5 Skincare products that are worth the splurge

Yes, you need a good face wash, but, do you have to spend a fortune to find one? While there are certain products that will always be a good investment, your budget will thank you once you learn which ones you can get away with spending less on – and, which are really worth the splurge. Let’s dive in and see what Sorbet educator, Carmen Dantu, has to say.

Always, always sunscreen

Once you learn that unprotected sun exposure is the number one cause of premature ageing, contributing to 90 percent of all signs you’d like to delay, you’ll start taking sunscreen seriously. Dantu believes you should be applying a high sun protection factor (SPF) every single day. “You can be affected by UV rays even on cloudy days, so don’t let the weather fool you!”

Formulations have come a long way, so sunscreen doesn’t mean feeling sticky or having that ashy cast over your skin any more. The best sunscreen is always the one you actually wear, so find one you like and apply it as part of your morning routine.  

A good exfoliator

Just because your face wash contains a few micro-beads it doesn’t mean its exfoliating your face - or at least not in a way that’ll make a difference. “Proper exfoliation removes dead skin on the surface and uncovers fresh new cells. It’s very important as it helps subsequent skincare products penetrate more effectively,” says Dantu. 

Physical, scrub-type exfoliators can get the job done if they contain a high concentration of grains, but if you’ve got sensitive skin, opt for an exfoliating powder or a product containing a high concentration of alpha hydroxy acids that can dissolve the bonds that hold dead skin cells together.   

Moisturiser 

All skin types require a daily moisturiser so pick one with the texture you like best, provided it contains a mix of several hydrating ingredients - like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, shea butter and jojoba oil. Then, to get more bang for your buck, ensure it contains antioxidants like vitamin E or green tea. “Antioxidants have the power to neutralise free-radicals, the invisible molecules in the air that, if left unchecked, can break down healthy skin cells,” says Dantu. 

A targeted treatment

A targeted treatment addresses particular concerns like pigmentation, acne or wrinkles. One of the easiest ways to add one to your routine is via a serum that you can layer under your moisturiser. A good skincare therapist can help you choose something containing the ingredients that’ll be most effective in treating your concern. 

For example, if your focus is preventing wrinkles, Dantu suggests you look out for treatments containing retinol and vitamin C as they’re proven to stimulate the growth of collagen. “Both actives are good multi-taskers as they’re also antioxidants and can minimise the look of pigmentation,” she says.  

A lip balm with an SPF 

Sure, you’re applying sunscreen to your face, but what about your lips? “The skin on your lips is extremely thin making them even more prone to sun damage,” says Dantu. Apply lip balm with SPF regularly, to avoid the damaging properties of UV rays, re-applying it more frequently than the sunscreen you use on your body.” 

IMAGE CREDIT: 123rf.com