WD 631 NiveaQ10Power
FacialOil$24.99
2 DermalogicaC-12Pure
BrightSerum$145
3 TheOrdinaryRetinol
0.5%inSqualane$9.80
4 Medik8Bakuchiol
Peptides$87
5 IpsumBestSkin
NourishingFaceOil$48
6 InnisfreeBrightening
PoreSerum$58
7 OlayRegenerist
Retinol 24 Serum$59.99
8 Paula’sChoiceResist
Super-LightWrinkle
DefenseSPF 30 $39At-home
skincare
solutions
2
3
4
5
6
78
1
flaky skin, so it’s best to use
retinol every second day to
start with. Or you could try
a gentler plant-based
alternative, such as Bakuchiol,
which is better tolerated if your
skin tends to be reactive.
PRO TREATMENT
Light therapy
Broadband Light (BBL) uses
blasts of high-intensity light
to reduce melanin and
pigmentation, according
to Dr David Kosenko, vice
president of the Cosmetic
Physicians College of
Australia. “It can treat
everything from freckles
to birthmarks and
pigmentation,” says Dr
Kosenko. The after-effects of
BBL are a little like sunburn,
and the pigmentation may
initially get darker before
flaking off within several
weeks. Whichever treatment
you choose, you’ll need to
stay out of the sun and
wear an SPF to prevent
pigmentation reappearing.WRINKLE BUSTERS
Fine lines can be a sign of
dryness or dehydration, which
are not quite the same thing.
“Dehydrated skin shows in the
form of wrinkles and crepey
skin, while dry skin is scaly
and cracked,” says Sydney
dermatologist Dr Nina Wines.
SKINCARE SOLUTION
Moisture boost
Dehydrated skin is thirsty, so
reach for a serum or lotion that
contains hyaluronic acid (it
can hold a whopping 1000
times its own weight in water)
to instantly boost hydration
levels. If dryness is the issue,
you’ll need to “seal in” the
added moisture with an
oil-based lotion or facial oil to
prevent water escaping from
your skin. Retinol, again, is still
one of the best wrinkle-fightingingredients around. It tricks
your cells into thinking they’re
younger so they turn over
faster for brighter skin.
PRO TREATMENT
Plump it up
Dr Naomi McCullum, board
member of the Cosmetic
Physicians College of
Australasia, recommends
fighting fine lines with skin
boosters (micro drops of filler
placed under the surface of the
skin). Microneedling is most
effective when combined with
fractional radio frequency,
which adds heat under the
surface of the skin to enhance
collagen stimulation.SHRINK THOSE PORES
According to Emma, the size
of your pores is directly related
to your skin type – oily skin
tends to have larger pores
because the oil flow is more
active, while dry skin has
smaller, less visible pores.
SKIN CARE SOLUTION
Deep clean
Dr Wines explains that
pollution can cause pores to
appear larger, so a thorough
cleanse to remove dirt and
grime is the first port of call.
Emma says it’s also worthinvesting in pore-constricting
products that can easily be
added to your regular
cleansing and exfoliating
routine. “The most effective
treatment is to use a good
pore-reducing toner or serum
that contains astringent
pore-tightening plant
ingredients, such as wild rose
berries, vitamin B-3
(niacinamide), witch-hazel
and green tea, as these reduce
the quantity of oil produced,”
she explains.
PRO TREATMENT
Turn up the heat
Although this isn’t their
primary purpose, professional
heat-based thermal
treatments, such as
radiofrequency laser and
Thermage, can help reduce
pore size because, by triggering
collagen production, there’s
a general tightening effect
on skin. “Laser treatments
are extremely effective at
improving skin texture and
tone,” says Dr McCullum, who
also recommends considering
a professional peel. Just
remember to stay out of the
sun after a professional
treatment to avoid undoing
any of those gained benefits
and any further damage.