and swims for the early morning or the afternoon. Cover up when you go outside Invest in a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses and a kaftan or wrap to wear when you get out of the water, and try to cover up as much of your skin whenever possible. Reapply your sun protection product regularly By now you know that it is essential to wear a good quality SPF product all year round, even during winter. That’s because the sun’s UVA rays (the ones responsible for accelerated ageing) have the ability to damage your skin even when it is overcast. During summer, once a day is not enough. If you are spending time outdoors you need to reapply your product after every swim (even if it says “water-resistant” on the packaging) or after every hour or two, depending on your skin type. Not only will this help avoid a painful burn, but it will also help prevent the formation of hyperpigmentation and signs of ageing. Don’t forget the hidden spots Most of us don’t take the time to apply SPF to all the smaller parts of our bodies, such as our ears, hairline or feet. Take care to apply your SPF all over – even on the areas you think won’t be exposed. After all, the ears are one of the most common places for skin cancer to form. Moisturise – even if your skin isn’t dry The sun has a dehydrating effect on the skin, and if you’re spending lots of time outside, you may notice your skin getting drier. Don’t wait for your skin to become extremely dry before you moisturise – hydrated skin is healthier, plumper, and looks younger. Apply moisturiser to your face twice a day (even on hot days) and at least once a day on your body to keep your skin healthy, happy and strong. How do you know which sun protection product to choose? There are a lot of different sun care products on the market – knowing what to look for in a product goes a long way in keeping your skin protected. One of the most important things to look out for, is a broad spectrum product, meaning it protects the skin from both UVA rays (the rays responsible for skin ageing) and UVB rays (the rays responsible for sun burn). Look for a sunscreen containing antioxidants, as this will help increase your skin’s resistance to the formation of hyperpigmentation and will also protect skin from the harmful free radicals responsible for accelerated skin ageing. Lamelle has two very powerful sun protection products available – each one unique in its capabilities. Try Helase 50+ or Helase Urban Defensethis summer to protect your skin from sun burn as well as from DNA damage, dark marks and accelerated signs of ageing caused by the sun. Lamelle Helase 50+ (R600.00) In short, this is the ultimate upgrade from your normal, everyday SPF 50. Helase 50+ protects against the full spectrum of sunlight while the super-antioxidant Pycnogenol® destroys harmful free radicals to decrease the number of harmful enzymes that cause thinning and sagging of the skin. On top of this, it decreases the damaging and ageing inflammation in the skin, while actively stopping the effects of aging on the skin and keeping the immunity of the skin intact when exposed to sunlight. Lamelle Helase Urban Defense (R585.00) Lamelle Helase Urban Defence 30 is a multi-functional broad spectrum photo-protector that helps reduce the impact of urban pollution. Potent antioxidants reduce ageing, inflammation and hyperpigmentation. Suitable for all skin types. Key ingredients include UVA and UVB filters that protect against radiation. They also protect against Visible Light which can cause pigmentation in darker skin types. Sun protection allows you to enjoy the best of summer without compromising the health of your skin. Be extra vigilant this season and enjoy healthier, happier skin. Learn more at www.lamelle.co.za

February 22, 2024

Five reasons why you should include vitamin C in your summer skincare regime

Skincare enthusiasts know that vitamin C is one of the most important ingredients to include in one’s skincare regime. A powerful antioxidant, vitamin C offers a multitude of benefits. From its anti-ageing properties, to its ability to help fight the formation of hyperpigmentation and breakouts, it’s an all-rounder that no skincare regime should be without. Here are five reasons why vitamin C should be your go-to skincare ingredient this summer: It promotes collagen production Collagen is a protein naturally produced by our bodies, but over time it begins to deplete. When our collagen levels decrease, skin starts to sag and lines and wrinkles set in. Vitamin C is critical for skin to produce collagen through the process of collagen synthesis. More collagen means firmer, more elastic skin with an overall tighter effect. It helps increase the skin’s tolerance for the sun It’s impossible to avoid the sun completely during summer, but it is possible to protect your skin from the effects of the sun’s harmful UV rays. Using an effective vitamin C product alongside your broad spectrum SPF can increase your protection from sun damage. That’s because vitamin C’s antioxidant qualities prevent oxidative damage and neutralise the damage caused by free radicals. When using a vitamin C serum or cream with your sunscreen, you’ll enjoy optimum protection. It protects skin from hyperpigmentation The sun is the number one cause of hyperpigmentation (dark marks) and uneven skin tone. That’s why those of us who are prone to it, experience darkening of hyperpigmentation during summer. When our skin is exposed to the sun, it produces melanin, the substance responsible for pigment in the skin. When melanin is overproduced, it results in hyperpigmentation. Vitamin C helps inhibit the production of melanin by decreasing the activity of an enzyme called tyrosinase. Vitamin C helps to prevent the formation of hyperpigmentation, but it also has the ability to lighten existing hyperpigmentation. It increases radiance Many of us struggle with a dull or tired-looking complexion after winter. Vitamin C is known to brighten the skin, leaving it with that sought-after “lit from within” glow. It’s also a great ingredient for those of us who are feeling (and thus looking) a little tired after a long year, as its brightening effect is particularly effective in areas like around the eyes, where tiredness sets in first. It helps reduce acne and breakouts Acne and breakouts can strike any time of the year, but because skin gets oilier and sweatier during summer, it’s common during the warmer months. Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation and speed up the process of healing breakouts. It is also effective at treating scars left behind by pimples (known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation). Additionally, vitamin C can help reduce the formation of acne thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties that help control the skin’s natural sebum production. Lamelle Research Laboratories has a variety of highly effective vitamin C products available to suit all skin types and concerns: If your skin is prone to sensitivity and you struggle to tolerate vitamin C, try: Lamelle Correctives Vita C-Lipid Serum (R985.00) The gentle anti-age skin booster. Not all skins can tolerate pure Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and many derivative forms aren’t as effective. That’s why Lamelle invested so much time and effort into creating an exciting lipid-soluble form of vitamin C that delivers ascorbic acid-comparable results but is gentle enough to be used on sensitive and dry skin. This serum contains 20% vitamin C, jojoba seed oil and ginger root extract. If your skin tolerates vitamin C well, try: Lamelle Correctives Recharge CE (R960.00) The original Lamelle L-Ascorbic-Acid product, Correctives Recharge CE has been updated with the inclusion of additional 1% tocopherol (vitamin E) and is a thinner suspension that delivers a more tolerable 20% concentration of L-Ascorbic-Acid. It’s intended as the entry-level product for skins that can tolerate Ascorbic Acid. It offers powerful antioxidant protection, reduced signs of ageing, a more even skin tone and increased radiance. If you require intensive results, try: Lamelle Correctives Vita C 30 (R1090.00) The highest-concentration non-prescription Ascorbic acid available. No one thought you could deliver pure ascorbic acid in this high concentration safely. Lamelle created Correctives Vita C 30 with 30% ascorbic acid – and it’s proven safe and effective. Use it for more intensive age correcting results or if you’re exposed to more free radical damage than normal (smokers, road runners or those who spend more time outdoors). If you’re looking to improve the overall condition of your skin while protecting it against UV damage, hyperpigmentation, breakouts and dullness, vitamin C is the ingredient for you this summer. Learn more at www.lamelle.co.za

January 9, 2024

REFIRM: The gold standard in age correction

How Lamelle Research Laboratories is leading the way in age correction with stem cell conditioning media in skincare Age correction and anti-ageing skincare technologies are advancing by the day, and with so many different ingredients and formulas on the market, it’s sometimes difficult to know which one will yield the best outcomes. When it comes to selecting effective anti-ageing skincare products that offer visible results, innovation is key. That’s where Lamelle Research Laboratories comes in. Known for having introduced many firsts in the South African market, Lamelle is a leader in the field of skincare, continuously pushing the boundaries of what products in the medical aesthetics industry can achieve. Some of their most cutting-edge age correction products are formulated with stem cells, a term you’ve probably heard a lot recently, but perhaps don’t know much about. Simply put, a stem cell is an undifferentiated cell which is capable of dividing rapidly and giving rise to more cells of the same type. These cells do not have a specific role, and can become almost any cell that is required by the body. In medicine, stem cells can be used to replace cells damaged by chemotherapy or disease. They can also regenerate damaged tissue. In skincare, stem cells have the ability to repair skin cells. When applied to the skin, they may help soften fine lines and wrinkles, improve the skin’s texture and tone and promote cell turnover, resulting in an overall younger-looking appearance. Stem cells contain amino acids and peptides, which are known for their potential to regenerate the skin. Plus, they’re rich in antioxidants, an essential ingredient in our fight against the signs of ageing. So how are they utilised in skincare? When we say that a skincare product contains stem cells, we don’t mean that it actually has living human cells in it. Instead, we’re able to utilise stem cell conditioning media enriched with antioxidants, and highly active growth factors, anti-inflammatory cytokines as well as collagen and elastin-encouraging peptides. Discover REFIRM, Lamelle’s most innovative age-correction range REFIRM Serum and REFIRM Elixir Cream are Lamelle Research Laboratories’ s most advanced anti-ageing solutions to date, harnessing the astounding age correction potential of adipose derived stem cell conditioning media (SCCM), a precious elixir born of stem cell biotechnology. Put simply, “conditioning media” is a stem cell’s “liquid essence” – a precious elixir containing a treasure trove of cell-communicating secreted factors. To create this powerful rejuvenating cocktail, Lamelle extracts the stem cells from adipose tissue (fat cells), proven to deliver the best results over other types of stem cells when it comes to skin rejuvenation, and incubate them in a liquid gel. Once the stem cells have secreted their factors, they’re separated from their essence and the latter is used to create REFIRM. The results? A dramatic improvement in firmness; reduced wrinkling and a brighter, more luminous-looking complexion. Witness Lamelle’s exosomes marvel REFIRM’s SCCM contains highly active growth factors, anti-inflammatory cytokines, potent antioxidants, collagen-encouraging peptides and stem-cell derived exosomes that can transform your skin within just 28 days. Exosomes are naturally occurring microscopic messenger particles with the ability to seek and bind to specific “target cells”. Small, yet mighty, they penetrate deep into your dermis, where they instruct your skin to behave optimally. This includes increasing its ceramide production, turning off inflammation, inhibiting the production of pigmentation and encouraging the creation of healthy new capillaries. Exosomes are unique in their ability to penetrate the skin barrier and deliver their load of growth factors (up to three times as much as stem cells) and other molecules directly to the skin cells. This targeted delivery system can help improve the efficacy of skincare products and treatments, resulting in advanced age correction results. Stem cell exosomes are incredibly powerful when it comes to anti-ageing, but they’ve also shown to function in tissue damage repair, chronic wound healing and the inhibition of wound scar formation. Ultimately, they can be utilised to reverse skin ageing unlike any other skincare ingredient. Lamelle’s Refirm Elixir Cream has an impressive 3 billion exosomes per ml, while Refirm Serum has 4.8 billion exosomes per ml. REFIRM Serum REFIRM Serum contains 98% of pure adipose-derived SCCM, Lamelle’s highest concentration. For optimal results, apply it twice a day to clean, dry skin before layering on your moisturiser. You can also decant your moisturiser and mix it with two drops of the serum. REFIRM Serum is ideal for use after a controlled injury such as cosmetic skin resurfacing. Do not apply to open wounds or skin that’s otherwise irritated or injured. REFIRM Elixir Cream This ultra-luxurious moisturiser contains SCCM, essential antioxidants, vitamins, soothing panthenol, skin-plumping hyaluronic acid and anti-ageing peptides. It is the ideal moisturiser to be used after the application of REFIRM Serum. Those with a drier skin type could apply it at night. Experience cellular level rejuvenation Within just 28 days, REFIRM Serum and REFIRM Elixir Cream push the boundaries of bioengineering to deliver a visible improvement in firmness, wrinkling and luminosity. Age correction benefits you can expect from this duo include: Firmer skin and reduced wrinkling Enjoy firmer, more youthful-looking skin as anti-wrinkle proteins increase your body’s production of Type 1 collagen, while down-regulating collagenase, an enzyme that degrades your collagen supply. Antioxidant protection Antioxidant proteins protect your fibroblasts (your skin’s “collagen factories”) from UV radiation-induced damage. They also enhance the activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, two free radical-fighting super antioxidants that occur naturally within your skin. A brighter complexion REFIRM’s brightening proteins regulate the production of melanin (the pigment that gives your skin its colour) to inhibit hyperpigmentation and create a more evenly toned, luminous-looking complexion. Ground-breaking renewal Wound-healing proteins reduce redness and inflammation making REFIRM a fantastic asset for anyone having undergone any kind of cosmetic skin resurfacing, be it a fractional laser treatment or a peel. Stem cell skincare may be the most advanced, innovative anti-ageing products available to us, and REFIRM by Lamelle Research Laboratories is a cutting-edge example of what can be achieved with

December 21, 2023

Reap the rewards of our next-generation retinoid

Introducing NEW RA Advance Cream Lamelle Research Laboratories is excited to unveil NEW RA Advance Cream, the first retinoid product to offer a potent dual retinoic acid precursor blend along with a liposomal delivery system for optimum penetration. A combination of two of the most active yet extremely well tolerated retinoids, RA Advance reduces the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven skin tone and texture while it’s collagen-boosting capabilities enhance skin firmness and elasticity. In addition, you can expect an improvement in radiance courtesy of pigmentation-inhibiting antioxidants – mulberry extract, L-Ergothioneine and lipid soluble vitamin C – while benefiting from super soothing D-Panthenol and Bisabolol. Not just a proven anti-ageing powerhouse, new RA Advance is also a sensorial delight. Its smooth, silky texture, infused with deeply hydrating hyaluronic acid, ensures optimal absorption while effectively safeguarding your skin barrier. Join the retinoid revolution To appreciate the ground-breaking power of RA Advance Cream’s dual retinoic acid precursor blend – a combination of Retinaldehyde and Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate – you need to know your retinoids. Once Retinol is applied to the skin, it needs to shapeshift twice before being converted into retinoic acid so your skin can reap the benefits. Retinaldehyde, however, is only one conversion away from retinoic acid. This means it delivers faster results than Retinol but with a lower risk of irritation. In fact, Retinaldehyde has been used with great success in patients with rosacea as it has a suppressive effect on the capillaries that cause redness as well as those with sensitive skin. More good news? Retinaldehyde also has antibacterial properties, making it a good choice for those experiencing adult acne. Also, unlike Retinol, Retinaldehyde won’t increase sun sensitivity and doesn’t enter your bloodstream, making it a safer alternative to other retinoids. As for Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, this revolutionary retinoid can penetrate deeper into the skin than Retinol and is also highly stable, allowing it to get to where it needs to go and work harder for longer to rejuvenate your skin. It’s also less irritating than Retinol and has a lower potential to increase your skin’s sun sensitivity. A new era for cutting-edge retinoids If you’ve been using Lamelle’s bestselling RA Cream but are experiencing more advanced signs of ageing and require more correction for photodamage, RA Advance heralds an exciting new era in superior anti-ageing solutions and is also better suited for those struggling with Acne Rosacea. Are you ready to join the retinoid revolution? To learn more about RA Advance Cream, visit www.lamelle.co.za. Tel: 011 465 2264

December 19, 2023

Brighten – don’t lighten – and reveal your most beautiful skin with Lamelle Luminesce

At Lamelle Research Laboratories, treating pigmentation is something we do best and that’s because we do it differently. Unlike most beauty brands that focus on either hiding dark marks or slightly fading the superficial ones, we rely on powerful peptides to intervene with the multiple pathways that lead to pigmentation’s creation. This way, we can target what exists, prevent it from reoccurring and even tackle it on a DNA level. That’s the Lamelle difference. Brighten brilliantly Luminesce by Lamelle Research Laboratories is our most technologically advanced hyperpigmentation program to date. While other skincare brands like to tout one “miracle ingredient”, the Luminesce collection boasts a mega-mix of medical grade actives to create a multi-faceted solution to pigmentation, attacking it in every stage of its creation to reveal a radiant, evenly-toned complexion. The key player in Luminesce’s all-star line-up is actually a trio – a triple-complex peptide blend that hinders the proteins that instruct your skin’s melanin factories to go into overdrive (melanin is the pigmentation that gives your skin its colour). Better yet, it also decreases the transfer of melanin into your surrounding skin cells and inhibits the creation of tyrosinase, an enzyme that can also trigger an overproduction of melanin. The word “overproduction” is important because beautiful skin is all about balance – our peptides will only ever regulate your skin’s melanin content, preventing an excess and not interfering with the amount you were born with. In short, you don’t ever have to worry about depigmenting your skin, a potential side-effect of badly-formulated skin-brightening products. In fact, our peptide complex doesn’t just tackle pigmentation – it also stimulates collagen production, so you can also enjoy anti-ageing benefits while you brighten up! Come and get your glow up! You’ll find our innovative peptide blend in both Luminesce Brighter Day and Luminesce Evening Glow. Both of these pigmentation-inhibiting powerhouses also boast groundbreaking DKK-1 gene technology. Studies have shown that melasma sufferers have a defect in their DKK-1, a protein that’s responsible for pigmentation regulation. Fortunately, Lamelle Luminesce can support the role of DKK-1 gene signaling and safely regulate pigment-producing cells at a DNA level (don’t worry – we’re not changing your DNA; we’re just activating lazy genes responsible for pigmentation overproduction. So, to put it simply, we’re helping your body function naturally, but optimally!). The benefits of our patented peptide blend also extend to our bestselling foaming cleanser, Luminesce Brightening Cleanse. It gently cleanses all skin types without over-drying and is formulated with anti-inflammatory Yarrow and Mallow extract (for the record, inflammation is one of the triggers of pigmentation). Ready to get glowing? Chat to a Lamelle Skincare Therapist who can recommend which of our Luminesce products would put you on the path to healthy, radiant skin.] Learn more at https://lamelle.co.za/

