YOUR BEAUTY QUESTIONS ANSWERED

From ways to combat hyperpigmentation to knowing when your beauty products reach their expiration date, we answer all your beauty questions.

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No question about skincare is too silly. We’re here with the answers by Stefanie Titus-Petersen

HOW DO I COMBAT REDNESS, DARK MARKS AND HYPERPIGMENTATION?
Skin damage can cause redness due to inflammation triggered by acne, bites, cuts and burns, hair removal, ingrown hairs, harsh skincare products or scarring from psoriasis or other skin conditions. Dark spots occur on the face when the skin overproduces melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour. It can develop because of ageing, hormonal changes or exposure to the sun.

Hyperpigmentation (an excess in pigmentation) is not the only cause of dark spots, so it’s super important to speak to a doctor if you notice changes in the texture, colour and size of existing moles or dark spots. There are many skincare products that help fade dark spots. They include active ingredients, kojic acid, retinoids, chemical exfoliants, vitamin C and azelaic acid, which is why speaking to a dermatologist is important. Getting professional advice is essential to figuring out the proper approach to targeting hyperpigmentation.

WHY DOES MY FOUNDATION LOOK ORANGE?
Most undertones are either pink or yellow and will look different depending on your skin tone. If your foundation looks orange or peachy, it likely contains an undertone that doesn’t suit your skin tone. Yellow-toned skin layered with a foundation containing pink undertones will look orange. The same goes for neutral or pink-toned skin layered with foundation containing yellow undertones.

IS ‘CLEAN' OR ‘DERMATOLOGIST TESTED' BETTER FOR SENSITIVE SKIN?
Most of the time, yes, but every product reacts differently to different skin types and concerns. Some sensitive skin products may not work well for you, while some chemically preserved or complex formulas may be gentler than 'raw' ingredients because of their composition and how they interact with your skin.

Consult a professional to determine how to best start a new skin regimen, especially if you have skin concerns, or suffer from chronic flare-ups, sensitivity, acne, rosacea or hyperpigmentation. A simple and effective first step is to get product testers for a 24- or 48-hour patch test on your inner elbow – even after getting expert advice.

CAN A FACIAL MASSAGE ROLLER REALLY LIFT OR FIRM MY SKIN?
Jade rollers and guasha stones have been 4 around for centuries. Your fingers, however, are as nifty a tool as you can find – it’s about how you use them to apply creams and serums. Massaging the skin in gentle strokes that stimulate lymphatic drainage and increase circulation are the key to firming and lifting your skin. Applying products in a gentle upwards motion reduces puffiness. Avoid pushing and tugging at your skin, especially around the eye area.

HOW LONG DO MAKE-UP PRODUCTS LAST?
The most important tip is to mark the date on your products as soon as you open the package. Many products also have symbols showing their expiration. But tracking individual products can be a pain, but the best advice is to watch for changes in colour and consistency as you use it. When in doubt, throw it out! You might be able to get away with an expired lip product, but you should never risk it with eye products, like mascara and eyeliner, where infection and irritation is more likely to occur.

Is my make-up still okay?
Liquid foundation, cream blush, tinted moisturisers and concealers – expire after 6 or 12 months depending on the formula.

Powder foundation, dry shadow palettes and bronzers – last up to 2 years.

Lipstick – good for 1 to 2 years, and lip gloss – 6 months to 1 year.

Mascara – best to replace after 3 months of use.

Brow gel – best to dispose of after 6 months.

Pencil-style eyeliners, gel eyeliners and lip pencils – last up to 12 months.

Nail polish – regular nail polish lasts for 18 to 24 months on average; gel nail polish lasts for 24 to 36 months.

Images: Shutterstock, Freepik