If there’s one thing I am passionate about (besides hair) then it has to be skin. I love learning about the deeper layers of skin and how it functions and what to do to ensure you are getting the optimum results when it comes to taking care of your skin both internally by what we ingest and externally by what we slap onto our skin.
Over the past few years, we’ve seen the rise in skincare products containing ingredients such as salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and all those other popular tongue-twister liquid gold ingredients, and I must admit it can be quite overwhelming when you don’t know the function of those active ingredients which makes choosing skincare products even harder than what it already is. So naturally, I’ve created a ‘skincare dictionary’ over the years so I can understand exactly what these ingredients are and what they will or won’t do for my skin and I would highly recommend you do the same so that you can understand what your skin needs and how best to take care of it.
As winter is very fast approaching (well at least in Cape Town that is), my skincare routine is also transitioning as it very well should. I am noticing that with the colder weather, my skin is thirsty due to a lack of hydration and since I battle with combination skin and have hormonal acne I am constantly looking for ways to keep my skin at bay.
Generally, my skincare routine consists of several steps - so when Skin Republic posed the #LessIsMore challenge with their new clinically proven skin care range I was really intrigued to give it a go. I use Skin Republic’s Niacinamide and zinc serum in my regime which my skin loves. It helps fade the appearance of the dark marks I have caused by pimples and it also minimises the appearance of your pores which is great for my skin as I have enlarged pores. It also reduces any excess oil and works at brightening your overall skin.
One thing you should know is that these products may be complex in their formula and ingredients, but they’re easy for you to use and that’s really what’s important. They say that these three new products were created for the simplest skincare routine without losing a drop of efficacy so I put it to the test - I’ve been using the #LessIsMore Skincare range for 7 days so far and here’s why my skin is loving the change!
1. I opted to start on a Sunday morning to ensure that I lock my new routine in. When I used the face wash for the first time, I’m not going to lie I was a bit sceptical as it doesn’t foam as much as what I am used to. Plus for a wash that is said to exfoliate, I had my initial doubts. The consistency is clear and slightly runny - however, less is definitely more in this case. I was pleasantly surprised with this acid-based cleanser which is perfect for acne-prone skin. Much to my relief my skin felt fresh, revitalised and so soft after just the first wash, this rarely ever happens especially before I’ve applied any serum or moisturiser to seal the deal. The best feeling was that there was no tightness and the overall texture of my skin was smooth. After I had washed my face I looked up in the mirror and I was glad that my skin didn’t look or feel like I still had to double-cleanse because my skin felt like there was still excess oil, dirt and even makeup from the night before that I didn’t manage to wash off properly. True to its word, this PHA 3% Cleanser cleans, exfoliates and hydrates your skin all at the same time. It’s one thing to feel how smooth and soft the texture of your skin is but it’s something else when you can visibly see it. Did I mention that it’s hypoallergenic and also safe for sensitive skin? If not, now you know!
2. I mentioned that my skin was lacking hydration and is so thirsty that it zaps any type of moisture that is automatically added onto the skin… so you know what that means right? My skin ate up all the hydrating goodness that this 48-hour long-lasting hydration moisturiser had to offer. My skin felt plump, smooth and coated in hydration but again not the super heavy type. The Hydrating Complex 10% Moisturiser has a rich formula that is thicker than the salicylic acid moisturiser but once applied and absorbed into the skin felt so lightweight. My skin gave off a brightening effect and alleviated that dullness I was also previously feeling and experiencing. This moisturiser is designed for dry and combination skin types and can be combined with any of your skincare ingredients which makes it even easier to incorporate into your routine. Clinical results have shown that it increases skin hydration by 54% after one application (which I can defo vouch for).
3. If you know anything about salicylic acid then you will know that it’s an ingredient that helps remove the top layer of damaged skin and that it helps dissolves the dead skin cells to prevent your hair follicles from clogging up. So if you’re prone to breakouts then this is a hero ingredient to add to your regime. So when I saw that there was a Salicylic Acid 2% Moisturiser part of the kit I couldn’t be more thrilled. I was heading into my monthly cycle so I had a few small unwanted friends that popped up to make their monthly appearance. So this product was put to use almost immediately. I can honestly say that when I woke up on the following Monday after using the products twice for the first time the day before my pimples which would’ve been red, sore and ripe at this point were completely minimised. They were still there but very small and gave the appearance as if it was almost in its last day or so of visiting. So essentially it’s almost as if I’d miss their entire ‘visitation period’ and we’d skipped straight to the goodbye! I mean… who on earth would not be happy about that. Another plus is that the moisturiser has a lightweight formula which means it doesn’t feel heavy on the skin and feels like it gets penetrated all the right areas. When you have breakouts, I know that you never want to feel like you are clogging your pores even more with the skin care products you are applying.
Eep! These results are after just 7 days, so I can’t wait to see the long-lasting results after using this for a longer period of time.
Skin Republic is committed to only providing nutrient-rich ingredients that nourish, rejuvenate and hydrate, helping you to maintain healthy-looking and glowing skin, and thanks to Skin Republic, I’ve been able to enter into my simplicity era, and now have more time for the things I love, I think it’s time you enter your simplicity era too.
Skin Republic’s tubes are made with 30% post-consumer recycled plastic and are dermatologist tested, clinically proven, no added parabens, vegan friendly, and not tested on animals and planting trees.
All products are available at Clicks stores or visit skinrepublic.co.za to shop.