November 29, 2023

Introducing Lamelle Luminesce Rich

A luxurious pigmentation-inhibiting powerhouse offering superior skin barrier support Since its creation, Luminesce by Lamelle has been leading the way in multi-pathway melanogenesis inhibition. In short, it’s our most advanced hyperpigmentation program and now boasts a bright new star – Lamelle Luminesce Rich (R1150). Luminesce Rich is a luxuriously textured pigmentation-inhibiting powerhouse that supports skin barrier function, making it ideal for anyone with a drier skin type wanting to enjoy a more even, radiant-looking complexion and manage pigment irregularities in their skin. A bright new world of benefits Luminesce Rich is so much more than just an “extra moisturising” version of our bestselling Brighter Day – although you’ll appreciate how our indulgent new emollients impart a plush, cushion-like effect. However, unlike Luminesce Brighter Day, Luminesce Rich contains our patented skin barrier repair superhero, Ceramide-P. From the very first application, it gets to work creating a multi-layered lipid structure that mimics healthy human skin to repair your skin’s barrier function while soothing and sealing to ensure your newfound hydration stays put. Luminesce Rich also contains no less than 7 highly effective melanogenesis inhibitors. These include cutting-edge anti-inflammatory amino acids, proven plant extracts, brightening vitamins and innovative Growth Factor-derived brightening peptides, super soothing dexpanthenol and novel genetic modulators. (Don’t worry, we’re not changing your DNA, we’re just activating lazy genes responsible for pigmentation overproduction!) Meet our new A-Team Luminesce Rich still benefits from our hardworking peptide complex that hinders the multiple pathways that lead to an excess of melanin production – but now it’s supported by NEW Nonapeptide-1. Aside from inhibiting the production of melanin, Nonapeptide-1 has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect (and we all know inflammation can trigger hyperpigmentation) and even stimulates the production of your skin’s natural hydrating factors. Luminesce Rich also includes an extremely effective and rapidly-acting amino acid, Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine. It acts as a Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH) antagonist, meaning that it hinders the formation of pigmentation by preventing MSH from binding to a particular receptor and kicking off a chain of events that lead to an overproduction of melanin. As Lamelle Rich doesn’t contain a retinoid, it can be used twice a day and in combination with any of our correctives serums. As Ceramide-P is a highly effective delivery system, it will improve the absorption and efficacy of any serum. Here’s to a brighter future with Luminesce Rich If you’re wanting unparalleled pigmentation inhibition to create a more luminous-looking complexion AND enhance your skin’s barrier system, NEW Lamelle Luminesce Rich is your ultimate powerhouse. To learn more about Lamelle Luminesce Rich, visit https://lamelle.co.za/luminesce-rich. www.lamelle.co.za

November 8, 2023

Advice from the experts

Introducing MAVALA’s new Bio-Color Nail Polishes and Multi-Moisturizing Snow Mask

MAVALA is proud to introduce you to two exciting new launches: MAVALA Bio-Colors + Silicium (R125.00 – Dis-Chem) New Bio-Colors are the natural nail colour solution you’ve been waiting for. With a more natural formula, these nail colours contain more raw materials of plant and mineral origin, without compromising on hold, shine and respect for nails. These new formulations contain sugar cane, rice, beetroot, wood pulp and corn, replacing the solvents and plasticizers usually derived from petrochemicals. The formulas contain at least 85% natural origin ingredients, and the colours are enriched with clay derivative and fortifying organic silicon, which improves the quality of the nails while protecting them. This new collection is available in 12 timeless shades, easily recognizable with the leaf illustration on the front of the label, and with its white cap. White symbolizes naturalness, while the gold of our traditional MINI’s refers more to the universe of makeup. The names of the 12 new colours highlight 12 legendary rivers from all over the world, in reference to water, the source of life: 701 – Rio Grande – An aubergine shade, summer storm at the foot of the Arizona pines. 702 – Mississippi – A budding passion over the water. 703 – Nile – A blood red, at the heart of a captivating romantic plot. 704 – Rhône – A bold burgundy like the most powerful of French rivers. 705 – Volta – An optimistic solar energy. 706 – Thames – The charm of a picnic on the banks of a long calm river. 707 – Colorado – A dark red in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. 708 – Murray – A journey to the heart of lush flora and fauna. 709 – Amazonas – An expressive fuchsia, like the world jewel of nature. 710 – Mekong – A deep red, daydream embarked on the Mekong. 711 – Shannon – A radiant and majestic fuchsia. 712 – Indus – An adventurous dark purple. Plant-based ingredients in the new formulas include: Ethyl Acetate/Butyl Acetate Solvents of petrochemical origin have been replaced by bio-sourced solvents, meaning they originate from renewable farming resources (sugar cane, rice, beetroot). They are useful to give the desired fluidity to nail polish and act on the drying time, evaporating once the nail polish is applied to the nails. Nitrocellulose Essential resin for nail polishes, nitrocellulose is obtained from wood pulp. It forms a hard protective film when drying and increases the lasting power of nail polish. Nitrocellulose is mainly responsible for the permeability of MAVALA nail polishes to air and water vapour, thus allowing the nail to breathe. MAVALA has been using nitrocellulose in all its nail polishes since 1962. Triethyl Citrate This plasticizer brings texture, shine and flexibility to nail polish. Its origin is purely botanical: it is produced from corn and beetroot. The mineral-based ingredient in the new formula is: Stearalkonium bentonite This substance of mineral origin (crushed clay) guarantees a good spreading of nail polish and a nice homogeneity. All MAVALA Nail Colors are formulated without toluene, phthalates, formaldehyde (prohibited), camphor, xylene, acetone, heptane, rosin resin, ethyl tosylamide, triphenyl phosphate, tosylamide / formaldehyde resin, preservatives (parabens or others, as formulas are not subject to microbiological contamination). No ingredients of animal origin are used; they are therefore suitable for vegans. MAVALA Aqua Plus Multi-Moisturizing Snow Mask (R695.00 – Dis-Chem) The summit’s best-kept secret: This ultra-fresh moisturizing and soothing mask is formulated with 94% natural origin ingredients, including glucidic complex acting on the three key mechanisms of skin hydration: Reinforces the skin’s natural barrier function. Increases the skin’s water reserves. Maximizes the water circulation within the epidermis. This vegan formula contains Pure Alpine Water, Swiss Mallow Flower (rich in moisturizing and soothing qualities) and Gel-Trap Technology for an ultra-fresh effect. It is enriched with glycerine of vegetable origin for an instant moisture boost. Texture: gel-in-oil emulsion that frees its water micro droplets on the skin for unique freshness and sensoriality. Results: the skin is quenched, soft, supple and soothed. Apply: twice a week on clean face, eye contour and neck. Leave it on to act for ten minutes. Remove excess with cotton pad. MAVALA always strives to minimise their carbon footprint and to become more eco-responsible. As such, this tube is made from recycled plastic (36%), the box is printed on cardboard from sustainably managed forests (FSC) and it uses 38% less paper by not including a leaflet in the box. About MAVALA Over the years, MAVALA has become synonymous with quality thanks to its specific and effective professional standard products. With categories including, nail, hand, feet, face and make-up, all created from rigorous research and manufactured in our Geneva factories to impeccable quality demands. We care about the planet. We source our ingredients and raw materials from the nearest suppliers in Switzerland to reduce our carbon footprint. Whenever possible, we package our products without a box to reduce waste and manufacture under cold conditions to reduce energy consumption. We also increasingly use ingredients that are readily biodegradable. In particular, we do not use plastic microbeads which contribute to ocean pollution. We are 100% cruelty-free, we do not test any of our ingredients or products on animals. In South Africa, MAVALA is available through approved and appointed stockists ranging from small independent salons, pharmacies and large retail stores and chains, such as Clicks, Dis-Chem and Woolworths. MAVALA is also sold at some independent outlets around the country. Learn more at https://mavala.co.za/ Follow MAVALA on social media: Facebook: Mavala South Africa Instagram: @mavalasa

May 5, 2023

Dr Judey Pretorius debunks six common skincare myths

We have access to a wealth of skincare information, but despite the vast amount of knowledge out there, there are still a lot of skincare myths that are commonly believed to be true. Dr Judey Pretorius, a biomedical scientist and founder of skincare brand Biomedical Emporium, debunks six of the most common skincare myths that continue to do the rounds: Myth 1: There’s no need for sunscreen during autumn and winter Many people think that you only need to apply SPF during the warmer months, and that it’s only really necessary when spending prolonged time outdoors. The truth is that you should apply SPF every day, regardless of the season. UVA rays (the rays that cause the skin to burn) may not be that strong during the colder months, but UVB rays (the rays that cause hyperpigmentation, wrinkles and fine lines) are present all year round, and pose risks to your skin at any given time. UV rays can penetrate clouds, meaning your skin is at risk even on an overcast day. Myth 2: You don’t need retinol until your later years Retinol (vitamin A) is the holy grail of skincare ingredients. This powerful ingredient has the ability to increase the skin’s collagen production, increase the rate at which the skin’s cells turn over, treat and prevent acne, blackheads and breakouts and minimise fine lines and wrinkles. The saying “prevention is better than cure” rings true – delaying the onset of wrinkles and other signs of ageing is much easier than minimizing existing ones. It is ideal to introduce retinol to your regime in your mid-20s to delay the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Try: Biomedical Emporium Retinol Serum (R1134.00). It reduces hyperpigmentation, soothes and protects skin cells against solar damage, slows down the destruction of skin proteins, builds new proteins, improves DNA health and protects against UV radiation assisting in the reduction of the signs of ageing. Myth 3: Makeup makes skin age faster Makeup itself does not cause skin to age faster – in fact – a lot of modern foundation formulas contain anti-ageing ingredients to complement your skincare regime. The only time that makeup may contribute to the ageing process is if you do not remove it properly, or go to bed wearing it. When you go to sleep without removing your makeup, it’s not just the makeup that stays on your skin – it’s also dirt, impurities and bacteria picked up during the day, and these have the ability to accelerate the ageing process. We recommend a “double cleanse” at night to ensure all makeup is removed. Begin your routine by removing your makeup with a good quality makeup remover like Biomedical Emporium Make-Up Remover (R610.00). Once your makeup is removed, cleanse your skin with a deep cleansing cleanser like Biomedical Emporium Facial Cleanser (R540.00), which deeply cleanses and gently removes impurities without disturbing the barrier integrity of the skin. Myth 4: The harder you scrub, the better your exfoliation When it comes to exfoliation, it is crucial to be gentle. If you’re exfoliating with a physical scrub, er on the side of caution and gently massage the product into the skin, in circular motions. Rubbing or scrubbing too hard will actually damage the skin. Plus, if you exfoliate too often you could strip the skin of its natural moisture. Less is more! We recommend using an enzymatic exfoliator once or twice per week. This is a enzymatic type of exfoliator that does not contain physical exfoliating beads and is thus a safer option. Try: Biomedical Emporium Enzymatic Therapy (R1128.00). This enzymatic exfoliator assists with the removal of dead skin cells without causing any harm or discomfort to the skin. Myth 5: Wash your face with hot water to open your pores While it’s true that steam helps open pores, you should never wash your face with hot water, period. Hot water might feel good, but it can damage skin by stripping it of its natural oils, drying it out and damaging its protective barrier. Lukewarm water is ideal. Not sure if the water is too warm? If your skin is red or flushed after rinsing, the water was too hot. Myth 6: Oily skin doesn’t need to be moisturised If your skin is oily you may be tempted to avoid moisturising in an attempt to control your skin’s oil production. The truth is that even oily skin requires moisturisation. Select a non-comedogenic moisturiser with a light texture that doesn’t feel heavy on the skin. A hyaluronic acid moisturiser is a great option for all skin types as it is naturally found in the body and helps the skin retain water, keeping it hydrated. About Dr Judey Pretorius Dr Judey Pretorius is a highly accomplished Biomedical Scientist and product development specialist with substantial experience in the disciplines of acute, chronic and post-surgical wound healing, regenerative medicine and cell therapy. She holds a Master’s degree in Genetics and Molecular Biology followed by her PhD degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Medicine Development and Design. She has also obtained an Advanced Diploma in Dermal Aesthetics. Dr Judey Pretorius gained extensive experience as a Research and Development Formulation Scientist. She was responsible for the Scientific and Biomedical formulation of therapeutic products of premium brands in respective disciplines. Her contributions included cosmeceutical, pharmaceutical and medical device developments. She is the co-founder of Biomedical Emporium®, a biotechnology company specialising in the formulation of advanced biological products, cell culture processes and tissue engineering for advanced wound healing and an advisory on regenerative medicine. She has made unique formulation discoveries that have had a profound influence on the course of new developments in aesthetic and wound care treatment. https://www.biomedicalemporium.com/

April 21, 2023

In 2023 skincare is the new makeup – SKNLogic tells us why

For the past couple of years, women all over the world have embraced the natural makeup look, and by the looks of things, “no makeup” makeup is here to stay. Pre-pandemic, we were contouring à la Kim Kardashian, but with the rise of Covid-19 and national lockdowns, the focus shifted from makeup to skincare. We saw a major rise in self-care practices and more thought and care went into daily skincare regimes. Post-pandemic, skincare is still tops. Makeup has gone from high definition to barely-there and dewy, allowing the natural skin to shine through. In fact, skincare has gained such focus that we’re willing to say it’s become the new makeup. If you love the natural trend and want to dial down on makeup, it’s time to step up your skincare routine. Achieving and maintaining your best skin means sticking to a daily skincare regime that incorporates high-performance ingredients that nourish, repair and protect. Not sure where to start? We recommend mastering the basics – here’s how. Double cleanse Double-cleansing is essential to every skincare routine because cleansing once with a regular cleanser is not enough to remove all traces of makeup, impurities and bacteria. Not only will your products penetrate your skin better if it is thoroughly cleansed, but you will also be less likely to develop breakouts and blackheads. We recommend starting off with a pre-cleanse product to remove makeup as well as other impurities. SKNLogic Remove (R165.00) contains pineapple and cucumber extract and gently yet effectively removes makeup, oil and impurities without drying the skin. Follow with a good quality facial cleanser like SKNLogic Cleanse Wash (R218.00). An antioxidant facial wash, it gently lifts impurities from the skin while pomegranate extract tones and soothes the skin, leaving it supple and refreshed. Regular exfoliation Exfoliation is the key to a smooth and clear complexion, because it removes dry and dead skin cells that would otherwise clog pores and lead to breakouts. Depending on your skin type, once or twice a week is sufficient. SKNLogic Exfoliate Enzymatic(R210.00) is a powerful skin polisher that combines natural and chemical exfoliants to remove dead skin cells, refine skin texture and enhance penetration of actives into skin. It contains papaya extract which is as an exfoliating enzyme that also works to repair the skin. Antioxidants Antioxidant serums have the ability to transform a skincare routine from good, to great. We recommend using a vitamin C serum in the morning – it helps to protect the skin from environmental aggressors and free radicals during the day, plus it brightens and helps treat and prevent pigmentation. SKNLogic C15 Booster (R355) contains 15% pure vitamin C to visibly brighten uneven skin while improving the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Use a vitamin A (retinol) serum in the evening – the holy grail of anti-ageing ingredients, vitamin A helps skin cells turn over faster, delays the onset of the various signs of ageing and improves skin texture and clarity. SKNLogic Retinol 0.5 (R280.00) has a fast-absorbing, encapsulated retinol formula that reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. Added Soyaglycone maximises the effect of retinol to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, refine uneven skin texture and treat hyper pigmentation. Hydration After applying your serum, it’s time to give your skin a moisture boost. Hydrated skin looks and feels plumper, so choose a moisturiser that locks in moisture. SKNLogic Moist (R172.00) is a great everyday option for skins that aren’t excessively thirsty. This day and night cream hydrates, rejuvenates and balances the skin, and is ideal for balanced and combination skins. It contains pomegranate extract which acts as a natural toner while protecting the skin from free radicals. If your skin is dry, try SKNLogic Moist Supreme (R172.00). This moisture-replenishing day and night cream is designed to combat dry skin and reduce the signs of premature ageing. It contains fig extract which is an excellent hydrator and provides a gentle tightening effect to the skin. Sun protection The sun is the biggest threat to our skin, with UVA rays having the potential to physically burn our skin, and UVB rays having the potential to accelerate ageing, cause hyperpigmentation and encourage the formation of lines and wrinkles. It is essential to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays all year round by applying a broad-spectrum SPF product every single day. SKNLogic Protect SPF 40 (R315.00) is a full spectrum sun protection cream that provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and anti-ageing benefits. It goes beyond UVA and UVB protection to help defend from blue light (digital pollution) and pollution and Infrared light emitted by the sun. It repairs DNA damage caused by free radicals while mitigating the damage from environmental and digital exposure. With this simple yet effective skincare routine you can achieve your best skin and embrace the barely there makeup trend with confidence. About SKNLogic SKNLOGIC Cosmeceutical skincare aims to provide a skincare solution that works with the skin’s biological processes to achieve visible results. SKNLOGIC has a synergistic approach to science and nature, offering powerful formulas with optimal concentrations of active ingredients to actively improve skin health and appearance from underneath the skin. We use the maximum concentration of key active ingredients and use the highest grade of quality ingredients from around the world. https://sknlogic.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SknLogic/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sknlogic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SKNLOGIC

