Radiant, flawless skin

Lip service

The skin on your lips is thinner than anywhere else on your body, plus it doesn’t have any sebaceous glands to keep it soft and protected, which is why lips are prone to drying out and flaking. To keep yours smooth, exfoliate using a soft cloth to carefully remove flakes of skin, and then keep them protected using a hydrating lip balm. Choose a balm or gloss that contains a sunscreen, such as Labello Natural Volume SPF15 R32.

Body balm

As we begin to head into the drier season in many parts of the country, it becomes especially important to help your skin lock in its own internal moisture. One of the key ways of doing this is to help reinforce the skin’s natural protective outer layer. Body creams and lotions like Beaute Pacifique D-Force Vitalizing Body Crème R645 contain ingredients called emollients, which form a film over the skin, and humectants, which bind moisture into the skin. The best time to apply is directly after  bath or shower when your skin is still damp.

Armed forces

Many women complain about rough-textured skin on the tops of their arms. Dermatologists call this keratosis pilaris, and although it is harmless, it can cause annoying bumps, scaly areas and flaky patches. It can be controlled by using a mild, soap-free cleanser like Dermalogica Clearing Skin Wash 250ml R385, which contains salicylic acid to exfoliate, and by keeping the skin well moisturised. If it’s still bugging you, try exfoliating treatments like a gentle scrub, or doing a ‘facial’ on your upper arms. Or consider microdermabrasion or chemical peels to smooth out the skin.

Cool comfort

It’s much easier to see irritation and redness on a lighter complexion than on a darker one. However, all skins can fall victim to sensitivity from harsh treatment. Gentle care for your face starts with the right cleansing routine. Opt for a mild cleanser that respects the skin’s pH of 4.5 to 5.5, such as RoC Hydrating Make-Up Remover Milk R170, and avoid using rough granular scrubs as these can cause tiny abrasions on the surface.