If you live in Gauteng, you know the struggle. The air is dry, the altitude is high, and our skin pays the price. That tight, flaky, and dehydrated feeling is what we call the "Highveld Skin-pocalypse." While the coast worries about humidity, our challenge is keeping moisture in. Here's your guide to glowing skin, 1,700 meters above sea level.
Internal: You need to drink more water than you think. The dry air causes faster transepidermal water loss. External: Your skin needs topical hydration. Look for products with Hyaluronic Acid, a molecule that holds 1000x its weight in water, and Glycerin.
Those sudsy, foaming cleansers can feel "squeaky clean," but they are often stripping your skin of its natural oils (its "barrier"). In the Highveld, your skin barrier is your first line of defence. Switch to a gentle cream, milk, or oil-based cleanser that cleans without stripping.
Moisturise: After hydrating with serums, you need a moisturiser with Ceramides. Ceramides are lipids (fats) that are naturally found in your skin and help form its protective barrier. Seal: This is the most-missed step. At night, seal all that moisture in with a "facial oil" or a thicker "occlusive" balm. This creates a physical barrier to prevent moisture from evaporating while you sleep.
You can do a lot at home, but a professional esthetician can supercharge your results. Book a treatment specifically for hydration. Look for services like: Hydrating Facials: These often use professional-grade hyaluronic masks and steam to infuse moisture. Chemical Peels (light): Don't be scared! A light peel (like a Lactic Acid peel) can slough off the top layer of dead, dry skin, allowing your hydrating products to penetrate deeper. Dermaplaning: This treatment removes "peach fuzz" and the top layer of dead skin, leaving you with a baby-smooth, glowing canvas.
Don't trust just anyone with your face. Search for "Facials" or "Skincare" in the "Services" tab. Filter by your area (e.g., "Pretoria," "Sandton"). Read the service descriptions carefully to see what they offer. Check their Verified Reviews to see if other clients with dry skin had good results. Ready to fight the dry air?
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