The A To Z Of Skincare – Part II

In the second of our three-piece skin series, MELANIE MORRIS tells us what we need to know to achieve?flawless and healthy skin.

HYALURONIC ACID Hyaluronic acid is a gel-like water-holding molecule that is the space filler and cushioning agent in the human body. It cushions joints and nerves, hydrates skin and hair, and fills the eye. It’s a natural ingredient?and is also widely available in capsules, skin creams and injectables because of the hydrophilic (water-loving) skin-plumping properties.

IPL Intense Pulse Light laser is a real hero treatment due to all that it can achieve. It can help erase sunspots and damage, zap thread veins from the surface of the skin, be used to remove hair, and alleviate acne.?A course is generally recommended, but results are usually instantly visible, and there’s very little downtime. If booking treatments, seek a referral and always be sure the machine is new, rather than having the equivalent of thousands of miles on the clock.

JO MALONE A fragrance superstar, Jo Malone started her career as a facialist before creating scented oils for her famous clients. The rest is history as demand for her blends grew and a business was born. Jo sold to Est?e Lauder in 2000 and now has a new fragrance business, Jo Loves, creating scents, oils, and candles in London.

LIP FILLERS Go easy here, people – too many women are getting way too carried away inflating lips with fillers. If you must plump your pout, think of it like adding salt to cooking – it’s much easier to add a bit more?than take?to take a bit out. Start with a tiny bit in the corners for a more youthful mouth, or inject Botox along the upper lip for a natural kick-out, but say no to added volume, or upper-lip bloat.

KOREAN TEN-STEP SKINCARE ROUTINE In Ireland, we feel we deserve high-fives if we cleanse (not using wipes) and moisturise. Over in the Far East, it’s not unusual to have at least ten different steps to the twice-daily routine, including cleansing, exfoliating, treating, intensely moisturising, SPF, etc. Lotions, multiple serums, primers, gels and creams all feature, and from an early age. Watch out for the push on this side of the Atlantic by skincare companies keen to load us up!