April 14, 2023

Introducing Re-Firm Elixir Cream

NEW Re-Firm Elixir Cream – a luxurious way to harness the power of stem cells An innovation like no other, NEW Lamelle Re-Firm Elixir Cream is a cutting-edge anti-ageing solution using the technology of regenerative medicine. Rapid Rejuvenation Lamelle Re-Firm Elixir Cream is a luxurious velvety-textured moisturiser delivering the purest stem cell conditioned media (SCCM) to rapidly rejuvenate aging skin. It’s other pioneering active ingredients include essential antioxidants, soothing panthenol and hydrating hyaluronic acid along with cell communicating growth factors and anti-ageing peptides. The result? A potent anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and pigment-inhibiting powerhouse! What is SCCM? Medical science has recently unlocked the astounding regenerative potential of stem cells and Lamelle, having collaborated with biotechnology companies for decades, has been at the forefront of this exciting new technology. Stem cells are living cells, found in various tissues in the body, with a chameleon-like ability to transform into almost any other cell type. Naturally, this makes them essential for rejuvenation as they can morph into whatever tissue your body requires to heal. They also have the ability to communicate, producing “factors” that influence the behavior of surrounding cells. Our new superstar active ingredient, SCCM, is a stem cell’s “liquid essence” – the result of adipose-derived stem cells in a growth medium. As the stem cells proliferate in this medium they produce multiple active ingredients that infuse into the conditioning media. This medium – the SCCM is now a cocktail perfect for ageing and damaged skin cells to bounce back into action. This is delivered into the skin using a natural encapsulation technology to ensure maximal absorption and optimal results. Superior Stem Cells Stem cells are becoming a prolific active ingredient, but their usefulness depends on their origin. Most cosmetics that tout them are using plant-derived stem cells that don’t have the ability to differentiate into other human cell types, nor communicate with them. At best, they function like an antioxidant. This is why Lamelle’s technology makes use of stem cells derived from human fat cells. They’re proven to deliver the very best results with anti-inflammatory properties in comparison to other types of stem cells. Still, it’s important to note that SCCM does NOT contain human stem cells as there is no need for this – all their rejuvenating benefits are transferred to the elixir. Witness a Marvel! Along with SCCM, Re-Firm’s Elixir Cream also contains highly active growth factors, anti-inflammatory cytokines and peptides that encourage the protection and creation of collagen. Day by day, your skin’s cells will receive messages that instructs them to function optimally. Suddenly, mature skin begins to act younger – and the effect is nothing short of transformative. Within just 28 days, expect to see a dramatic improvement in firmness; reduced wrinkling and a more evenly toned and radiant complexion. To enjoy the very best results, apply Re-Firm Elixir Cream twice daily, or our Re-Firm serum as a booster in concerned areas of ageing. To learn more about Re-Firm Elixir Cream, visit www.lamelle.co.za

March 30, 2023

As Pure and Fragrant as the Earth meant it to Be: Respectfully Served by SOiL

Rooted in delivering wellness for mind and body, SOiL, the first organic aromatherapy production farm in South Africa since 2004 continues its sustainable approach to business supplying 100% pure organic aromatherapeutic essential oils and nature’s aroma essences with trade certification from Fair Trade, EcoCert, Animal Anti-Cruelty and South Africa’s Vegan Society to protect the ethics of this organic farming stakeholder.  In a world where trade is a driving force for positive and sustainable change benefiting people and their environment, SOiL’s Fair Trade standards protect workers’ rights, encourage safer working conditions and ensure fairer pay in agriculture, manufacturing and trade, implementing good economic, social and environmental practices and responsible supply chains that ensures the resilience of each link through partnerships, and fixed prices and volumes in sales and supplies. Today, SOiL a family owned and proudly African company is part of the community of more than 700 certified companies and organisations in over 70 countries in certified products sales. With a close knit team, this vertically integrated labour-intensive company farms, processes, distributes and markets essential aromatherapy oils direct from the earth and into your hands from its fertile soils in KwaZulu-Natal. “Everything we do, we do organically and with eco-ethical self-sustainability” says Founder Grant McMurray. “Our labour intensive, and certified organic agricultural process, where we grow, distil, package and market our oils meet international quality standards for export and each product is guided by integrity and complete traceability, which gives SOiL an educated voice within the aromatherapy and wellness industry. “Since we first began the SOiL journey there has been huge demand from consumers that realise the difference in purity and quality especially when it comes to the health and beauty market,” he adds. “The quality of essential oils is affected by many factors, including altitude, soil type and climate and we are fortunate that our pioneering approach to organic farming on our fertile soils and our moderate climate ensure that the oils we produce are of rock-solid quality which forms the foundation of our success. Unfortunately, a downside to using aromatherapy is that many of the oils on the market are not pure and this is why it is so important to be ethical. “Sourcing our oils from the plants’ most ideal point of origin secures its quality aromatherapeutic function, while organic farming ensures oils that are free from petro-chemicals, parabens, synthetic fragrance and colourants. Every decision is made with a green conscious to minimise plastics and reduce our footprint. Simply put, we are earth friendly!” FAIR TRADE Fair for Life Certification ensures that human rights are safeguarded at any stage of production, workers enjoy good and fair working conditions and smallholder farmers receive a fair share. Fair trade improves the livelihood of thousands of smallholder farmers and workers by providing the means for social community projects and empowerment of people. It focuses on sustainability towards local economic growth, employment creation and the utilisation of local, renewable resources. “We grow and source locally first. Where plants thrive best in alternate locations, we call on our trusted certified organic and fair-trade network of producers throughout Africa and beyond to supply oil,” confirms Grant McMurray. “Our Fair for Life certification confirms our commitment to ensuring these communities benefit from the trade we do with them. It shows our commitment to the ethical treatment of our suppliers by providing on-time payments at fair prices. Growers and harvesters are encouraged to form cooperative groups to share collective benefits and bargaining power while improving skills and capacity.” ECOCERT ORGANIC CERTIFICATION SOiL aromatherapy products are certified organic by ECOCERT and undergo rigorous annual audits by third party international organic certifiers. “The beauty of our organic certification is the complete traceability to the source of our oils and the approval of all raw materials and packaging. All avenues of the business are scrutinised keeping our key values in place and our standards consistent. We believe our Ecocert certification, is your guarantee of a high quality, pure and therapeutically beneficial product. “For a field to be certified organic, it must have been free from chemical fertilisers and poisons for at least three years. We are fortunate that our fields have been free from chemicals for more than a decade Safe to Use Essential oils are the highly concentrated active ingredients of plants. They should always be diluted in a base before use and should not be taken internally without professional recommendation. One of the advantages of aromatherapy is that it has few side effects, however, one of the disadvantages is you can have an allergic reaction. How can you verify if an essential oil is 100% pure? Read the label. The label should also specify that it is “100 percent pure essential oil” and list the net contents (including metric measurement). If it says “essence oil,” that’s not a pure essential oil but typically a premixed blend of essential oil(s) in a base of carrier oil. One of the pros of aromatherapy is that it has few side effects. However, it is always sensible to err on the side of caution when delving into a new practise. Sense of smell is very subjective and can have completely different effects on consumers. Skins can also be sensitive. At the first sign of any reaction, it is advised to discontinue use. SOiL’s 100% pure aromatherapeutic oils stand as a commitment to high quality and purity which resonates through SOiL’s standard of practise in providing aromatherapy as an appropriate way to improve mental and psychological health. Visit the SOiL online SHOP providing aroma accessories, aroma sets, aroma wax melts, body oil blends, carrier oils, essential oils, remedy rollers, shea butter and latest range of Treemendus hair and beauty care. Learn more about Aromatherapy, product benefits, and sales when you join the SOiL family and sign up to the SOiL monthly wellness newsletter. For more healing formulas and essential oil haircare hints and tips, visit our online shop and discover the hundreds of healthy ways to boost your health, hair, mood and lifestyle with natural organic SOiL

March 28, 2023

Ready for “skinstant” transformation? Exfoliate like a pro with Lamelle Research Laboratories!

Don’t underestimate the power of exfoliation – it’s one of the most important things you can do for healthy, radiant skin. However, not all exfoliators are created equally and some could even be doing more harm than good. To explain, you might have noticed Lamelle Research Laboratories has several much-loved exfoliating products but none are scrubs. This isn’t an accident. For the most part, granular exfoliators, particular those with irregularly shaped particles (here’s looking at you, ground walnut!) have been shown to cause micro-tears that damage and inflame your skin. This is why our range relies on trusted chemical exfoliators with active ingredients that don’t just exfoliate, but also serve up a host of other skin-loving benefits for “skinstant” transformation. A case in point Lamelle Correctives Cathepzyme 1 and 2 are both brilliant liquid exfoliators that contain Cathepsin D analog, an enzyme produced by our own bodies, to stimulate your skin’s natural exfoliation process without disrupting your skin’s barrier function. Use either of them three times a week and you’ll also see a clinically proven improvement in wrinkles, moisture levels and firmness – within just 3 months! As Cathepzyme 2 is slightly more concentrated than Cathepzyme 1, it’s your best bet if you don’t have sensitive skin; aren’t new to regular exfoliation or want to improve the look of KP (keratosis pilaris). For those who don’t know, KP – sometimes unflatteringly referred to as “chicken skin” is a harmless yet annoying, genetic skin condition characterised by rough-feeling bumps that typically appear on the back and outsides of the arms, but can occur pretty much anywhere. Fortunately, the right chemical exfoliator can help you smooth it. Gently does it Another duo that can up your exfoliation game is our Correctives AHA re-texture solutions, available in a concentration of 5% AHA as well as 8% AHA, Formulated for anyone with a combination or oily skin, they’ll reveal smoother, brighter-looking skin and keep your pores free of debris and excess oil. Another plus? Its glycolic acid will also help stimulate your skin’s collagen production while increasing hydration. Yet another way to gently increase your skin’s cellular turnover? New Lamelle Skin Essence Clear Priming Liquid, specially formulated for acne-prone skin, has a refreshing, water-like texture but contains both AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and BHA (beta hydroxy acids). This way, it can gently exfoliate both the surface of your skin as well as deep inside your pores to help clear your complexion. You’ll also benefit from its other superstar ingredients which include skin barrier-protecting probiotic lysates, soothing panthenol and antibacterial zinc. Peel and reveal Another great way to get your glow on is to treat your skin to regular peels. Our highly-skilled Lamelle skincare therapists will be able to analyse your skin and recommend the right course of peels to best suit your needs. Still, you should know about the latest peel star on the block and that’s the Rice Bran AO Peel system – a 2-part superficial chemical peel that begins in-office but ends in your own home. Packed with the peeling power of both AHAs and BHA, it also includes antioxidant-packed Japanese rice bran to repair and protect along with collagen-encouraging retinol and soothing panthenol. It’s a clever choice for anyone wanting to create a smoother, more evenly toned complexion while addressing concerns like mild sun spots and early fine lines. The bottom line Regular exfoliation is a must for beautiful skin. Still, not all exfoliators are up to scratch – so choose cleverly. Opt for one of our innovatively formulated chemical exfoliators that can help you reveal more radiant-looking skin and serve up a host of other benefits to ensure that, when it comes to big rewards, you’ll reap the very best

March 23, 2023

Date night hairstyle ideas

Your outfit is chosen, your makeup and nails are done. The only thing left to prep for date night is your hair… But which hairstyle do you go for? You should feel your best on date night, and that means choosing a hairstyle that gives you confidence. We recommend selecting a style that doesn’t require too much work and that will hold for the duration of your date. Here are our top three date night hairstyle suggestions: Bouncy curls Loose curls are romantic and flattering, and definitely one of our most recommended hairstyles for date night. One of the most important things you can do for your curls is to give them as much moisture as possible. We recommend applying a weekly hair mask like Nilotiqa Shea & Coco Intensive Repair & Strengthen Mask (R130.00) to boost and retain moisture levels. Enriched with protein, it penetrates the hair follicles for an intensive hair treatment and helps restore existing damage. Give your curls definition and bounce by applying a curl activating mousse or a scrunching jelly to damp hair. Umberto Giannini Curl Whip Curl Activating Mousse (R160.00) is a curl activating definition mousse for weightless, flexible, frizz-free curls that transforms sagging curls into super shapely spirals of bouncy loveliness. If a scrunching jelly is more your thing, opt for Umberto Giannini Curl Jelly Scrunching Jelly (R160.00). It banishes frizz, adds shine and gives definition to waves and curls. If your curls are prone to frizz, try Curls In Bloom Shine Me! Anti-Frizz Perfume Spray (R69.95). This light and nourishing formula delicately scents the hair while fighting frizz, leaving curls soft and nourished with renewed shine (plus, the fragrance is just beautiful and a lovely surprise when your date leans in for a hug!). Straight and sleek Beautifully flat-ironed hair tends to have a glossy shine, and looks great either loose or in a high ponytail. For a sleek style, the thicker your hair, the better. If this is a style you wear regularly, we recommend consistency using a thickening shampoo and conditioner. OGX Thick & Full + Biotin & Collagen Shampoo (R200.00) and Conditioner (R200.00) contains a volumising blend that gives your hair texture, making it look and feel thicker. If frizz is a concern, opt for a frizz-fighting shampoo and conditioner duo like Marc Anthony Bye Bye Frizz Shampoo (R185.00) and Conditioner (R185.00). It’s infused with K-silk complex and an amino acid blend to repair damage and create soft, shiny, manageable hair that’s smooth as silk and free from frizz. If you’re planning on flat-ironing or blow-drying your hair, a thermal protection spray is essential to prevent damage and moisture loss. We recommend Umberto Giannini Heat Protection Spray (R160.00), which protects against heat damage, gets rid of frizz and creates silky shine – all without weighing down your hair. For added shine, apply a few drops of a shine oil once you’ve finished straightening your hair. Hask Argan Oil From Morocco Repairing Shine Hair Oil (R200.00) is a weightless and intense conditioning treatment that helps repair and smooth out hair using nourishing Argan oil and keratin, plus it gives hair a lovely shine. Casual updo Whether your hair is long or short, straight or curly, a casual updo always looks chic, and is really practical when you’re going out for a meal or spending time outdoors. Depending on the length of your hair and your personal style, you may want to try a loose bun or pineapple updo. Simply gather your hair on top of your head and secure it with a scrunchie or hair band (if your hair is long enough), or a few pins if your hair is short. If your hair tends to get unruly, use some styling gel to keep it in place. Cantu Avocado Styling Gel(R149.95) is the perfect product to smooth your hair down at the base of your head and keep it in place. Apply The Perfect Hair Mango & Marula Moisturizing Leave-In Butter (R69.95) to your pineapple updo to keep your curls hydrated and soft. This rich leave-in styling butter is enriched with mango and marula extracts for 24-hour moisture and curl retention. Whatever hairstyle you choose for date night, remember to let your hair down (figuratively or literally!) and have fun.

March 19, 2023

Must-have hair accessories for the summer season

A collection of good quality hair accessories and tools can take your hairstyling process from drab to fab, and more importantly, preserve the health of your hair. The simple act of sleeping with a satin bonnet or using a good quality hairbrush can transform your hair, keeping it healthier, hydrated and in better shape. When shopping for hair accessories, choose trusted brands that make their products from high quality materials. Not only will your accessories last longer, but they will likely also be better for your hair. While hair accessories are important all year round, there are a few that are particularly helpful during summer. Here’s our roundup of the must-have hair accessories for the warmer months. Detangling If you enjoy swimming (either in the ocean or in a pool), you may experience knots and tangles in summer. That’s because chlorine and salt penetrate the hair, leading to build-up and a sticky texture – the perfect combo for a tangle! If you live in a windy area, your hair may also get tangled from spending time outdoors while the wind is blowing. Invest in a good quality detangling brush like Cantu Thick Detangle Brush Accessory (R149.95). This detangling brush has been modified to easily glide through thick and curly hair. Rows of bristles are missing to minimize breakage and snagging during the detangling process, and it features a rubber base to help define curls and a non-slip grip for a stronger hold. To use, divide hair into sections. Start from the bottom and slowly work your way to the root. Repeat in each section. Never start detangling from the root down as this may cause breakage. Do you like combing conditioner through your hair in the shower? Then the Wetbrush Shower Detangler (R184.99) is just for you. It combines the best in convenience and efficacy with a shower hook handle, and IntelliFlex bristles that glide through hair, detangling it, and evenly distributing conditioning treatments. Edges Do you find your edges need a little more work when it’s hot outside? That’s not surprising, considering the increase in humidity (which can make hair more unruly) and the increase in sweat along the hairline. Evolve Triple Edge Styler (R129.95) is a must-have for laying your edges. This 3-in-1 pure boar brush can be used for smoothing and styling edges or sleek hairdo’s, the fine tooth comb can be used for shaping edges and the rat tail can be used to part your hair. Plus, it’s light and flat in shape, meaning it can fit in your handbag, so you always have it at your disposal! Protect your hair and preserve its moisture There’s a lot of talk about the benefits of sleeping on a satin pillowcase, but did you know that it’s also beneficial to sleep with a satin bonnet or scarf over your hair? Satin is the perfect material to protect hair as it does not create friction or draw out and absorb moisture from your hair (which some fabrics like cotton are known to do). Plus, it helps with length retention and protects against split ends. Because hair can get very dehydrated during summer, we recommend going to sleep with a satin bonnet, cap or scarf every night. Cantu Satin Scarf – Solid Maroon (R145.95) is made from super soft satin to minimize breakage, snags, and dryness, this is the ideal hair accessory for natural hair. Extra-large in size and extra gentle in texture, you can wrap it around your hair at night to retain moisture or you can rock a fashionable head wrap by tying it around your hair and knotting it in the back or on top. Breathable and soft, be gentle to your edges and curls with a sleep scarf made to fit your needs. If you prefer a bonnet style, try Evolve Satin Wide Edge Bonnet in Purple (R159.99). Featuring a fitted “edge” band to keep edges smooth and secure at night, this satin bonnet protects natural and relaxed styles, roller sets and braids. Brushing on-the-go We spend a lot of time out-and-about during summer, and you may find that you need to give your hair a good brush more than once a day. Find a brush suitable for your specific needs (yes, different brushes have different benefits!) Love wearing your hair up? Cantu Up Do Natural Bristle Brush (R119.95) is a narrow boar bristle brush that easily smoothes hair into an updo. It is designed with firm natural bristles to help sleek hair and distribute natural oils from the scalp for an enhanced shine. Don’t want to leave the house with wet hair? Wetbrush Speed Dry Brush (R219.99) has a special vented design to allow moisture to escape while blow drying it, ensuring your hair dries faster without drying out. HeatFlex bristles are heat-resistant, preventing transfer and damage. Looking to increase your hair’s shine? Or are you an avid user of dry shampoo? Then you’ll love Wetbrush Shine Enhancer Brush (R219.99), which detangles while encouraging shine. It does so via natural boar bristles, with IntelliFlex, which distribute natural oils evenly through hair for a shiny finish. Perfect for use with dry shampoo. Feeling inspired? Enjoy a healthy hair summer with these handy hair accessories.

