Skyn By Dr Kym's tips for your best carnival skin
Published:Sunday | March 31, 2024 | 12:09 AM
The April 7 Road March fast approaches. Enter Dr Kimberley Johnson, chief executive officer and medical director of Skyn By Dr Kym, with three simple tips for your best carnival 'skyn'.
1. Hydrate inside and out
a. Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to the road march to keep your body hydrated and your skin looking fresh, encourages Dr Johnson. "Once you have no known kidney or heart disease, a pinch of salt (not enough to taste), can be added to your water to increase absorption. Coconut water is also a great option because of the naturally occurring electrolytes that help to keep revellers hydrated whether in a fête or on the road," she told The Sunday Gleaner.
b. Moisturise your skin regularly with a hydrating lotion or cream to prevent dryness and maintain a healthy glow.
2. Protect your skin
a. Apply sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) 50 or higher to protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Carnival day is a marathon, not a sprint, as such reapplication is very important. "It is usually best to reapply the sunscreen throughout the day on both the body and the face," shared Dr Johnson.
And if you're worried about your make-up. Don't be. "Ladies, using a brush-on mineral sunscreen powder is a great option for reapplying sunscreen over your make-up looks. Sun protection is crucial!" Dr Johnson stressed.
b. Consider wearing protective but fashionable clothing, a cap, a bucket hat or a visor will help to shield your skin from the sun while still looking stylish.
3. Practise consistent skincare
a. Stick to your regular skincare routine leading up to the carnival to keep your skin clear and healthy.
b. Ensure to use vitamin C based products leading up to the day to help prevent hyperpigmentation (darkening from sunburn). Getting a quick dermaplaning treatment is a great option! This treatment smooths the skin with gentle, controlled exfoliation, creating that perfect base for your carnival make-up looks!
"Dermaplaning, done correctly by a medical professional, can be done up to the day before Carnival Road March," the Skyn by Dr Kym boss told The Sunday Gleaner. "The most important tip is to not apply any irritating products, such as retinol and chemical exfoliants to the face afterwards, especially if it's done so close to carnival. So, no products with fragrance; essential oils (for example tea tree or lemon oil); or denatured alcohols. No retinoids (retinol or tretinoin) and no chemical exfoliants (glycolic acid or lactic acid) after," said Dr Johnson.
c. Pack travel-sized skincare essentials like a spray SPF, hand sanitiser and even a facial spray to keep your skin clean and refreshed while on the road.