Clear skin 101: go makeup free and improve skin health with our expert tips
Who doesn't love a 'good skin' day? Those rare occasions when you can waltz around looking healthy and effortlessly fresh…with no artificial help! The right clarifying care ritual can do this for you. Doesn't matter where you sit on the gender spectrum, how old you are, or whether you have problem-free skin!
The recent rise of the natural makeup look had us asking our in-house aesthetic team for tips on how to get that fresh, youthful glow without resorting to photo filters or foundation. Find out how to unclog skin after wearing makeup, after a sweaty session in the gym or after long hours outdoors. However 'clear skin' looks to you, we'll help you get there!
Behind the clear skin trend
The catalyst for the clear, healthy skin trend seems to be the pandemic! Our skincare destination, theHOUSE, has seen an influx of clients who have tried a plethora of beauty products during lockdown. They all had the same complaint — not being able to achieve a glow that makes them feel confident enough to step out fresh faced or with minimal makeup.
Interest in the perfect men's skincare routine has also skyrocketed since lockdown. Our experts have noticed an increase in gents looking for new ways to optimise their skin regime. They're aware that great skin and health lead to a healthier lifestyle while preventing the signs of premature ageing.
The pandemic taught many of us to pay better attention to our mental and physical health. The clear skin trend is underpinned by a commitment to daily self-care via good nutrition, less stress, and an intuitive skin care regime (because 'clear' skin means different things to different people!).
Of course, internal health is just one element of healthy skin. Your complexion can be affected by genetic or extrinsic factors, so our team of aesthetic experts are stepping in with a gentle helping hand.
How to get clear skin: starting the journey to better health
The trick to healthy, clear skin is to keep things simple. A few well-chosen, clarifying products as part of a daily self-care routine should be enough to keep your complexion at its best if you have a normal skin type.
Unfortunately, skincare can often be trial and error; it may even take several (very expensive) months to get right. Worse yet, you might exacerbate underlying issues on your journey to better health — not ideal! So, why not cut straight to the perfect regime by enlisting the help of an expert?
We recommend starting strong by booking a consultation with an aesthetician.
Our expert aestheticians, Sunita and Gené, can give thorough assessments via virtual consultation. They make tailored product recommendations to help you optimise your at-home routine and will even give you tips on how to get the best out of your products!
"Clients don't always know what they want, but they recognise they have imperfections such as breakouts and uneven skin texture, and they want to remedy these issues," Sunita says. "The journey begins with identifying potential causes and helping to establish the right skin program for each individual.
"My clients find this process empowering. It builds confidence for them and allows them to feel comfortable going natural in the future."
Clear skin tips from the experts: products to promote skin health
Clear skin products, as recommended by our celebrity facialists and aestheticians, Sunita and Gené! Our clear skin edit is suitable for all skin types, ages, and genders. Mix and match to find your perfect regime!
Éminence Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser
Éminence probiotic cleanser is ideal for preventing breakouts and maintaining healthy skin. The organic, cruelty-free formulation contains almond milk and yoghurt to reduce the visible signs of problem skin without removing moisture.
"Choose a cleanser with probiotics and seaweed to help reduce blackheads and breakouts, while locking in that moisture," says Gené. If you like the idea of seaweed in your cleanser, you're going to love the next product…
Decree Light Cleanse
Decree skin care is known for being super easy to use. This light morning cleanser has a rosewater base and contains seaweed extract to effectively remove overnight oil build-up and congestion. Finish with your favourite hydrator for a fresh, plump, healthy look.
SkinCeuticals Equalizing Toner
This SkinCeuticals toner refreshes your skin while gently exfoliating dead cells. Its alcohol-free formulation is gentle on skin but still packs a protective punch against free radicals and pollution by helping to restore the skin's natural barrier. This is a great product to promote clear skin in both men and women — it's a gym bag essential!
"Use a toner for post-gym skincare", says Sunita. "Keep a bottle in your kit bag and use it to remove sweat and oils that can cause blockage. Even if you aren't showering immediately, give your skin a good wipe!"
Éminence Soothing Chamomile Tonique
Restore your skin's balance with a generous sweep of Éminence Soothing Chamomile Tonique. This gentle yet effective tonic is excellent as post-workout skincare and is even recommended to soothe the skin after a peel.
Éminence Organics skin care products are great for anyone wanting a more natural, organic approach to their product line-up. Soothing Chamomile Tonique is cruelty-free, and free from parabens, sulphates, synthetic dyes, phthalates, GMOs and more.
ZO Skin Health Complexion Renewal Pads
Available by consultation only, these ZO Skin Health oil control pads are a must-have product. They gently remove oils and rebalance the skin, preventing blocked pores and calming irritation.
"Oil pads are a great way to control oil production, comedone build-up, and can minimise pores. I recommend using them after a cleanser," says Sunita.
Heliocare 360 Oil-Free Gel SPF+
Everyone knows that sun protection is the secret to younger-looking skin. Luckily, Heliocare has you covered with their oil free SPF. Unlike other formulations, this super lightweight gel gives natural-looking foundation coverage with a soft matte finish.
This Heliocare SPF has a tinted formulation that blends beautifully and is non-comedogenic, so it won't block pores. Even better — it's vegan and offers UVA, UVB, visible light and infrared-A protection, plus oil control.
ZO Skin Health Sunscreen + Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
ZO Skin Health Sunscreen and Primer can be used alone or as a base for your new 'barely there' makeup routine. It has a natural melanin formula to protect the skin from UVA, UVB and high energy radiation. The sheer matte finish and delicate universal tint make this the perfect alternative to heavy makeup.
"Give your foundation a break and opt for tinted SPFs that act like foundations," says Gené. "They allow you to go makeup free more easily!"
Deep Pore Cleansing Facial
Are you ready to hit reset on your skin? The Deep Pore Cleansing Facial is a 75-minute treatment that uses cosmeceutical ingredients for maximum efficacy. Salicylic acids, natural fruit acids, and targeted prescribed non-comedogenic antioxidants work with steam extractions and a clay botanical mask to provide the ultimate cleanse.
"Initially, this facial helps bring the skin onto a level playing field and prepares it for the necessary next steps," says Sunita. "You have to clear it out to optimise the delivery of active skincare ingredients for quicker results."
LED Light Therapy
LED therapy is a great add-on treatment for anyone looking to target inflammation caused by stress, trauma or oil build-up. It also reduces potential bacterial problems which could lead to future breakouts. It only takes 20 minutes, so you can nip in on your lunch break!
When it comes to treatments, our experts recommend taking a long-term approach. Sunita says:
"One facial or LED treatment is not enough — congestion can be deep within the dermis. It may take cell turnover and LED therapy to penetrate the layers of the skin in combination with the maturation cycle of the cells."
Skincare is a journey, not a quick fix. No matter how you choose to care for your complexion, remember to be consistent, patient, and holistic in your approach.
Book your virtual skin consultation today, or head to the online shop to revamp your homecare routine with our must-have clear skin products.