March 17, 2023

Sensitive skin: Maybe she’s born with it, maybe it’s environmental – either way, the cure is Forteve

Ask any dermatologist and they’ll tell you half their patients consider themselves as having “sensitive skin”. Thing is, skin is sensitive by nature. You need to treat it with tender loving care or, regardless of your “skin type”, you could end up experiencing sensitivity. Also, you should know that “sensitive skin” isn’t really a clinical diagnosis but more of an expression that your skin has a tendency to be easily irritated. But why is that? For the most part, this all comes down to the protective fatty outer layer of your skin – the lipid barrier. A chat about fat Think of your skin’s barrier as a brick wall held together by cement. The bricks are your skin’s cells and the cement is partly composed of waxy lipid molecules called ceramides. When your barrier is healthy it does a great job of keeping moisture in and irritants out. When it’s impaired, you’re missing some of that “cement” and this allows moisture to escape and irritants, be it chemicals, wind, heat or UV rays. The result is seemingly unquenchable dryness and skin that’s quick to react with symptoms like redness, stinging, burning or itching. Many people who don’t consider themselves to be the sensitive type can experience bouts of sensitive skin if they unwittingly damage their skin’s barrier. It’s surprisingly easy to do – just ask anyone who’s over-exfoliated before applying a highly fragranced moisturiser! Others, however, drew a genetic short straw and were simply born with a lipid barrier that isn’t as naturally robust as someone else. In this case, you could say you were born with sensitive skin. (Thanks mom!) Beat the burn Happily, whether you’ve always had easily irritated skin; suffer from an impaired barrier condition such as atopic dermatitis or are simply going through a sensitive phase, real relief is at hand. Forteve by Lamelle Pharmaceuticals is the only skin barrier repair solution with a patented pseudoceramide that mimics a healthy epidermal bi-layer. After years of intensive research, Lamelle has proved that, while replenishing lipids is key to restoring a healthy skin barrier, it’s how you arrange them – in a very specific pattern – that makes the most dramatic difference. Thus, new Forteve contains a patented pseudoceramide that, once applied to the skin, undergoes a phase transformation. It literally arranges itself into multiple layers – as well as the correct patterns – that mimic the unique properties of a healthy epidermal lipid bi-layer. Better than the rest Currently, the standard method to improve the symptoms of atopic dermatitis is to apply a 5% urea cream. Our trials, however, have shown that applying our pseudoceramide serves up a 150% improvement over those treated with the urea cream. Talk about a dramatic difference! The bottom line Ultimately, whether you’ve always struggled with sensitive skin or are going through a, ahem, rough patch, know that your skin deserves real relief. To start, use Forteve Foaming Cleanser, a daily cleanser so gentle it can even be used on babies’ skin. Next, get those lipids back with either our Forteve Soothing Lotion or Cream. Both are formulated with our patented pseudoceramide complex to fortify and restore barrier function while soothing irritation. Lastly, if you’re dealing with severely dry or cracked skin on areas like your hands or feet, get the TLC you need with Forteve Intensive Urea 5% Cream. This way you get the heavy hydration of urea but fortified with the intuitive biomimicry of our pseudoceramide complex. In no time at all, you’ll get to enjoy the healthy, skin barrier you deserve – whether you were born with it or not.

March 16, 2023

Six shaving myths debunked with FINO Cosmetics

There is a lot of misinformation about shaving out there, and sometimes it’s difficult to separate the facts from the fiction. Like is it really true that shaving makes your hair grow back faster? Or can shaving remove your tan? Experts in post hair removal care, FINO Cosmetics, takes us on a myth-busting journey to debunk some of the most common shaving myths: #1 Fact or fiction? Shaving makes your hair grow back thicker and faster Fiction! When you shave, you remove the hair on the surface of the skin, and this process does not have any effect on the hair’s colour or thickness, which is controlled by our genes. It is only because the hair is shorter and trimmed at a blunt angle that it may seem thicker, but if you were to grow it out, the hair will take on its original appearance. #2 Fact or fiction? Shaving removes your tan Fiction – provided your tan is real. Tanning occurs in the body’s pigment cells, in the lower levels of the skin where a razor blade cannot get to. However, if you have a fake tan (which sits on the surface of the skin), shaving may have an effect on its longevity. Razors tend to remove loose and dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, so if you shave regularly, it may contribute to your faux tan disappearing faster. #3 Fact or fiction? A new razor causes nicks and cuts Fiction! A sharp new razor is the best option for your shave. An older razor is much more likely to catch on the skin, leading to cuts. This is because the duller the blade, the more pressure you need to exert to get a close shave, plus, your blade may tug on the skin, leading to nicks. #4 Fact or fiction? You shouldn’t share your razor Fact! Don’t ever share your razor with anyone, no matter who it is. It is common to get nicks and cuts when shaving, and when you use someone else’s razor, you may be putting yourself at risk of infection. Razor blades may spread infections like warts, fungal infections and staph bacteria (trust us – these are best avoided!). #5 Fact or fiction? You should shave in the direction of hair growth Fact! To avoid razor bumps and ingrown hair, it’s important to shave with the grain, or in the direction of hair growth. Not only does this ensure a more comfortable and closer shave, but it’ll lessen your chances of developing irritation. We recommend applying FINO Soothe MAN (R75.00) after every shave to relieve the dry, itchy skin associated with new hair growth and to help prevent razor bumps, ingrown hair and irritation. #6 Fact or fiction? Soap works just as well as shaving cream Fiction! Shaving creams, oils and gels are designed to moisturise skin and help your razor glide across your skin more easily. Regular soap is designed to cleanse, and is more likely to dry out your skin. In addition to moisturising and softening facial hair, FINO MAN Beard Oil (R150.00) also makes a great shaving oil, allowing a close shave and soft, nourished skin. FINO Cosmetics, a leader in post hair removal care, offers a range of quality, cost-effective post-hair removal and grooming products. Suitable for professional and home use, this versatile skincare range is a blend of natural and scientifically formulated ingredients, bringing you the best of nature and technology to maximise skin care results. FINO Cosmetics successfully combats the after-effects of hair removal, preventing, soothing and removing irritations, bumps, itchiness, redness and ingrown hairs. The range can safely be used across all skin types, tones and textures. It is perfectly formulated for sensitive and discreet skin areas. The FINO product range is formulated to quickly, effectively and efficiently put an end to pesky post-hair removal problems such as ingrown hair, bumps, dry skin, redness, itchiness associated with new hair growth and other skin irritations. The range consists of FINO MAN Face and Beard Wash, FINO MAN Beard Oil, FINO Bump Control and FINO Soothe MAN. FINO Products are infused with a variety of combinations of essential oils, herbal extracts and natural astringents to harness their advantages and are manufactured locally. Learn more at https://www.finocosmetics.com/ Follow FINO on social media: https://www.instagram.com/finocosmetics/ https://www.facebook.com/finocosmeticsman/

March 10, 2023

Introducing Proudly South African brand My Natural Hair

Looking for a hair care brand that caters to natural and relaxed hair? Introducing My Natural Hair, a proudly South African hair care brand targeted to modern African women that suits all African hair types, even when worn under weaves, braids or wigs. Formulated with natural butters and oils, all My Natural products are free from sulphates, parabens, silicones, and mineral oils, making them safe for you and the environment. The brand is dedicated to helping women achieve stronger, softer and healthier hair. To make My Natural Hair products accessible to more women, the main core range recently underwent a price drop, with pricing ranging from R46.99 – R140.00. The range includes: My Natural Hair Hydration Mask – R46.99 My Natural Hair’s Hydration Mask is a thick blend of Coconut, Olive, Jojoba Oils and Shea Butter. The formulation effectively coats each strand, unmasking your natural hair’s potential, with a boost of organic nourishment for noticeably softer, detangled and hydrated natural hair. My Natural Hair Edge Styling Gel – R49.95 When laying those edges, you want a nourishing gel that leaves your edges protected, flake-free, soft to the touch, and neatly laid for that all-day sleek look. My Natural Hair’s Edge Gel with Shea Butter ensures that your baby hairs are laid to rest, so you can get to work instead of babysitting those pesky fly-away’s. My Natural Hair Moisturizing Butter – R49.95 The natural blend your hair has been waiting for. With a focus on South African natural hair, this Moisturising Butter effectively soaks into each strand, keeping it nourished, moisturised and protected for noticeably softer hair. A rich blend of Shea Butter, Coconut Oils, Olive Oil, Jojoba Oil and Sunflower Oil, carefully selected for their hydrating and moisturising properties, to ensure long lasting, all day moisture. My Natural Hair Strengthening Oil – R69.95 Every crown deserves a retouch now and then. Treat your hair to a hot oil treatment to give your hair that extra bit of love. My Natural Hair’s Strengthening Oil can be used as a sealant, locking away moisture, a hot oil treatment, to improve your hair’s health, or a pre-poo, to retain moisture after shampooing. It is a lightweight blend of Sunflower, Castor, Grapeseed, Avocado, Sweet Almond and Olive Oil, with each active carefully blended for their powerful properties, improving the health of your hair, and restoring strength to each strand. My Natural Hair Nourishing Shampoo – R69.95 Our Nourishing Shampoo effortlessly coats each strand from root to tip, removing product build-up from your hair and scalp; leaving behind a fresh dose of moisture for nourished hair and a soothed scalp. The natural antibacterial restoring and moisturising properties of Jojoba Oil and Shea Butter will leave your hair clean, moisturised and soft. My Natural Hair Curling Cream – R99.95 My Natural Hair’s Curling Cream is formulated to enhance your hair’s unique nature, leaving you with moisture-popping defined curls that speak volume. This delicious whip of Olive, Coconut and Jojoba oil coats and absorbs into each strand, for improved curl definition and hydrated lightweight bounce. My Natural Hair Leave in Conditioner – R79.95 My Natural Hair’s Leave-In Conditioner is formulated with a delicious blend of natural oils and creams that your natural hair has been craving, treating it with the best nature has to offer. It is formulated with Coconut, Jojoba and Olive Oil to give your hair the nourishment and moisture to withstand our unique South African conditions. My Natural Hair Curling Gel – R99.95 The My Natural Hair Curling Gel is formulated with Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil, Sweet Almond Oil and added vitamin E. These lightweight oils, penetrate and coat your hair shaft, providing amazing moisture, opening your curl pattern for a defined curl that is pure Insta Gold. My Natural Hair Volumizing Mousse – R79.95 My Natural Volumizing Mouse offers a generous lightweight bounce to your natural hair. Enriched with Castor oil and Olive oil, the mouse will moisturize your hair while adding glorious volume. My Natural Hair Hydrating Conditioner – R79.95 With its rich blend of Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Jojoba Oil and Sweet Almond oil, My Natural Hair’s Hydrating Conditioner hydrates each strand, replenishing moisture from root to tip. Our blend of natural oils and creams penetrates each strand, restoring damage from within, improving your natural hair’s elasticity for that added bounce. A boost of moisture to revive your hair’s bounce. My Natural Hair products are available from Clicks. Learn more at https://mynatural.co.za/.

March 10, 2023

Start your clear skin journey with ACleo

Blackheads and pimples. We all get them… we all don’t appreciate them… and chances are you’ve tried everything to get rid of them – from useless pore strips to those “miracle” vacuum tools you’ve seen on TikTok! If you’ve searched high and low and still haven’t found a weapon of choice, now’s the time to consider a proven one – ACleo by Lamelle Pharmaceuticals. What is ACleo? Acleo is a range of breakthrough skincare products specifically formulated for people with acne-prone skin. To start, you’ll want to get your hands on the must-have kit containing an oral supplement and a targeted spot treatment. The all-natural superstar ingredients in the ACleo supplement are zinc and vitamin B. Both are proven to calm inflammation in the skin. This allows existing pimples to heal faster and creates an unfriendly environment for future breakouts. (The bacteria that causes acne thrives in an inflammatory environment.) Better yet, this winning duo also helps your body regulate it’s oil production. Less oil, fewer clogged pores, less acne! As for the topical spot treatment, this contains anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial actives plus pore-exfoliating salicylic acid. It can be applied directly to spots multiple times a day and, because it’s a lightweight clear gel, nobody has to know you’re wearing it. Love that! Meet the gang While the ACleo kit can be used with any skincare routine, you’ll get the best results by using the entire ACleo collection. This starts with the foaming cleanser to remove excess oil without overdrying while zinc and panthenol calm and soothe. Next up, step away from your exfoliator! It’s a myth that you can scrub away acne – harsh, grainy scrubs will only inflame your skin further and spread acne causing bacteria. Instead, use a cotton pad to apply ACleo toner. It includes gentle exfoliating acids to rid your pores of dirt as well as the dead, dry skin cells that can clog them. To finish up, apply ACleo Lotion. It contains soothing anti-inflammatories and, despite its lightweight texture, will give your skin all the hydration it needs without the heaviness thanks to water-binding hyaluronic acid. We’ve got your back! Last but not least, let’s talk about body acne. Rather than cover it, let’s get rid of it with ACleo Body Breakout Spray! Again, it’s full of acne-fighting inflammation-busters, oil-controlling ingredients and salicylic acid to keep your pores clean and clear. Being in a spritzer bottle, makes it easy to treat hard-to-reach areas. Bacne – here’s looking at you! Ultimately, if you’re struggling with spots, ACleo has everything you need to start your clear skin journey today. For more information: www.acleo.co.za

March 8, 2023

Easy Night Out Makeup & Hair Ideas

Mastering great hair or makeup does not need to be difficult, in fact, there are plenty of striking looks that are easy to achieve, even for those of us who don’t have tons of experience. Here are three makeup and hair looks you can try (and master with ease) for a night out with friends or date night. Makeup Bold lip The key to perfecting a bold lip is to use a good quality lipstick with high colour payoff and to keep the rest of your makeup simple. Some foundation or concealer (if needed), mascara and touch of blush is all you need when wearing a bold lip colour, as you don’t want to detract attention from your lips. If you like a matte texture, try wet n wild Megalast Matte Lipstick (R104.95) in shades Stop Light Red (a bright red that complements most skin tones) or Red Violet (a deeper red with a blue undertone). If you prefer a high shine formula, try wet n wild Megalast High Shine Lipstick (R104.95) in shades Tanger-Ring The Alarm (a bright orange) or Berry Lingerie (a pretty pink with purple undertones). Bronzed babe If you’ve been working on your summer tan, rocking a fake tan, or if you’re blessed with a natural darker skin tone, then you may want to consider the bronzed makeup look. Try wet n wild Color Icon Bronzer (R109.95) in shades Ticket to Brazil or Palm Beach Ready. It applies like a cream but dries like a powder, and can be used on the eyelids too. Looking for the perfect bronzer brush? The newly-launched Real Techniques Everything Face Brush (R320.00) can be used to flawlessly apply liquid and powder products and the oversized brush head allows you to apply your product with light to medium coverage. Use it to apply your bronzer on your cheekbones, collarbone and for some extra glow, along your hairline and across your nose and chin. Dramatic eyes If you like natural-looking skin and nude lips, then a dramatic eye might be your go-to this festive season. Long black lashes with some sparkly eyeshadow or a perfectly lined top eyelid is all you need to make a statement. wet n wild Color Icon 10 Pan Eyeshadow Palette in Lights Off (R179.95) offers ten high-impact colours in matte, satin, shimmer, and metallic finishes. The right tools are needed to apply it & with the Real Techniques Eye Love Drama Makeup Brush Kit (R480.00) all the tools you need to create a bold eye look are available in this kit. The kit includes a blending brush, crease brush, wing liner brush, tight liner brush, and a lash defining comb to help make the eye makeup looks of your dreams a reality. If you’re looking for an easy-to-apply eyeliner, we recommend wet n wild Proline Felt Tip Eyeliner in Black (R89.95). Its fine felt tip makes precise application around the eyes much easier and draws smooth, intense lines with every stroke. Applying false lashes can be challenging… unless you try the brand new Kiss Falscara Starter Kit (R499.95). Kiss FALSCARA is the professional lash extension look you’ve been longing for that is easy enough for anybody to apply. You simply brush a light coat of BOND on clean lashes to prep for WISPS, then place WISPS beneath the base of your natural lashes, right above the waterline. Dab a thin coat of SEAL under WISPS to eliminate any sticky residue and hold them in place. Voila, perfect falsies! Hair Sleek ponytail Love a sleek ponytail like Ariana Grande’s? You don’t need that kind of length to pull it off – any length below the shoulder will do. Start off by using frizz eliminating haircare products like Marc Anthony Bye Bye Frizz Shampoo (R170.00) and Conditioner (R170.00). These will help to give hair a smooth texture and make it easier to straighten. Before using your flat iron, be sure to use a protecting spray like Hask Biotin 5-In-1 Leave-In Spray (R200.00). This leave-in spray thickens and adds body, provides thermal protection, controls frizz and adds shine, prevents breakage, and detangles and moisturises. If you like the shiny look that’s trendy right now, you can apply some OGX Keratin Oil Anti-Breakage Oil (R200.00) through your lengths, or even from the roots if your hair is dry. It not only conditions your hair but also leaves it soft with a brilliant shine. Bouncy curls Love your curls but struggle to style them just right? With a few key products, you can accentuate your natural curls, leaving hair soft and bouncy. Curl-activating products should be your best friends. Enhance your natural curls with a curl activator cream like Cantu Shea Butter For Natural Hair Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream (R76.99). It’s formulated with nourishing shea butter which helps to hydrate your hair and leave it extra shiny. If your curls respond well to gel hair products, try Curls In Bloom Hold Me! Anti Frizz Styling Gel (R119.95). This formulae not only prevents frizz in humid climate but allows long-lasting, all-day hold for curls without the crunch. Beach waves This low-key hairstyle is super easy to create and looks fab with just about any outfit. Plus, it works with longer and shorter hair. After washing your hair, apply a hair mousse while your hair is still damp. We love Umberto Giannini Curl Whip Curl Activating Mousse (R150.00). Plait your hair in a couple of plaits (more for finer waves, less for bulkier waves) and allow your hair to dry naturally (doing this overnight works best). Once dry, loosen the plaits and gently run your fingers through your hair to undo them and separate hair into waves. Finish off with a few spritzes of hairspray to loosely secure your waves.

