4 skin lessons from a celebrity facialist
Expert secrets for your best skin ever
When it comes to skin, facialists know what they’re talking about. They’ve seen every skin concern under the sun and heard every complaint when it comes to our never-ending struggle with achieving a glowing complexion. To get the expert know-how on how to take better care of our skin and reap the radiant rewards, we asked Sydney facialist Melanie Grant to share her top tips.
1
Treat skin from within
“There are many factors that can affect our skin, especially as we age. These include diet, lifestyle, stress and hormonal changes,” says Grant. It’s important to keep in mind that no amount of skin care and in-salon treatments will work unless you address these skin stressors.
2
Wear sunscreen every day
It really is that simple, says Grant. “Your skin’s primary job is to protect you, but you also have to look after your skin by giving it the right protection.” Make sunscreen a part of your everyday regimen by choosing a day cream or moisturiser with a built-in SPF, and layer it over an antioxidant-based serum. We love Dr. LeWinn’s Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 30+. “Sun damage not only contributes to hyperpigmentation, it can also break down collagen, resulting in lines, wrinkles, skin laxity, large pores and redness,” says Grant. “I never leave the house without applying sunscreen to my face, neck and décolletage. Formulations have come a long way in recent years so you don’t have to worry about products causing breakouts or congestion.”
3
Try light therapy
Suitable for most skin types and textures, Grant says that over a course of treatments, light therapy, an in-salon treatment that involves using a bright LED light to increase collagen production, can result in firmer, plumper and smoother skin. “Also, along with the stimulation of increased blood and lymphatic flow, it helps to detox and de-puff your complexion.” But wait –there’s more. “It is also anti-inflammatory and promotes healing, so it’s a great treatment option for almost everyone, with no pain or downtime.”
4
Exfoliate your way to brightness
Forget those abrasive, harsh scrubs of the past: Grant recommends sloughing away dead skin cells by using a cleanser containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) in the evening (like Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Cleanser), or if you have sensitive skin, only use it every other night. “As we age, cell turnover slows down gradually, causing dullness and lack of lustre,” says Grant. “Incorporating this ingredient will help to achieve fresh, dewy-looking skin.”
Want to know what products Melanie Grant recommends you use every day and night? These are her insider picks for luminous skin.
For more skin care tips from InStyle, check out instylemag.com.au
Main image credit: Getty
Hayley has contributed to a range of online and print titles including InStyle and Gritty Pretty
