Targeted Facial Treatments

A Part of the Face Care Essentials Series

A sleeping baby. Filed under the Newborn Essentials Checklist article.

Targeted facial treatments are the secret weapons in your skincare arsenal, designed to address specific skin concerns that general care products may not fully resolve. This section will guide you through the world of targeted treatments, from serums and masks to peels and retinoids. We’ll discuss their unique benefits, key ingredients, and how they can be incorporated into your routine to enhance your skin’s health and appearance. By understanding and utilising targeted facial treatments, you can effectively combat issues like acne, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and more.

Address specific facial skin concerns

1. Dark Circles: Lack of sleep can result in dark circles. Addressing dark circles involves using the right eye cream or serum to neutralise their appearance. For example, L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Eye Treatment, formulated with pro-retinol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid, reduces wrinkles, depuffs, and brightens the under-eyes.

2. Dark Spots: Sun damage and acne are common causes of dark spots¹. Consistency with your routine can help you get rid of them. Adding a dark spot corrector to your routine can help. For example, L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal 12% [Niacinamide + Amino Sulfonic + Ferulic Acid] Dark Spot Serum minimises the appearance of stubborn dark spots.

3. Eye Bags: Under-eye bags can be managed with a good under-eye treatment.

Facial beauty treatments have evolved significantly over the years, offering a myriad of options for those seeking to enhance their appearance, address skin concerns, or simply indulge in a bit of pampering. These treatments can be broadly categorised as non-invasive or invasive.

Non-invasive procedures don’t penetrate the skin and often offer immediate results. Examples include facials, chemical peels, and laser treatments. Invasive procedures involve techniques that require cutting, puncturing, or deeply penetrating the skin and typically require longer recovery times. Examples include Botox, microneedling, dermal fillers, facelifts, and rhinoplasty.

Remember, individual results and suitability vary, and consulting with a qualified healthcare professional is essential before undergoing any treatment.

Serums, spot treatments, and active ingredients

1. Serums:

Serums are typically water-based or gel-like textured products packed with concentrated ingredients that target a specific concern. They contain more potent concentrations of active ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide, and more. They are lighter than a moisturiser and deliver active ingredients to the skin quickly. Here are some recommended serums for different skin types:

  • For dry, acne-prone skin: Farmacy Honeymoon Glow AHA Resurfacing Night Serum, Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Serum, The INKEY List Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum.
  • For oily skin: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, Caudalie Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimizing Serum.
  • For combination skin: Glow Recipe Avocado Ceramide Redness Relief Serum, Tata Harper Resurfacing AHA + BHA Serum.
  • For sensitive skin: Mad Hippie Vitamin A Serum, Krave Beauty Great Barrier Relief.
  • For aging skin: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Combination Antioxidant Treatment, Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment.

2. Spot Treatments:

Spot treatments are products designed to target and treat blemishes or acne spots specifically. They work best on pustules (traditional pimples filled with pus)⁶. Here are some recommended spot treatments:

  • Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment Gel Cream: A salicylic acid treatment.
  • La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Spot Treatment: A benzoyl peroxide treatment.
  • Differin Gel Retinoid Treatment: A retinoid treatment.
  • Paula’s Choice BOOST: An azelaic acid treatment.

3. Active Ingredients:

Active ingredients are compounds or substances added to products to address specific skin issues. Here are some common active ingredients in skincare:

  • Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs): AHAs are a type of chemical exfoliant derived from plants that can help moisturise and hydrate your skin, stimulate collagen production, and exfoliate and smooth the skin’s surface.
  • Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs): BHAs are another chemical exfoliant. They’re oil-soluble and have anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Retinol: A popular skincare ingredient, retinol is a vitamin A derivative often used for anti-aging purposes.
  • Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a popular antioxidant skincare ingredient found in many different anti-aging, brightening, and wrinkle-reducing skincare products.
  • Niacinamide: Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is a gentle skincare ingredient that helps fortify your skin’s natural defences against environmental stressors and supports its repair process.

Remember, everyone’s skin is unique, and what works for one person might not work for another. It’s always a good idea to patch-test new products and consult with a dermatologist if you have any concerns.

Read the next article in the Face Care Essentials Series: Weekly Facial Treatments.