March 3, 2023

Practical tips for hiding blemishes and imperfections

Living in the 21st century means that we’re exposed to a flurry of so-called “perfect” looking people on social media. Perfect bodies, perfect hair, and most important of all… perfect skin. While most of us already know it, it’s good to be reminded from time to time that nobody looks like that in real life, and that even the world’s most famous models and celebrities are prone to blemishes and breakouts. Everyone from Kendall Jenner to Justin Bieber and Chrissy Teigen have opened up about their battles with breakouts and acne, and adult acne is now considered one of the most common skincare concerns in the world. While it’s absolutely normal to experience breakouts from time to time, we understand that they may sometimes lead to feelings of self-consciousness. The key to managing breakouts is to embark on a suitable skincare regime and to follow a healthy lifestyle. If that does not work, or if you experience stubborn acne, we recommend a visit to your dermatologist, as there may be an underlying health condition or hormonal imbalance causing the problem. Even with the right skincare routine, diet and lifestyle, you may still find a pesky pimple pop up from time to time. Follow our simple guide to help prevent them, treat them, and hide them. Prevent and treat breakouts The two most important skincare ingredients to use when you struggle with breakouts, is salicylic acid and glycolic acid. Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid known for its amazing anti-inflammatory properties and exfoliating abilities. It is oil-soluble, meaning it can penetrate the skin’s sebum to get deep into the pores. It addresses many of the causes of acne, breakouts, whiteheads and blackheads. Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid and is great for unclogging pores. When your pores become clogged with dead skin cells and excess oil, you may develop blackheads and pimples. Glycolic acid is an exfoliant that loosens the bonds formed by dead skin cells so that they can be sloughed away more easily. When establishing your daily skincare regime, make sure to include a good quality cleanser, serum and moisturiser in your routine, and to add an exfoliator once or twice per week. Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Cleanser (R149.95) deeply cleanses to rid the skin of all traces of grime and makeup whilst giving the skin a refreshing boost. Follow with Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Serum (R295.00) an innovative overnight serum with 4% glycolic acid to retexture the skin’s appearance, and NIP + FAB Glycolic Fix Moisturiser (R249.95), a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser that hydrates the skin whilst helping to control excess oil build-up throughout the day. Retexturise and exfoliate the skin with a weekly or bi-weekly exfoliating treatment. NIP + FAB Glycolic Fix Pads (R379.95) are soaked in exfoliating glycolic acid (2.8%) to retexture and resurface skin whilst witch hazel helps to tone. If you prefer a salicylic acid formula, then the Creightons Salicylic Acid skincare range is for you. Start off by washing your skin with Creightons Salicylic Acid Clay Cleanser (R75.95) which combines Kaolin Clay with Salicylic and Lactic Acids to help absorb excess oil and maintain healthier, clearer looking skin. Follow with Creightons Salicylic Acid Serum (R104.95), which contains 2% salicylic acid to reduce the appearance of blackheads, blemishes and pores and Creightons Salicylic Acid Soothing Lotion (R69.95) a moisturising, lightweight lotion to soothe and care for blemish-prone skin without clogging pores or being too heavy on the skin. Treat existing blemishes fast with the nifty NIP + FAB Salicylic Fix Spot Patches (R169.95). Containing a blemish fighting duo of salicylic acid and tea tree, these targeted spot patches help to effectively reduce and improve the appearance of blemishes. Hide blemishes Blemishes have a way of popping up at the most inconvenient time, like on the morning of an event or just before a hot date. If you don’t have time to treat it, and you want to hide it instead, there are a few clever makeup tricks you can try to cover up redness and make the blemish less noticeable. Before applying any makeup, you’ll want to apply a makeup primer all over your skin. Primers are the key to flawless makeup application and longevity. Not only do they allow foundation and concealer to glide on more smoothly, but they also allow you to blend more seamlessly. Plus, when you’re wearing a primer your makeup will last a lot longer on your skin. We recommend wet n wild Coverall Face Primer Partners In Crime (R119.95). Its magical formula helps minimize pore size, fill up wrinkles and smooth out skin tone for flawless skin. Next up is foundation and concealer. Apply your chosen foundation all over your skin and blend well with a sponge, a brush, or your fingers. This will reduce overall redness or discolouration and may even conceal minor blemishes. For full cover, try wet n wild PhotoFocus Matte Foundation (R139.95). This high-performing, skin-perfecting foundation underwent testing under seven different photo lighting conditions to deliver flawless camera-ready make-up every time. If you prefer lighter coverage, then the new wet n wild Bare Focus Tinted Hydrator (R169.95) is the perfect match for you. It feels light on the skin and is buildable, so you can choose from sheer-to-medium coverage that leaves skin with a semi-matte finish and natural glow. Once your foundation is applied, it’s time to apply concealer directly to the areas of concern. We like wet n wild PhotoFocus Concealer (R82.95) because it has a lovely creamy texture that melts into the skin. This high coverage concealer was tested to be white cast-free under seven different photo lighting conditions, allowing only your best features to get noticed. Some stubborn blemishes may require a little more than foundation and concealer. That’s where a concealer palette comes in handy. wet n wild Coverall Concealer Palette (R119.95) contains all you need to balance out any imperfection in your complexion. Pink brightens, green neutralizes, white highlights and peach covers. This corrective concealer palette makes a great addition

March 3, 2023

How to maintain gorgeous curls this summer with the Perfect Hair

Curly hair is the envy of so many women, but those who have curly hair naturally know that although it looks beautiful, it requires a bit of work and a lot of patience. Curly hair is drier than straight hair: Our scalps produce a natural oil that travels down the hair shaft, nourishing and moisturising it along the way. On a straight hair strand, the oil can travel downwards with ease. On a curly hair strand, it is more difficult for the oil to travel down the curl spiral, and as a result, it doesn’t always reach past the mid-lengths of the hair. This is why curly hair tends to get dry. During South African summers we experience an increase in humidity which can be a welcome change for curly girls, as it means the air doesn’t draw moisture from our hair and skin like it does when the humidity drops. However, higher humidity can lead to frizz and less manageability, as your hair will absorb moisture from the air which increases each strand’s diameter. Don’t let the warmer weather put a damper on your curls this summer – local haircare brand The Perfect Hair has a solution to some of the most common summer concerns: Use a curl-activating product daily Now that the weather is warmer, you can use lighter products to increase and maintain moisture levels (your regular winter hair care staples might weight your hair down). Use a sulphate-free shampoo to avoid stripping your hair of its natural oils, followed by a hydrating conditioner. Keep your curls looking their best by applying a lightweight cream daily. We recommend The Perfect Hair Curl Activating Gel (R99.95). This gel locks in moisture for perfectly popping curls and coils and is infused with a wonderful long-lasting tropical scent. Promote growth and trim regularly Curly hair should be trimmed regularly to remove dry and split ends and to keep it healthy and bouncy. If you’re trying to grow or maintain your length, however, you might be put off by the idea. The solution? Maintain the length you’re after while trimming your curls regularly by promoting fast and healthy hair growth. The Perfect Hair Grow on The Go Growth Oil (R89.99) contains rich Abyssinia and jojoba oils that provide intense treatment for a dry scalp while a basil root extract stimulates hair growth. You can use this oil treatment anywhere, anytime, on-the-go to keep your scalp moisturised and healthy. Define your curls Whether you have small, tightly wound curls or larger curls, a good quality curl defining cream can transform dry, unmanageable hair into the soft, bouncy curls of your dreams. A curl defining cream is essentially a styling cream with added haircare benefits. They give curls definition by enhancing their natural shape, help banish frizz and provide hair with extra moisture. We recommend The Perfect Hair Grow on The Go Curl Defining Cream (R119.95) which softens, moisturises and defines curls. Specially formulated for curls and coils, it is enriched with Grapeseed Oil, Jojoba Oil and Argon Oil. Tame your edges Keeping you edges laid in hot weather can be challenging, and you may need to use a product that offers extra hold. The Perfect Hair Grow on the Go Edge Tamer (R64.99) holds and tames your edges while adding shine and moisture to your hair. This non-greasy control gel is infused with basil root to stimulate healthy hair growth while taming unruly edges. Moisturise No, you won’t need to moisturise as intensely as you do during winter, but your curls will still require some added moisture despite the warmer weather. The Perfect Hair Mango & Marula Whipped Hair Butter (R99.99) contains a luxurious blend of shea butter, coconut and castor oil that deeply penetrates into the hair shaft to moisturise from within. Apply daily to keep your hair hydrated and soft. Don’t let summer get the better of your curls – follow these simple steps to enjoy healthy, bouncy curls all season long.

February 10, 2023

Five summer beauty trends to embrace this season

Summer is still here and we’re ready to embrace the very best in summer beauty. This season’s beauty trends are nostalgic (with the 90s and early 2000s making a comeback!) and simple – we’re seeing the trends move toward easy application and imperfection. Here are five summer beauty trends everyone should try this season. Fresh glow The “no makeup” makeup look has been trending for a while now, and this summer, we’re seeing a fresh, natural complexion take centre stage, but this time with an added glow. You know that glowy look you get when you’re basking in the late afternoon sun? That’s what summer 2022’s fresh glow is all about. And it’s achieved with a good skincare regime rather than heaps of makeup. Regular exfoliation is key, as it plenty of hydration. Keep your skin exfoliated and glowing with NIP+FAB Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads (R379.95). The pads are soaked in exfoliating glycolic acid (2.8%) to retexture and resurface skin, whilst witch hazel helps to tone. This moisturising formula with hyaluronic acid and soothing blue daisy helps to reveal brighter and smoother looking skin. Maintain your skin’s moisture levels by applying a good quality hyaluronic acid moisturiser day and night. Creightons H20 Boost Day Gel (R169.95) can be applied every morning. A refreshingly light moisturiser with hyaluronic acid, it leaves skin intensely moisturised and hydrated for up to 24 hours. Creightons H20 Boost Overnight Mask (R169.95) can be applied in the evenings. This nourishing cream contains hyaluronic acid which works overnight to improve skin’s elasticity and intensely hydrate, allowing you to wake up to a dewy, revitalised complexion. Keep foundation to a minimum, and rather focus on using concealer strategically, in areas where needed. Try wet n wild Photo Focus Liquid Concealer (R82.95). Creamy and luminous, it is white-cast free and allows your natural skin to shine through. If you simply can’t go without foundation, try a dewy formula like wet n wild Photo Focus Dewy Foundation (R139.95) and apply it with a good quality brush like the new Real Techniques Everything Face Brush. It allows you to achieve light to medium coverage and blends foundation seamlessly. Everything pink You just need to take a quick stroll through your local shopping mall to realise that pink is the colour of the season. And it’s not just limited to fashion and homeware – pink makeup is big this season too. From nails, to lips, to cheeks and eyes, there is no shortage of pretty pink hues to add to your makeup collection. For eyes, try: wet n wild Color Icon 5 Pan Eyeshadow Palette in Petalette (R129.95). It features five high-impact colours in matte, satin, shimmer, metallic, and glitter finishes For lips, try: wet n wild Mega Slick Lipgloss in Sinless (R109.95). It delivers a slick of kissable colour in a nourishing formula consisting of jojoba glaze, maxi lip peptides, hyaluronic acid and collagen. If you prefer a lipstick formula, try wet n wild Megalast High Shine Lipstick in Pinky Ring (R104.95): A nourishing, luscious lipstick infused with lip-loving ingredients including murumuru butter, mango butter, and sunflower and watermelon seed oils that effortlessly glides on for superior wear. For cheeks, try: wet n wild Megaglo Highlighting Powder in Blossom Glow (R119.95). It perfectly accents the highpoints of your face with a pearlescent finish in a formula that is easy to blend. For nails, try: wet n wild Shine Nail Color in Tickled Pink (R37.95) and Sparked (R37.95). The colours glide on easily and offer a high shine finish. Plus, they’re formulated without formaldehyde, toluene and phthalate. Statement lips This is the first summer since the pandemic in which we won’t be wearing face masks, which may be the reason that bold lips have made a comeback. All colours go – from classic reds to striking corals and popping pinks. For a bold pop of colour, we recommend wet n wild Megalast Lip Gloss (R70.00). it combines the shine of the gloss with the colour payoff of a lip stain. Its creamy, comfy and lightweight formula provides mirror-like shine and intense glossy colour that melts into the lips. For a pop of pink, try shade Kiss My Glass or shade Love Blind Glare for a pop of plum. Smudged liner Inspired by 90s grunge, the “lived-in” or “smudged” eyeliner look is back. One of the easiest beauty looks to master, the smudged liner look requires just a kohl eyeliner pencil and a short, dense eyeshadow brush. Line your top and bottom lashes with your pencil and then smudge it with your brush to soften and blur lines. We recommend wet n wild Color Icon Khol Liner Pencil (R27.95) which offers rich, hyper-pigmented colour, and glides on smoothly. Follow with the Real Techniques 326 Flat Liner Brush (part of the newly-launched Naturally Beautiful Eye Set) and blend, blend, blend. Metallic magic Hello, Y2K! Metals are back – chrome, gold, bronze and silver are taking over the eyelids of celebrities everywhere, and the metallic cat eye was considered the hottest eye makeup look in the US for summer 2022. There are no hard and fast rules for application – a few wispy swaths of shadow across the lid work just as well as a full on metallic cut-crease or cat eye. And if you want, why not work metallic into your lip colours and nail colours, too? For lips, try: wet n wild Megalast Metallic Liquid Catsuit Lipstick (R119.95) glides on glossy and transforms into a high pigmented matte finish for lips that make a statement. The lightweight formula is specially designed for long lasting wear without drying out your lips. For eyes, try: wet n wild Color Icon 10 Pan Eyeshadow Palette in Lights Off (R179.95) which features high-impact colours in matte, satin, shimmer, and metallic finishes. Rich pigment and high payoff formula blends effortlessly with a soft glide application. For nails, try: wet n wild Wild Shine Nail Color in Metallica (R35.95), which glides on quickly and dries with an unbelievable

February 9, 2023

Creightons has a haircare solution for every skin type this summer

High humidity, hot temperatures, wind and sweat all have the potential to cause skin concerns in summer. From dehydration, to breakouts, to a shiny complexion and pigmentation, summer skincare concerns may be frustrating, but the good news is that with the right skincare regime, they can be overcome. If you haven’t already, it’s time to pack away your winter skincare and to invest in a lighter regime for the warmer months. For affordable, targeted skincare that addresses your skin’s needs while giving it plenty of moisture and nourishment, look no further than Creightons. Creightons is an award-winning company that designs, creates and manufactures a wide range of skincare products. Creightons products are made with the highest quality formulations and packaging and are available across the globe. Creightons is 100% cruelty-free and where possible the products are vegan-friendly. Creightons currently has four different skincare ranges available, each one addressing some of the most common skincare concerns we face during summer: Salicylic Acid range If your skin is producing more sebum (oil) during summer, if you are experiencing blackheads and breakouts or if your pores are clogged or enlarged, the Salicylic Acid range is for you. This wonder ingredient treats and prevents breakouts by unplugging blocked pores and loosening dry and dead skin cells, resulting in a clearer complexion, reduced swelling and reduced redness. The Creightons Salicylic Acid range comprises: Creightons Salicylic Acid Clay Cleanser 125ml (From R75.95) – Creightons Salicylic Acid Foaming Clay Cleanser combines Kaolin Clay with Salicylic and Lactic Acids to help absorb excess oil and maintain healthier, clearer-looking skin every day. Dermatologically tested. Creightons Salicylic Acid Soothing Lotion 75ml (From R69.95) – Creightons Salicylic Acid Soothing Lotion is a moisturising, lightweight lotion to soothe and care for angry, blemish-prone skin without clogging pores or being too heavy on the skin. Dermatologically tested. Creightons Salicylic Acid Tonic 200ml (From R99.95) – Creightons Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Tonic helps to maintain healthier, clearer looking skin every day by using specific actives suitable for blemish-prone skin. Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide are two key ingredients that will help to improve an uneven skin tone and texture, leaving skin brighter and healthier. Dermatologically tested. Creightons Salicylic Acid Face Serum 30ml (From R104.95) – Creightons Salicylic Acid Intense Serum is formulated with 2% Salicylic Acid, an effective ingredient to help reduce the appearance of blackheads, blemishes, and pores; for a clearer, more radiant complexion. Dermatologically tested. Vitamin C range If your skin is prone to developing sun spots and pigmentation during summer, then vitamin C is the perfect ingredient to add to your regime. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that has the ability to minimise as well as prevent the formation of sun-induced pigmentation. Plus, it brightens the complexion, leaving you looking refreshed and radiant. The Creightons Vitamin C range comprises: Creightons Vitamin C Face Scrub 150ml (From R99.95) – An energising and exfoliating scrub. Infused with vitamin C, natural fruit acids, and enzymes to effectively cleanse and exfoliate for healthier-looking skin. Creightons Vitamin C Moisturiser 75ml (From R89.95) – Working to enhance skin’s natural radiance, promoting a brighter, healthier-looking complexion. Formulated with Vitamin C, natural fruit acids, and enzymes, this skin-loving moisturiser is lightweight and refreshing. Creightons Vitamin C Eye Serum 15ml (From R115.95) – Superfruits Vitamin C 2% Bright Eye Serum is a lightweight eye cream, fortified with Vitamin C, natural fruit acids, and enzymes, to rejuvenate and replenish the under eye area as well as minimise the appearance of dark circles. Creightons Vitamin C Face Serum 15ml (From R139.95) – Superfruits Vitamin C 2% Ultra Glow Serum is ideal for a dull complexion and uneven skin tone. This non-greasy essence melts quickly into the skin releasing beneficial ingredients – Vitamin C, natural fruit acids, and enzymes, to hydrate and enhance your natural glow. H2O Boost range Dehydration is a common skincare concern all year round, even during summer! When skin is dehydrated (lacking water), it produces more oil to compensate, which usually results in a shiny complexion and breakouts. The best ingredient to treat dehydration is hyaluronic acid, a super hydrator with the ability to hold 1000 times its weight in water. The Creightons H2O Boost range contains this powerful ingredient, and comprises: Creightons H2o Boost Foaming Gel Wash 250ml (From R109.95) – Creightons H2O Boost Hyaluronic Foaming Gel Wash gently removes makeup and impurities whilst hydrating the skin, helping encourage a naturally glowing complexion. Dermatologically tested. Creightons H2o Boost Day Gel 50ml (From R169.95) – Creightons H2O Boost Day Gel is a refreshingly light moisturiser with Hyaluronic Acid to leave skin intensely moisturised and hydrated for 24 hours. Dermatologically tested. Creightons H2o Boost Overnight Mask 50ml (From R169.95) – A nourishing cream with Hyaluronic Acid which works overnight to improve skin elasticity and intensely hydrate. Wake to a dewy, revitalised complexion. Dermatologically tested. Creightons H2o Boost Face Serum 25ml (From 179.95) – Replenish skin’s appearance and instantly boost hydration levels with a lightweight serum enriched with powerful actives to smooth and renew dehydrated skin. Dermatologically tested. Pink grapefruit range If your skin gets oily and shiny during summer, you’re not alone. A shiny T-zone is one of the most common summer skincare concerns. A clarifying ingredient like pink grapefruit may help. Grapefruit contains various different acids which can play an essential role in your skin’s health by helping with exfoliation. These acids help break down dry and dead skin cells before they clog pores and lead to breakouts, plus it has astringent properties, making it a great choice for oily skin. The Creightons Pink Grapefruit range comprises: Creightons Pink Grapefruit Face Scrub 150ml (From R69.95) – Creightons Pink Grapefruit Daily Face Scrub. Gently exfoliates and unclogs pores to help promote a brighter, more radiant complexion. Dermatologically tested. Creightons Pink Grapefruit Face Wash 150ml (From R69.95) – Creightons Pink Grapefruit Refreshing Face Wash. Effectively removes dirt and impurities while invigorating the skin to help encourage a fresh, healthy-looking complexion. Dermatologically tested. Creightons Pink Grapefruit Micellar Water 250ml (From R69.95) – Creightons Pink Grapefruit Gently Cleansing Micellar Water. Lifts away impurities and stubborn make-up for soft, soothed, and refreshed skin in just one step. Dermatologically tested. No matter what your skincare concerns

