Skincare does not need to be this never-ending list to get through every morning and every night in front of the mirror in your bathroom. Fundamentals Skincare, a South African born skincare company, believes in multi-functional skincare and therefore have products that provide your skin with more than one benefit offering you less time in front of the mirror and less products to spend money on.
Natasha Davel from Fundamentals Skincare said, “There really are only five products that you need in your skincare routine. You can easily build your perfect skincare routine if you know your skin type and concerns.
Product 1:
A multi-peptide eye cream. This is a product that is sometimes looked upon as not a necessity. This is indeed the exact opposite. The skin under our eyes is some of the most delicate and thinnest skin on our bodies, so it’s one of the first places we show signs of fatigue and ageing. Having an under eye cream or eye mask on hand and using it for a few minutes can instantly revive this area. All you have to do is apply it under your eyes and let it get to work either overnight or during the day, whatever you prefer. It’s also a must-have travel item for the holiday season especially when on flights and long distance travel.
Product 2:
Retinoids, which are a derivative of vitamin A, can promote skin cell turnover; improve pigmentation; minimise the clogging of pores; and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, “Their efficacy is well-supported by decades of research, so if you’re looking for something that will deliver real results, this is it,” said Davel.
Retinoids should start to be included in skincare routines after age 25 or 30. Retinoids can have side effects like redness, dryness, irritation, and peeling, therefore if you have sensitive skin start with retinol. And, of course, people using retinoids should always wear sunscreen as it makes the skin more sensitive.
Product 3:
A topical antioxidant. Topical antioxidants can help protect against the damage caused by free radicals, which are harmful molecules that are generated by the sun’s UV rays. Free radicals can damage DNA, which can lead to skin cancer and other skin conditions, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol is a type of antioxidant, but there are several others with notable benefits.
“Fundamentals have a great vitamin C range which is also recommended, especially if you’re looking to manage fine lines, wrinkles, or pigmented spots,” explained Davel.
Product 4:
Sunscreen. We all know this is an undeniable product to use every single day. A broad-spectrum, UVA and UVB, SPF50+ sunscreen is a necessity. Your skincare vanity should be stocked with several different kinds of sunscreens that can be used for different weathers, and during the different seasons of your skin. Explore chemical and mineral sunscreens and keep both to swap between.
Mineral sunscreens (which contain ingredients like zinc and titanium) create a barrier between the skin and the sun, bouncing UV light off of the skin. Chemical sunscreens (which include ingredients like avobenzone) absorb it like a sponge. Some research suggests the blue light that’s emitted from our screens can cause hyperpigmentation of the skin. If you have a lot of dark spots or you spend a lot of time in front of screens, consider using a tinted sunscreen, as the ferric oxide in tinted sunscreen is protective against hyperpigmentation, as well as the visible light emitted from our screens.
Product 5:
A hydrating cleanser. Looking after your skin and applying all the above products to the skin is great, but you need an effective and hydrating cleanser that removes the dirt and build-up on your skin night and day that also does not strip your skin and damage your skin barrier.
Having a cleanser, whether foam, gel or cream with hyaluronic acid, ceramides and salicylic acid will significantly benefit your skin and its appearance all year round.
“Skincare is increasingly becoming something that people are starting to include into their monthly budget planning due to itsnotable price tags. Fundamentals Skincare is an affordable, quality brand that is dermatologically tested and approved, easily accessible and well formulated, multi-functional products that have all the products you need that are also worth your money,” concluded Natasha.