Beauty heroes guide

Learn what’s special about ingredients in your favourite products.

CLAY

Clay is found in many beauty products, but it’s predominantly included in acne-treating products to ease irritation. Don’t overuse it as it can dehydrate the skin, causing tightness and irritation. It’s great for clearing pores, preventing pimples, exfoliating and encouraging skin cell rejuvenation. Elizabeth Arden Superstart Probiotic Cleanser

Whip to Clay R430

TEA TREE

Tea tree is by far one of the most used natural skincare ingredients. It’s an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory essential oil and that’s why it’s typically used to treat mild breakouts, psoriasis and eczema. You can use it on its own or add to your skincare products such as cleansers, moisturisers and shampoo. Run a patch test before applying it on large areas as it can cause irritation and swelling if used in huge amounts. Corium Soothing Tea Tree Overnight Serum R120

EUCALYPTUS OIL

Another hard-working essential oil is eucalyptus oil. It’s also an inflammatory oil, much like tea tree. It helps with congestion and can also serve as an antiseptic. You can even use eucalyptus on insect bites, stings, burns, wounds and acne scars. It’s really good for treating skin infections, helping with respiratory issues and calming itchy skin. Cowshed Knackered Cow Relaxing Bath & Body Oil R399

GREEN TEA

Green tea is highly rated for its health benefits. This is why it’s become a beauty staple, both for topical use and ingestion. It’s packed with antioxidants, combats ageing, reduces redness and the appearance of fine lines. The Body Shop Soap Fuji Green Tea R51

SHEA BUTTER

Shea butter is a multipurpose ‘skin doctor’. It’s a rich butter, giving skin a youthful glow. Unrefined shea butter packs the best punch – it calms skin irritations and boosts collagen production. Savannah Shea Salt

Scrub R85

ZINC OXIDE

Originally used to heal wounds and burns, zinc oxide is also found in vitamin supplements, acne treatments and sunscreens. It can also shield skin against UVA and UVB rays, and works well to retain moisture. Dermalogica Super Sensitive Shield SPF30 R785

COCONUT OIL

This is the most popular oil of them all. It’s known for repairing chapped lips and dry skin, and has even shown to have a positive impact on eczema and psoriasis. Very little is needed for long-lasting hydration. Palmer’s Coconut Oil R69,95

SALICYLIC ACID

The backbone of breakout-treating products, salicylic acid effectively yet gently combats blemishes and pimples without extreme scrubbing. The passive exfoliation leads to boosted cell regeneration, which works at relieving signs of ageing. It may cause slight irritation on certain people, however it’s less aggressive as opposed to other peeling acids. Skin Ceuticals Blemish + Age Cleanser Gel R880