February 3, 2023

Here’s why skinimalism and multi-purpose products will dominate 2023 skincare and grooming trends

One of the skincare buzzwords of 2022 was “skinimalism,” a trend that’s gone from strength to strength and is set to really take off in 2023. But what exactly is it all about and why does it keep gaining momentum? The term “skinimalism” originates from the words “skin” and “minimalism”, and refers to the practice of using fewer skincare and grooming products to achieve the same results. Skinimalism is all about establishing a simple regime that utilises only the basic, necessary products to achieve healthy skin and avoids the use of extra products. In recent years we’ve seen the rise and fall of the extensive skincare routine, which was made popular largely by skincare brands themselves in order to sell more products, and also by the rising interest in K-Beauty (Korean Beauty), which involves using up to 12 products twice a day. While using a lot of products might make you feel like you are improving the health and appearance of your skin, it can sometimes have the opposite effect. Exposing our skin to too many products and ingredients can lead to the skin becoming overloaded, which may result in sensitivity, irritation, breakouts and damage to the skin’s barrier. In addition, using a lot of products is costly (and let’s face it – we can all do with a bit of financial relief at the moment!) and time-consuming. That’s largely why skinimalism has gained such rapid popularity… Because it’s here to save you time and money. You may be wondering whether a skinimalism approach will yield the same results that a more complex regime might. In short, the answer is yes. You can use fewer products and still get the results you’re after, providing you select good quality products that really deliver on their promises. Skinimalism favours quality over quantity and goes hand-in-hand with multi-purpose products. A multi-purpose product offers more than one use or benefit. It may address two concerns at the same time, or may be used for more than one purpose, or on more than one area of the body. FINO Cosmetics offers a wide range of cost-effective, locally designed and manufactured grooming products that are known for their efficacy. What sets FINO apart, is that every product in their range is multi-functional, and either directly or indirectly also treats razor bumps and ingrown hair – a major problem for men of all ages. Their hero product FINO Soothe MAN (R61.99) is a non-irritant, dermatologically-tested balm that helps combat ingrown hair, razor bumps and burn after any form of hair removal including waxing and wet and dry shaving. This all-rounder can be used anywhere on the body, including the face, head, underarms, back and groin area. A synergistic blend of vitamin A and fruit enzymes exfoliate, moisturise and purify the skin, preventing infections, sensitivity and irritation. If you have a beard, FINO Face and Beard Wash and FINO Beard Oil is the combo you need. FINO Face and Beard Wash (R79.99) gently removes daily impurities and promotes soft and moisturised skin whilst protecting against ingrown hair and bumps. It is soap-free and has a light gel texture that gently yet thoroughly cleanses the skin and beard keeping your skin free from pollutants. FINO Beard Oil (R139.00) is the multi-purpose oil you need to add to your daily regime. This multi-use product is a blend of non-greasy natural carrier oils and healing essential oils that nourish and moisturise the beard as well as the skin underneath. It can be used daily for a softer and more manageable beard, and it also makes the perfect shaving oil, plus it protects against dry and flaky skin under the beard. It can be used as a tissue oil or facial oil to nourish and soften skin and when regularly massaged into the skin beneath the beard, it may encourage beard growth. Looking for the ultimate multi-functional duo? We recommend FINO Bump Control Kit (R79.00). It contains the iconic FINO Soothe MAN along with FINO Bump Control, a low-irritant, dermatologically-tested serum that combats razor bumps. This handy pump bottle contains a blend of natural tea tree oil and astringents that leave skin looking good and healthy. It is easy to apply and can be used on the beard area and head after wet or dry shaving. FINO embraces skinimalism with its simple range of easy-to-use, highly effective multi-purpose grooming products. The FINO range is suitable for use on all skin types and skin tones and is proudly created and manufactured for you in South Africa. Learn more: https://www.finocosmetics.com/ Follow FINO on social media: https://www.instagram.com/finocosmetics/ https://www.facebook.com/finocosmeticsman/

February 3, 2023

Dr Judey Pretorius answers the most Googled skincare questions of 2022

The internet contains a wealth of information, and it’s become so easy to find answers to questions on just about anything – including skincare! We’ve done some digging to find the most-asked skincare questions on Google in 2022, and consulted an expert for the answers. Dr Judey Pretorius, a biomedical scientist and founder of skincare brand Biomedical Emporium, answers the top eight skincare questions asked on Google this year: How to know your skin type? We determine skin types by the Fitzpatrick skin types developed in 1975. Fitzpatrick skin types refer to a skin tone scale developed to classify skin colouring and response to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Fitzpatrick 1 – 6 is based on how you burn. Fitzpatrick skin type 1 skin always burns, never tans, and is sensitive to UV exposure Fitzpatrick skin type 2 skin burns easily and tans minimally Fitzpatrick skin type 3 skin burns moderately and tans gradually to light brown Fitzpatrick skin type 4 skin burns minimally and always tans well to moderately brown Fitzpatrick skin type 5 skin rarely burns and tans profusely to dark Fitzpatrick skin type 6 skin never burns, is deeply pigmented, and is least sensitive to UV exposure What is the difference between dry and dehydrated skin? Dry skin occurs when the epithelial layer of the skin (the outermost layer of the skin) does not have a moisture level or lipids within it. Dehydrated skin occurs when you don’t have any form of moisture retention or hyaluronic in the dermis (middle layer) of the skin. While dry skin lacks oil (sebum), dehydrated skin lacks water. Dry skins may experience eczema, sensitivity, flaking and even cracking while dehydrated skin is prone to breakouts (due to the skin producing too much extra sebum in an attempt to counteract the dehydration), irritation and dry patches. Dry skin requires oil or cream-based skincare to replenish lost lipids, while dehydrated skin requires water-rich products, an increased water intake and possibly lifestyle changes. What are the basic skincare products we all need? The very basics of what we need is a facial cleanser, a serum and a moisturiser (one for the evening and one for the day that contains an SPF). What order do I use my skincare products? Always use your cleanser first followed by your serum, then your moisturiser and lastly your facial sunscreen. What does vitamin C do? Vitamin C is one of the most powerful antioxidants on the planet, especially when it is used topically at higher concentrations. One of the perks of vitamin C is that when you apply it onto the skin, it literally brightens the skin and makes it glow, whether you are a Fitzpatrick 1 or a Fitzpatrick 6 skin type. Vitamin C can also assist in minimising dark spots, hyperpigmentation and acne scars. What is niacinamide and what does it do? Niacinamide is vitamin B3. Firstly it is a vitamin, secondly it is a powerful antioxidant, but it’s one of the ingredients that are necessary to boost overall cellular energy. Our cells contain energy levels, which are essential in order for skin cells to go through cell division (when cells divide from 2, to 4, to 8, to 16 to replenish dying cells). Cells cannot divide without energy levels, and when this occurs, the skin may appear more dull and fatigued. When you expose your skin to niacinamide, it will boost the overall energy levels of skin cells, which will lead to faster cellular differentiation. At what age should I start using skincare? You should start using skincare products as a teenager, but the age that you should start looking at anti-ageing skincare is 25. Does washing your face in the shower cause dry skin? No, not at all, as long as you ensure that the temperature of your shower water is not too hot, because if the water is too hot it can strip skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and sensitive. It can also compromise the skin’s moisture barrier, which is essential for protecting the skin against environmental stressors, bacteria, pollutants, and other irritants. About Dr Judey Pretorius Dr Judey Pretorius is a highly accomplished Biomedical Scientist and product development specialist with substantial experience in the disciplines of acute, chronic and post-surgical wound healing, regenerative medicine and cell therapy. She holds a Master’s degree in Genetics and Molecular Biology followed by her PhD degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Medicine Development and Design. She has also obtained an Advanced Diploma in Dermal Aesthetics. Dr Judey Pretorius gained extensive experience as a Research and Development Formulation Scientist. She was responsible for the Scientific and Biomedical formulation of therapeutic products of premium brands in respective disciplines. Her contributions included cosmeceutical, pharmaceutical and medical device developments. She is the co-founder of Biomedical Emporium®, a biotechnology company specialising in the formulation of advanced biological products, cell culture processes and tissue engineering for advanced wound healing and an advisory on regenerative medicine. She has made unique formulation discoveries that have had a profound influence on the course of new developments in aesthetic and wound care treatment. https://www.biomedicalemporium.com/

December 16, 2022

Men’s Christmas gift idea: FINO Man Bump Control Kit

FINO Man Bump Control Kit (R79.00) Includes FINO’s two best-sellers: FINO Soothe MAN This unique, hygienic balm is a mild exfoliator with both antiseptic and calming properties derived from ingredients such as Vitamin A and Papaya enzyme. With its non-greasy, drip-free formula, FINO Soothe can be applied to any part of the body, after wet or dry shaving or waxing, including the beard area, head, back of neck, chest, legs and underarms. This soothing balm also relieves the dry, itchy skin associated with new hair growth, and leaves your skin feeling moisturised and revitalised – Dermatology Tested. Use FINO Face Wash MAN and FINO Bump Control for best results and a super smooth and soothed skin. FINO Soothe MAN is suitable for all skin types, tones and is safe for sensitive skin. FINO Bump Control With its antibacterial and antifungal ingredients and natural astringents, this hard-working, tea-tree and willow bark serum rids skin of stubborn bumps and nasty ingrown hairs leaving skin smooth and healthy – Dermatology Tested. Use together with FINO Soothe MAN and FINO Face Wash MAN for best results and a super clear, fine – looking skin. FINO MAN Bump Control is suitable for all skin types and tones. Use a dash of each, mix well and apply to areas where the skin is prone to bumps. Order online here: https://www.finocosmetics.com/products/fino-man-bump-control-kit

December 16, 2022

Power into the Gifting Season & Celebrate Xmas Beautifully with Elixir Fusion

Ready, steady, Merry Xmas! Whether you are celebrating this festive season at home with your extended family and friends or zooming off across the continent, Elixir Fusion has hot updates for great looking skin delivered in handy holiday travel-sizes all elegantly wrapped up into specialty seasonal gifting collections for him and her, young and old. Sample for yourself or share the Elixir Fusion magic with this amazing range of natural skin beauty health products. With something for everyone, there is a handcrafted bespoke gift pack to suit your holiday and your life. Take the stress out of Secret Santa office gifting events, and gift the joy of clean, beautiful, hydrated skin at elegantly affordable Xmas prices to pamper and beautify every generation of your extended family of friends and loved ones. SMILING EYES AND CURLING CHRISTMAS LIPS Elixir Fusion Eye & Lip Rescue – R250 is a gloriously handy gift pack comprising Firming Eye Gel – 15ml and Lush Lips treatment lip balm – 10ml Feel the power of pure essential oils containing active, plant-based ingredients and only the highest quality vegetable-based soy proteins with the Elixir Fusion Eye & Lip Rescue to keep at hand at home, on the beach or on the plane, train or taxi. Argiraline, a natural anti-wrinkle peptide that inhibits the movement of facial muscles thereby reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles has been added to the eye gel for a younger, fresher skin, while this natural beeswax, olive oil and shea butter based lip balm is luxuriously rich with a delicious vanilla fragrance. ON THE GO, KEEP YOUR GLOW! Elixir Fusion Travel and Go – R290: The perfect travel sized products for your holiday trips, and a great opportunity to try out some of the most popular products in the Elixir Fusion range. This collection includes Elixir Fusion’s most essential products to keep your skin glowing, bright and nourished this holiday and party season. This pack includes: Multi-Active Enzymatic Exfoliator 20ml, Regenerating Anti-Ageing Cream 20ml, Balancing Cleanser 30ml, and Hydro C Oil GO BEAUTIFULLY YOUNG LOOKERS! Elixir Fusion Youth Pocket Pack – R220 Explore five exciting products all at once with the youthful pocket pack designed especially for teen skins and on the go lifestyles. Perfect as a stocking filler, it provides the ultimate chic Summer look for beach days and long nights spent hanging out under the glow of a million Christmas stars. The youth pocket pack includes: Youth Cleanser 30ml, Youth Day Cream 20ml, Apricot Facial Scrub 20ml, Lush Lips treatment lip balm and Hydro C Oil 5ml. YOUTH BEAUTY BASICS TO JUMPSTART THE FUN Elixir Fusion Youth Basics Kit – R320 Once the 1-2-3 basics are in place for clean, refreshed and healthy looking skin, the rest of the season is yours to socialise spontaneously. Elixir Fusion is the simple, gentle and more natural approach to youth skincare that easily fits in that trendy travel tote bag. The Youth Basics Kit includes four luscious products to luxuriate in: Youth Cleanser 125ml, Youth Day Cream 50ml, Apricot Facial Scrub 20ml and a Lush Lips treatment lip balm. NOURISH & SOOTHE SILLY-SEASON SKIN Elixir Fusion Anti Ageing Power Pack – R680 Say no to frowns and wrinkles and smooth on your most perfect smile with the platinum power of the Elixir Fusion Anti Ageing gift set made for radiant eyes and ageless, hydrated skin from morning sunlight until the ambiance of dinner’s candlelit glow. Includes two powerful hydrating serums: Platinum Radiance Eye Serum – 15ml and Platinum Ageless Youth Serum – 30ml. *Purchase any 4 x Elixir Fusion Anti Ageing Power Packs for R1632.00. BALANCING BASICS TRIO Elixir Fusion Balancing Basics Trio – R625 Lock in moisture with the Elixir Fusion Basics Trio gift pack including a Balancing cleanser, day moisturiser and Hydro C treatment oil to calm skin after a day spent in the hot, dry summer sun. HYDRATE FOR EXTENDED HEALTH Elixir Fusion Hydrating Basics Trio – R625 The Hydrating Basics Trio is designed to slow the ageing process and is suited to dehydrated, mature and sensitive skins. Includes extended sizes for longer travel days and rested night and comprises: Hydrating Cleanser – 125ml, Hydrating Day Moisturizer – 50ml, Hydro C Oil – 15ml FESTIVE MOODS FOR THE MASCULINE FACTOR Elixir Fusion Men’s Basic – R385 and the Elixir Fusion Men’s Basic Large – R485 Elixir Men’s Basic is the perfect gift pack for the modern man who wants to step out this festive season. Introduce some new habits for him this gifting season and see your guys step up to the plate in the beauty stakes as we head into the New Year in 2023. Each naturally fragrant gift pack includes: Daily Defence for Men -50ml or 125ml, and a Hydro C Oil – 15ml. *Purchase 4 x Elixir Fusion Men’s Basics for R912.00 / *Purchase 4 x Elixir Fusion Men’s Basics Large for R1164.00 Also available in the Christmas Gift Pack range are the Hands & Heels and the Body Oil Combo: Elixir Fusion Hand & Heels – R195includes Sun Defence Hand Cream – 40ml and Heel Balm – 30ml Elixir Fusion Body Oil Combo – R360Stress & Relaxation Massage Oil -and Muscular Aches & Pains Oil, both 100ml. Elixir Fusion is a proudly South African skincare brand that has been harnessing the power of pure essential oils to awaken natural beauty since 1999. Hand-blended with love in Cape Town, Elixir Fusion products contain active, plant-based ingredients and only the highest quality essential oils to nourish the skin for visible results, at home and in the salon. Elixir Fusion remains committed to delivering top-quality, affordable skincare, made exclusively with the highest-grade essential oils for impressive results. Using Elixir Fusion is a sensory experience, as the oils interact with the skin and release a pleasing aroma. No artificial colours, fragrances, palm oil or parabens. Tested on people, not on animals. Elixir Fusion is available from selected salons and online at www.elixirfusion.co.za Website: www.elixirfusion.co.za Facebook: www.facebook.com/elixirfusion Instagram: @elixirfusion

December 16, 2022

Ageing gracefully with Dermaheal

The idea of “ageing gracefully” means something different to everyone. At Lamelle Research Laboratories, we believe it’s being able to look like the very best version of you, nobody else, for as long as possible. This is why we’ve created our cutting-edge Dermaheal collection, an innovative range of skincare that addresses the three root causes of ages. These are chronic inflammation, something you can read more about here, cell stagnation and damaging enzymes that increasingly ravage your skin’s cells and structure. What is cell stagnation? Your skin is made up of billions of cells and, to function at its best, these cells need to communicate with each other, relaying important messages like “renew” and “clear waste”. Over time, our cells start to lose the connections that convey these important messages and the results become visible in your skin. Think a loss of elasticity, fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, dullness and dryness. Knowing this, we’ve dedicated years of research and relied on Nobel Prize-winning technology to create a unique and patented blend of recombinant human growth factors that you’ll find in all Dermaheal products. These human growth factors are created in a laboratory to be exact replicas of your own growth factors found naturally in your body. By applying them topically, they help restore your skin’s ability to communicate and, within just a few weeks, your skin will start behaving in a dramatically more youthful way. Suddenly, millions of messages to perform vital tasks like exfoliate, heal and produce healthy, fresh collagen start getting “heard”. Ultimately, skin that had once slowed its every natural process receives an invigorating jolt on a cellular level to perform at its very best. When good cells go bad Many anti-ageing skincare products focus on helping your skin produce more collagen and elastin, the proteins that give our skin its youthful firmness. While this is important, it’s a bit like using a cup to remove a flood of water from your house while your leaky roof is still letting in the rain. This is because, as we get older, our bodies don’t just slow down the production of collagen, they also attack it! To explain, we all produce matrix metalloproteinases (yep, it’s mouthful – that’s why we call them MMPs), an enzyme that’s very helpful when it comes to things like wound-healing. In fact, its main job is to snip out excessive, old and damaged collagen where it’s not needed to help pave the way for new, fresh collagen. Alas, thanks to the passage of time, UV exposure and unchecked inflammation, we see an uptick in these once helpful enzymes and then you’re dealing with a case of MMPs gone wild. Suddenly, MMPs can have such a collagen-killing effect on the skin that, much like that annoying junk email we can’t unsubscribe from, we simply have to block them. This is where Dermaheal gets to shine with its potent and proven mix of all-natural MMP inhibitors that include the super antioxidant Pycnogenol, Purslane extract and the Nobiletin. (FYI, Nobiletin is a flavonoid that also helps turn off chronic inflammation on a cellular level. Talk about a great multi-tasker!) The bottom line At the end of the day, who wouldn’t want to look and feel as vital and youthful for as long as possible? While you can always consider going under the knife (no judgies!), you can also rely on our years of clinical research in creating what we believe is our most powerful anti-ageing skincare collection to date. It doesn’t just tackle the signs of aging but addresses the root causes so you can enjoy firmer, smoother, less lined and more radiant skin for as long as possible. To us, this is the very essence of aging with grace. Learn more at www.lamelle.co.za

December 13, 2022

Here’s what a skincare expert thinks of the biggest Tik Tok beauty trends of 2022

Tik Tok has become a major platform for beauty tips, tricks, advice and tutorials. From creating the perfect curl to mastering a cut crease, beauty Tik Tok offers an overwhelming amount of information, but like most social platforms, it’s not all good. While it’s the perfect platform for makeup artists and beauty experts to share their knowledge, it also allows those who are not educated on the topic, to share their ideas, and potentially create a viral video that can cause more harm than good. We asked Karen Bester, Medical Trainer at Lamelle Research Laboratories, to separate fact from fiction. She investigated some of the top Tik Tok skincare trends of 2022, and this is her professional take on them: Slugging Slugging originated from K-Beauty (Korean Beauty), and involves one simple act: Coating your skin with an occlusive like petroleum jelly before going to bed. The concept is that the occlusive will act as a barrier and seal in moisture, resulting in soft and moisturised skin the next morning. Karen says: “Here I believe that balance is very important. We know that occluding the skin will trap water which will in turn help the enzymes in the skin to exfoliate any dry cells that need removing. If we, however, trap too much water this can lead to maceration which is never a good thing. So slug along when your skin is feeling dry in general or after having a treatment, when your skin needs to heal. Occlusion is not required every night though; your skin should have the ability to trap enough water if the lipid bi-layer is intact. ALSO – long-term use of occlusive products can be comedogenic – i.e. cause breakouts.” Moisture sandwich Another Korean technique, a ‘moisture sandwich’ refers to the act of applying products to damp skin (as opposed to dry skin), because it is suggested that the ingredients will trap the moisture from the water and thus better hydrate the skin. The first product is usually a humectant (a water-absorbing product) and this is followed by an occlusive (to seal in the moisture). Karen says: “It is true and well-researched that applying your products to your skin when your skin is still moist after cleansing does help your skin to trap higher concentrations of water and keep it better hydrated. Applying a humectant (hyaluronic acid is my favourite) first will also help to draw the water in and will trap the water in the skin. A good moisturiser, applied over the hyaluronic acid-containing serum, will mimic the skin’s biology and oils and will keep this moisture trapped. It will also allow the skin to ‘breathe’. Occluding the skin is not required and has its own challenges as discussed under Slugging.” Pore vacuums A pore vacuum is a device that uses suction to remove oil and dirt from the pores in an attempt to deep clean the skin. These devices are readily available online, sometimes for as little as R120. Karen says: “I wish that these did work – we could then just go for relaxing facials and not need to have deep cleanse facials with extractions. Unfortunately, these tools can be quite damaging and cause painful bruising without extracting the comedos. Especially when the skin is not prepared well or with larger, more stubborn congested areas. You would need to cleanse and moisturise the skin, maybe use an enzymatic exfoliator just to loosen the congested areas.” Skin cycling The skin cycling trend was originally posted on Tik Tok by a dermatologist. It involves a four-day skincare cycle, during which active ingredients are applied to the skin for two days (usually a chemical exfoliant on day one and a retinoid on day two), and then the skin is given two days to “rest” (only moisturisers are applied – no active ingredients), before starting the cycle again. The cycle is thought to be good for sensitive skins that can’t use active ingredients every day. Karen says: “We love this trend. Even though it was made Tik Tok famous around a year ago, this has been how medical practitioners have always included more aggressive ingredients that have a side effect profile, into skin routines. This removes the need to add lots of ingredients over each other, it lowers the risk for irritation when using products that contain high concentrations of ingredients and it gives us the ability to also combine ingredients used on the skin and look at stimulating the skin in different ways.” Face taping As strange as it sounds, face taping involves applying tape to areas of the face where wrinkles might form, in an attempt to “straighten” the skin and give it a more youthful appearance for longer. Karen says: “I have not personally tried face-taping but I think it is a fabulous cosmetic tool to have droopy skin look younger – Joan Collins cannot be wrong! Unless you are ripping off the top layer of the skin – the corneum. That is not a good thing and can cause semi-permanent damage to the skin. Of you are using tapes, maybe use an oil to remove the glue so you do not hurt your skin when removing them.” Salt water cleanse Based on the concept that skin looks glowy when you emerge from a swim in the ocean, the salt water facial cleansing trend took off on Tik Tok earlier this year. Users used salt water to cleanse their skin twice a day, before applying their skincare products, and recommended the practice to enhance the skin’s radiance, as well as to treat and prevent breakouts. Karen says: “There is very little data on the use of salt water in skincare. In ancient (pre-2000) medicine we used salt water to rinse wounds and mouths to lower bacterial load and assist in healing. I do not believe that salt water cleansing will have any negative effects on the skin. The only challenge might be if the salt content in the water is extremely high. In this

December 9, 2022

Exfoliation: The Key to Smooth, Fresh & Glowing Summer Skin

Every day 330 billion of your body’s skin cells replace themselves in a skin evolution of natural exfoliation, with your body taking approximately 27 days to completely regenerate your skin’s protective sheath transforming you into a ‘new’ you. With significant increases in air pollution however, including cigarette and vape smoke, dust, exhaust fumes, chemical smog, and harsh weather conditions, all of these pollutants can have a significant effect on your skin, accelerating skin irritations, allergic reactions, rashes and wrinkles, leaving your skin with decreased elasticity and accelerated aging as it becomes grimy, clogged, stressed and unable to protect you effectively. Regular exfoliation as part of your personal skincare routine is your simple and most effective answer to doing away with that weathered, winter look. The ultimate way to rejuvenate your skin, exfoliation resurfaces your skin, gently cleaning out your pores of oil and dead skin and polishing and refining the surface to leave it smooth, velvet-soft, and radiantly glowing. Make some smart moves this summer and make a debut this holiday season with a well-maintained and youthful glow when you support and stimulate your skin to be smooth, clean, and healthy each day. What happens if you don’t cleanse and exfoliate your skin? Poor exfoliation causes increased production in your skin’s oil glands and is the leading cause of blackheads and whiteheads, acne, ingrown hair follicles, and trapped dead skin cells which can lead to inflammations, pustules, and a feeding pool of bacteria. Apart from delivering fresh and hygienically healthy skin, exfoliation has several other benefits for you as well. Exfoliation encourages: #Faster Cell Generation: Exfoliation is the key to boosting new cell turnover, loosening, and lifting dead skin cells and making way for cleaner, younger, and more absorbent skin that can be nourished and protected. #Increase in Collagen: When you add or increase your exfoliation treatments, your skin is stimulated and alerted to produce more collagen which helps to keep your skin firm and wrinkle free. Exfoliation helps your moisturiser and anti-age serums to penetrate better. #Wrinkle & Worry-Free Days: Research tells us that wrinkles get wedged into place and are deepened by corneocyte plugs which are balls of dead, hardened skin which build up and keep your wrinkles in place. The gentle circular motions of your all-over body exfoliation provide a massage effect which helps to keep your skin clear of these plugs, so it is more difficult for wrinkles to form. #Boost Lymphatic Drainage: Exfoliation encourages blood circulation and an increase in your skin’s hydration levels. It also reduces the risk of ingrown hairs, making shaving easier and diminishing the appearance of skin discolouration and dark spots with use over time. #Sensory Touch Stimulation: Just like a baby’s, our bodies love to be touched and soothed and exfoliating your body’s skin is a perfect opportunity to calm and pamper yourself with a loving touch and healthy attitude towards self-care, mood enhancement and confidence, enjoyed along with the fragrant feel-good scent of your exfoliator. How often should you exfoliate? Depending on whether you have a sensitive skin or are a sun goddess soaking up the sun rays all day will decide how often you should exfoliate. The recommended use is two to three times per week but if you have sensitive skin, exfoliate once a week but always go according to how your skin feels after exfoliation. It should tingle and feel invigorated and stimulated and not dried out, irritated or red from over scrubbing. Over exfoliating can remove the natural oils from your skin which it needs to stay subtle. If you stop exfoliating your skin, you will soon notice it will become dry and rough again within about two weeks. After exfoliating apply a moisturiser or moisturising tissue oil and consider protecting it with a sunscreen before going outdoors. Bramleys’ Limited Edition Shea Butter Exfoliating Body Scrub 250ml R29.99 is launching! This quality and highly affordable exfoliator comes in a Limited Edition as a special addition to Bramley’s trusted Tissue Oils, providing a solution to modern day skincare problems that suit your monthly beauty budget without hurting your pocket spend. Suitable for everyday use on all skin types, the Bramley’s Shea Butter Exfoliating Body Scrub removes dead cells from the skin’s top layer. Not only does it help your skin become smoother, clearer, and brighter immediately and over time, but all the other products in your regime will be absorbed more effectively. The exotic fragrance of Bramley Shea Butter exfoliating scrub is warm, vibrant, and delicious, guaranteed to take you to your happy place. This joyful scent is perfect for the upcoming warmer months. Why shea butter? Shea butter is a fat that’s been extracted from shea tree nuts, mostly found in West Africa. It has a creamy consistency that can be spread onto skin and absorbed easily. Shea Butter is known for its healing properties and its incomparable ability to protect and regenerate. It contains high concentrations of fatty acids and vitamins, making it an ideal ingredient for softening skin. Shea butter has anti-inflammatory and healing properties and can be used to tone, condition, and soothe skin. Its many benefits made it the perfect addition to Bramley’s Shea Butter Tissue Oil. Find the Bramleys’ Limited Edition Shea Butter Exfoliating Body Scrub 250ml R29.99 launching in store at PEP Nationwide from 25 November 2022 until stock lasts.

December 9, 2022

10 Reasons to Consider Essential Oil Skincare this Summer & Beyond

Our skin is not only our protection against the harsh outside elements, but also our personal canvas of life revealing our unique features and delivering our personal brand of beauty to the world which requires we care, nurture, and enhance its natural boundaries made up of our skin’s many soft layers of tissue. With the trend away from a chemical, scientific formulations, the demand for natural plant-based products shines a spotlight on how to prep our skin naturally for the summer season with the fusion of essential oil as a natural elixir for skincare beauty that penetrates skin-deep to awaken your natural beauty. We are all aware of the need for sun protection to prevent the effects of ageing when we are out and about in the sun; thankfully essential oil elixirs have a way of getting under your skin, figuratively as well as literally, carrying a special intuitive intelligence that promotes health and balance as they are deeply absorbed into the dermis for rewarding results, improving your complexion and providing a gentle, sensory skincare experience that is suitable for all skin types in South Africa. Welcome to the top ten summer skincare superstars to keep your skin soft, ageless, and beautified while at work or play: #1 DEEPLY PENETRATING SKIN BEAUTY With a tiny molecular structure, essential oils penetrate deeply into the skin and interact with your whole body’s chemistry, conditioning mature skins, encouraging cell regeneration, and improving skin elasticity. The Elixir Fusion Platinum Luminescence – Anti-Ageing Treatment Oil R185 (10ml) R467 (25ml) is made from a 100% pure blend of oils, with no preservatives or mineral oils present, providing a delicate blend of key ingredients which are easily absorbed by the skin: Organic Baobab: an excellent moisturizer with fast easy absorption which prevents free radical damage and is high in omega fatty acid 3, 6 and 9, offering anti-inflammatory benefits. Pure Carrot Seed: a regenerating elixir Lemon: treats beneath the skin and stimulates cell growth Palma Rosa: for balance and cell regrowth and, Patchouli: to soften rough skin and heal scarring and condition mature skins balancing and reducing pigmentation in all skin types. Apply this anti-ageing treatment after cleansing or to isolated areas where blemishes and pigmentation need attention. It can also be applied under a day moisturiser as an additional skin booster. #2 SENSORY SKIN-BLENDED FRAGRANCE Essential oils release their own natural fragrance against your skin, working on the outside and the inside for both physical and emotional upliftment, helping you to love your skin with affordable quality from nature. Perfect to keep in your beach bag this Summer, the Elixir Fusion Equalising Toner Spray R160 (250ml) doubles up as a hydrating facial mist. This alcohol-free Equalising Toner provides a non-aggressive astringent action which does not strip your skin. It has been formulated to remove residue left after cleansing, stimulate circulation, reduce oiliness as well as refine open pores and balance your skin’s ph. Supporting the penetration of moisturiser into the skin, it’s spritz top allows for easy application and delivers a cooling effect on the skin. #3 HYDRATING & HEALING Simply amazing as a deeply hydrating mask or overnight treatment, the Elixir Fusion Derma Gel Cream R325 (50ml) is super effective on inflamed, irritated or sensitive skins, as well as sunburn. It hydrates, balances, and soothes the effects of sun parched summer skin, leaving a glowing complexion in its place. It is a versatile treatment cream that can be used on all skin types and can be doubled up as a weekly mask treatment or alternatively as a day or a night moisturiser. #4 AGELESS PLUMP & ELASTICITY Summer is a wonderful outdoorsy time that we’re all craving to get started but it’s also harsh on our skins. The more you prep your skin for the summer season, the better your skin will cope, proving it’s true that ‘prevention is better than a cure’ and this even hotter summer, skin serums are the absolute answer to helping your skin survive. The Elixir Fusion Platinum Ageless Youth Serum – R500 (30ml) is lightweight and contains high percentages of active ingredients that are suspended in a water-based formulation. They absorb quickly into your skin, making them an excellent step to add to your skincare routine after cleansing. Formulated for all ages to maximise skin elasticity while firming and toning your skin, it smoothes out fine lines and refines pores, for a flawless holiday complexion. “I highly recommend the Platinum Ageless Youth Serum,” says Katrine Auld, In-House Skincare Specialist at Elixir Fusion. “It firms, tones, and balances your skin’s hydration and being water-based, it sits so light and lovely under your daily moisturizer, making it the perfect skin solution as we head into warmer weather. This serum contains Acacia Plant Collagen, as well as Hyaluronic Acid and Squalene, both two of the biggest buzz words in the professional skincare world.” #5 SUMMER ‘GLOW’ TREATMENT Everyone wants to achieve a healthy look going into summer but without the oily build up! The Elixir Fusion Hydro C Enriching Oil R305 (30 ml) is a light but powerful ‘dry’ oil with anti-ageing properties. It is an enriching oil for ALL skin types to use as a night oil, or to enrich any existing creams and is designed to lock in moisture and act as an anti-inflammatory for skins suffering from acne or imbalance. It’s key essential oil ingredients are Olive Squalene which contains antioxidants to fight skin damage and anti-inflammatory properties to soothe inflammatory acne and eczema, Rosehip Oil to reduce inflammation, reducing scars and fine lines and vitamin A, C and E as powerful antioxidants as well as Palmarosa. Use as a night oil, or to enrich any existing creams for day or night use. It’s also perfect as a ‘glow up’ oil to pat on at the very end of your routine for a gorgeous dewy glow! #6 SUN MOISTURE LOCK Dry skin and dehydrated skin are not the same. Most people misdiagnose their skin this way because both conditions

December 2, 2022

Five summer grooming tips for men

If your skin and hair needs a little bit of TLC by the time summer comes around, you’re not alone. Winter can be harsh on skin and it’s not unusual to experience dryness or dehydration when the temperature drops. This is largely due to the low humidity we experience during winter. When humidity drops, the air draws moisture from anything around it, including our hair and skin. If this moisture isn’t replenished, our hair may dry out, become brittle and break, and our skin may become dry, flaky and sensitive. As we move into summer, you may want to ramp up your daily grooming regime to ensure you replenish the moisture lost during winter and prepare your skin and facial hair to better survive the heat. Here are five grooming tips to ensure you look your best this summer: Cleanse twice a day Cleansing is an essential part of your daily grooming routine, especially during summer. Your face and beard may get sweaty during the day, so ensure you always wash your face thoroughly before bed and when you wake up in the morning to ensure you remove oil and impurities. Skipping this crucial step may lead to breakouts and blackheads. FINO MAN Gel Face and Beard Wash (R79.99) gently removes daily impurities and promotes soft and moisturised skin whilst protecting against ingrown hair and bumps. It is soap-free and has a light gel texture that gently yet thoroughly cleanses the skin and beard. Consider growing a beard Did you know that beards protect skin from harmful UV rays? Studies have shown that that beards act like physical barriers between your skin and the sun, meaning you’re protected from harmful UVA and UVB rays (but don’t forget to apply SPF to the rest of your face though!). They also have the ability to keep you cool and protect your skin from the harsh effects of wind (think Cape Town’s South Easter!). Plus, a lot of women find beards very attractive (and who can blame them?!). Moisturise with an oil Oils are not just for winter – they have the ability to moisturise skin and hair all year long. Did you know that some beard oils are not just super moisturising for facial hair, but they also moisturise the skin beneath the beard? Apply a good quality beard oil to your facial hair twice a day for maximum moisturising benefits. Try FINO Beard Oil (R139.00). This multipurpose product is a blend of non-greasy natural carrier oils and healing essential oils that nourish and moisturise the beard as well as the skin underneath. It can be used daily for a softer and more manageable beard, and it also makes the perfect shaving oil, plus it protects against dry and flaky skin under the beard. Keep bumps under control Whether you’re going bare and shaving regularly, or just shaping your facial hair to keep it neat and tidy, chances are you may experience some razor bumps and discomfort from time to time. FINO Bump Control (R76.99) is a low-irritant, dermatologically-tested rescue serum that reduces the appearance of razor bumps. This handy pump bottle contains a blend of natural tea tree oil, astringents and moisturisers that leave skin feeling smooth, looking good and healthy. It is easy to apply and can be used on the beard area and head after wet or dry shaving. Don’t fall victim to ingrown hair No matter what your hair or skin type, anyone can get ingrown hairs. While these can be painful, itchy and unsightly, they may also become more serious if not treated. They may lead to bacterial infections, scars and hyperpigmentation. To avoid ingrown hair, try FINO Soothe MAN (R61.99). This non-irritant, dermatologically-tested handy balm helps combat ingrown hair, razor bumps and burn after shaving. It is quickly absorbed and moisturizing and also relieves the irritation and redness while reducing itchiness associated with new hair growth. A synergistic blend of vitamin A and fruit enzymes exfoliate, moisturise and purify the skin, preventing infections. FINO products are suitable for use on all skin types and skin tones and are proudly manufactured in South Africa. However you plan on styling your facial hair this summer, we recommend FINO’s comprehensive grooming range to keep your beard, stubble and skin healthy, clean and soft. www.finocosmetics.com https://www.instagram.com/finocosmetics/ https://www.facebook.com/finocosmeticsman/

December 2, 2022

How changing seasons can affect your skin and hair

Each season poses unique beauty challenges, and it sometimes feels like as soon as you’ve mastered that season’s challenges, the weather turns and it’s time to get onto the next one. Often more challenging than the new season itself, is the in-between stage where the season is busy changing. The transition period from winter to spring is usually a welcome one, however, it can have a big effect on your skin and hair. For instance, you may find your skin feeling dry or tight, if you struggle with breakouts you may notice they’re more inflamed than usual. The increase in humidity as we head into spring can also have an impact on our hair. Increased humidity can lead to more frizz and impact our hair’s manageability. While there’s nothing we can do about this transitional period, there is plenty we can do to counteract the effects it may have on our hair and skin. Follow our advice for healthier and happier hair and skin as we head into spring. Why does changing seasons affect our skin? Think of your skin as a creature of habit – it loves consistency. When its environment changes, it has to work harder to maintain moisture and has to adjust to new demands. In the process, the barrier function may become disrupted, you may be prone to inflammation and your hydration levels may drop. When we transition from winter to spring, your skin needs to adapt to warmer weather and higher humidity levels. This can often leave the skin feeling greasy as more oil gets trapped on the surface of the skin (which, in turn, can lead to more breakouts and clogged pores). How can we counteract these effects? To keep skin healthy, happy and blemish-free as we head into spring, it’s important to control excess sebum and exfoliate regularly. The two best ingredients to achieve this are glycolic acid and salicylic acid. Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to separate the connections between skin cells in the outer layers of the skin, promoting exfoliation and skin cell turnover. It is effective in fighting breakouts and acne, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, removing dead skin cells and improving tone. NIP+FAB’s Glycolic Fix range is designed to assist in dissolving dead skin cells, refining skin texture and tone, stimulating collagen production and boosting luminosity. Cleanse twice a day with NIP+FAB Glycolic Fix Cleanser(R149.95) to remove all traces of dirt and impurities while giving the skin a boost and retexturising it. Follow with NIP+FAB Glycolic Fix Serum (R295.00) and NIP+FAB Glycolic Fix Moisturiser (R249.95), a powerful duo that work together to refine pores, smooth the skin’s texture, provide oil-free moisture and to control excess oil production. Exfoliate daily with NIP+FAB Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads (R379.95). Soaked in exfoliating glycolic acid, these biodegradable, radiance-boosting pads are formulated to retexture, resurface and treat breakouts. Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) exfoliates the skin and helps clear and unclog pores. It is popularly used to treat acne, breakouts and blackheads and helps reduce redness and swelling of inflamed spots. It also helps soften and loosen dry skin so that it can be shed more easily. Creightons Salicylic Acid Foaming Clay Cleanser (R75.95) combines kaolin clay with salicylic and lactic acids to help absorb excess oil and maintain healthier, clearer looking skin. Follow with Creightons Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Tonic (R99.95) makes use of salicylic acid and niacinamide to improve an uneven skin tone and texture, leaving skin brighter and healthier. Twice a day, apply Creightons Salicylic Acid Face Serum (R104.95) and Creightons Salicylic Acid Soothing Lotion (R69.95). Together, they help reduce the appearance of blackheads, blemishes and pores; for a clearer, more radiant complexion while offering lightweight moisture. Why does changing seasons affect our hair? Humidity has a major impact on the texture and manageability of our hair. The higher the humidity, the more likely you are to experience frizz. Our hair contains bonds known as “hydrogen bonds.” These bonds are weak, and can be broken by water and reset when drying (this is why we can set our hair into different styles with styling tools). These bonds are also broken by water in the atmosphere (aka humidity), and then reset themselves, which is why you’re likely to experience kinks and frizz throughout the day. Your hair and scalp may also appear greasier as the warmer weather sets in, even though your hair may feel drier due to exposure to warmer weather. It’s important to remember that not everyone will experience the same changes when the new season sets in. How can we counteract these effects? Your hair care regime for the transitional season is two-fold: you need to pay attention to your scalp as well as to your hair. For greasy hair: Wash your hair regularly with a gentle shampoo that effectively removes grease without drying out your scalp. We recommend Curls in Bloom Cleanse Me! Sulphate-Free Shampoo (R99.95). It effectively cleanses and removes product build-up and dirt without stripping the hair and scalp of its natural oils. For dry hair: Invest in a creamy shampoo that adds moisture to your hair and scalp like The Perfect Hair’s newly-launched Grow on the Go Conditioning Wash (R99.99). Specially formulated for very dry hair, this conditioning wash is enriched with castor oil, shea butter and Pro-Vitamin B5. Scalp care is essential, no matter what your hair concerns. If your scalp gets dry or itchy, apply Nilotiqa Shea & Coco Anti-Itch Hair & Scalp Spray (R99.99) daily or every second day. It is rich and creamy, provides natural hair with optimum moisture from the root and soothes a dry, itchy scalp for up to 48 hours. If you want to stimulate healthy hair growth and base your scalp, use Cantu’s Shea Butter Tea Tree & Jojoba Hair & Scalp Oil (R175.00). It uses the power of some of nature’s most moisturising oils to help protect dry and damaged hair from breakage. It also conditions the scalp to support

November 30, 2022

Green Beauty Tips & Hacks for Living in Sync with Nature

With green living the hot topic of the sustainable century, you have probably been wondering how to switch to a more ecological beauty regime at home. Firstly, thank you for thinking about the planet and spreading kindness, no one wants a beauty regime the creates ugly problems for Gaia and the future of our world. The good news is that you don’t have to give up your lifestyle to be sustainable, it simply comes down to finding better alternatives. The key to making sustainable choices is understanding why your choices matter and, here’s the wrap… they really really do! Here are 5 eco-hacks and clean beauty tips you can adopt right now as you revamp your personal beauty routine to a greener lifestyle: 1. Change the Way you Shop Buy ethically, buy locally and choose products which use fewer toxic chemicals, or which are 100% earth-friendly, such as Earthsap’s pure natural range of beauty products for him and her which are not only affordable but easy to use. Fragrant and natural, choose from face and body washes, shampoo and conditioner, roll on, toothpaste, toner, foam bath, aftershave cream and balm, foot powder and nature’s jelly. #LiveGreenLifeHack We love the luxurious and invigorating Earthsap Citrus & Ginger Body Wash to shower you with energy at the start of your day. Its sensational natural ingredients include coconut to hydrate your skin, grapefruit and ginger to stimulate circulation and get the blood flowing and a non-toxic cleanse to rejuvenate you. You’ll find no synthetic fragrances, irritants or allergens in Earthsap’ s body care products; they’re non-toxic and gentle, ethically produced and not tested on animals. 2. Recycle Reckoning There is no point switching to a more sustainable beauty regime if we are not recycling the produce packaging correctly. While most of us are pretty good at recycling our kitchen waste, we tend to fall behind when it comes to our bathroom and dressing room habits. Get a recycle bin for your bathroom or dressing counter and keep up the green work. #LiveGreenLifeHack Instead of using single use face wipes and cotton pads, use a hot cloth cleanse to remove your makeup. 3. Waste Not, Want Not Before recycling your empty beauty products when they start to run out, ensure you have used all the product in the dispenser, jar or serum dropper. This can be difficult especially when beauty packaging creates creams, serums and dispensers have been designed and sealed to keep the air getting to the product and reducing its potency. #LiveGreenLifeHack Keep pliers or sturdy pair of scissors handy so you can open and separate the dispenser part from the body of the product and get the last drop out. 4. Silicone Savvy Get silicone savvy and save the environment. Silicone is everywhere but especially in hair conditioners, body lotions and face creams; it does not break down in the environment and may even be a hormone disruptor. It delivers smooth, slidable texture, glossy sheen and fills in pores and fine lines but it is literally a liquid plastic similar to the silicone you use to seal your shower stall. Using silicone can cause congestions and create a moisture barrier on your skin and hair. Using an organic product can deliver the same effect without the damage. #LiveGreenLifeHack Make a homemade hair gloss by mixing one tablespoon of coconut oil with one tablespoon honey, heat gently until liquid, apply and leave on for 20 minutes before rinsing. 5. Extend your Reach On your green journey be open to discover new, niche products that meet your expectations of a greener lifestyle and extend your care into the rest of your home with the Earthsap cleaning range; a safe and toxin-free alternative to conventional cleaners. Earthsap has been a manufacturer of earth-friendly toiletries and cleaning products for more than 20 years, with no dyes, chlorine bleach or harmful chemicals and no fumes or residues. They’re safe for your family, your pets and the environment, and because they’re biodegradable, they won’t cause any harm to aquatic life or marine plant growth. #LiveGreenLifeHack Formulated with the help of skilled microbiologists, Earthsap products are made using pure plant oils and other natural ingredients to help you reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to the local economy while saving the environment from pollution. Find their range of products at health shops, Wellness Warehouse, select Spar supermarkets and www.faithful-to-nature.co.za because every contribution to a greener and healthier lifestyle will help you and our precious planet.

November 28, 2022

Bramley launches Limited Edition 250ml Shea Butter Tissue Oil

By now you know that tissue oil is one of the most versatile beauty products on the market. From fading scars and stretch marks, to moisturising dry skin and softening chapped lips, tissue oil is a multi-purpose product that can be used all over the body. Bramley is known for producing South Africa’s favourite tissue oils, and prides themselves on offering the very best quality product at an affordable price, making the items accessible to all South Africans. Bramley’s trusted Tissue Oils are the solution to modern day skincare problems and are suitable for everyday use on all skin types. Multi-purpose and versatile, these affordable oils are loved and trusted by women around the world… Tissue oil fans will be delighted to learn that Bramley has launched a new limited edition variant: Shea Butter. Available in 250ml for only R44.99, it launches in stores on 30 September, and will be available for a limited time, as long as stocks last. Why shea butter? Shea butter is a fat that’s been extracted from shea tree nuts, mostly found in West Africa. It has a creamy consistency that can be spread onto skin and absorbed easily. Shea Butter is known for its healing properties and its incomparable ability to protect and regenerate. It contains high concentrations of fatty acids and vitamins, making it an ideal ingredient for softening skin. Shea butter has anti-inflammatory and healing properties and can be used to tone, condition and soothe skin. Its many benefits made it the perfect addition to Bramley’s Tissue Oil collection. Bramley Shea Butter Tissue Oil offers all the nourishing benefits we’ve come to associate with the existing variants. Enriched with Bio-Pharm oil and vitamin E, it is non-greasy and readily absorbed. Benefits include: A reduction in the appearance of stretch marks and scars. Bramley Tissue Oils act as “refatting” agents, restoring lipids as well as the barrier between your skin and the outside environment. It helps skin retain moisture, reducing your risk of dryness. It promotes even skin tone and elasticity. It protects the skin from the effects of pollution and stress. It is suitable for all skin types and tones, and can be used anywhere on the body, as well as on the hair. The exotic fragrance of Bramley Shea Butter Tissue Oil is warm, vibrant and delicious, guaranteed to take you to your happy place. This joyful scent is perfect for the upcoming warmer months. Shop Bramley Limited Edition 250ml Shea Butter Tissue Oil for only R44.99 (Save R5). Promo valid from 30 September 2022 while stocks last. Available at PEP stores nationwide.

November 23, 2022

Inflammaging and how to fight it with Lamelle Dermaheal

The last few years have been a wild ride. You’re working like a dog. You’re tired. You’re stressed. And you can see it all over your skin. And nope, it’s definitely not all in your head. One of the main triggers of inflammaging – aging that’s caused by chronic, low-grade inflammation – is stress. Many other lifestyle factors contribute too, including exposure to pollution, smoking, a poor diet and unprotected sun exposure. Aside from making tweaks where you can, (hello yoga, bye bye ciggies!), you can also protect your skin from imflammaging using the Dermaheal range by Lamelle Research Laboratories. We’ll get into how its innovative formulation can make the world of difference in a bit, but first, you should know exactly how inflammaging is wreaking havoc on your skin. Know thy enemy Inflammation isn’t always bad. In fact, it’s your body’s way of putting up a red flag that says “I’m hurt”, allowing for a chain reaction of healing to place. However, when your body is perpetually under attack from all the aggressors we mentioned before, it results in subtle yet chronic inflammation that “simmers” in your skin, creating a laundry list of unwanted effects. These include – brace yourself – a loss of collagen and elastin resulting in sagging skin and wrinkles as well as a nose dive in hyaluronic acid and GlycosAminoGlycans (GAGs) which means drier, thinner skin with a rougher texture. You’ll also get to “enjoy” an increase in MMPs, (enzymes that essentially destroy your collagen), an uptick in hyperpigmentation and the increased expression of PGE-2, an inflammatory hormone that’s linked to skin cancer and poor wound healing. So again, if you’re feeling the pressure and think it’s affecting your complexion, you’re 100-percent correct. Also, you should know that chronic low-level inflammation also has a negative effect on every tissue in your body, not just your skin. Can we get an “eek”? Turn down the heat As we said, there are things you can do to mitigate the triggers of chronic inflammation. But modern living and the fact that inflammaging is proven to increase as we get older means you also need to fight back. A great way to do it is with our Dermaheal line. Our most cutting-edge collection yet, it was specifically created to target the three root causes of aging – cell stagnation, damaging enzymes (here’s looking at you MMPs!) and – you guessed it – chronic inflammation. Each of our Dermaheal creams – Ultra Renewal, Renewal Cream ,Cellular Repair and Eye Regeneration Plus – contain a brilliant mix of anti-inflammatory growth factors, an MMP-inhibiting complex to zap those collagen-destroying enzymes in their tracks and an exclusive blend of inflammation-fighting cytokines. The latter are small proteins that essentially tell your skin to switch off inflammation, stopping the scourge of inflammaging in its tracks. Dermaheal products also contain Nobiletin, a botanical flavonoid that turns off chronic inflammation on a genetic level, in the nucleus of your cell. This way, your body can benefit from acute inflammation when it needs to heal from an injury, but the simmering kind that degrades your tissues gets nipped in the bud. Inflammation-fighting aside, the range is also formulated with a non-irritating form of collagen-stimulating retinol, mega-hydrating hyaluronic acid fragments and a slew of cell protecting antioxidants that will also go a long way towards tamping down chronic inflammation while protecting your cells from damaging free radicals. The bottom line Ultimately, inflammaging is difficult to avoid, regardless of what lifestyle changes you make. But you can take action to mitigate its damaging and ageing effects on your skin with Dermaheal. A potent inflammation-fighting anti-ageing line-up, it promises to tackle the main causes of ageing, including inflammaging, so you can enjoy a firmer, smoother, less lined, more radiant-looking complexion for longer – regardless of what your crazy schedule is looking like. Now go and take care of those deadlines and leave taking the very best care of your skin up to Lamelle. After all, it’s what they do best. For more information or to find a stockist near you visit: www.lamelle.co.za Follow us: @lamellersa

November 18, 2022

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tk_ai	session	Gathers information for WordPress by themselves, first party analytics tool about how WP services are used. A collection of internal metrics for user activity, used to improve user experience.