The Ultimate Guide to South African Skin

South Africa has one of the most unique environments in the world, from some of the highest UV exposure to dry like droe wors in the Highveld to humid costal climates, salt in the air. South African skin is also diverse, ranging in tones, textures and concerns that is different from other areas in the world. So lets break it down. 

Sun Exposure & Premature Aging on South African Skin 

We've all done it, on a cold winters day, we have curled in a patch of sun like a cat and basked. Because if there is one thing South Africa is known for, it is the sun, our bright delicious, happy making sun. The downside to this is that we have year round UV exposure and yes, when we bask in the sun in winter, UV is still soaking into our skin causing photoaging, collagen degradation, fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation issues. 

To help support South African Skin, we have created ACTA Renew Fluid which contains Bakuchiol and Hexapaptides to support smoother, firmer skin while assisting with the appearance of uneven skin tone while signaling for increased collagen production to combat not only sun damage but assist with anti-aging for South African skin. 

Why Hyperpigmentation is so common in South Africa

Not only is this a big topic but this affects South Africa Skin like little else. Being in the Skincare industry, many of our enquiries are about hyperpigmentation, blemishes and dark marks. South African skin, as I mentioned before, is exposed to high UV but there are other causes. Acne is another: Post-inflammatory pigmentation from Acne and other skin damaging effects can cause skin to darken where we don't want it to. On melanin rich skin, this is especially common and a concern for many people. One of the markers we judge healthy skin, is skin tone and uneven skin caused by hyperpigmentation. 

It is for this reason that we adore Niacinamide and Azelaic Acid. Not only do they target hyperpigmentation but they are both effective in skin renewal, brightening and radiance and targeting hyperpigmentation. And with the ACTA Clarify Elixir with 10% Niacinamide and 4% Azelaic Acid, this is a powerful skin clarifying serum to target these concerns. 

Challenges of South African Winters on Skin 

This is especially relevant if you are living up on the Highveld or in the more arid areas of this beautiful country. With low humidity, those heaters drying out the air, the wind pelting us until we have bird nest hair, we experience transepidermal waterloss which contributes to tight and dull skin. Our skin is calling out for moisture, barrier protection from the dry winters, dehydrated South African Skin. 

Harnessing the power of Tremella, Hyaluronic Acid and Squalane, the ACTA Hydrate Elixir is light and effective enough to use morning and night, or even throughout the day. If you're sitting in one of those corporate offices with an aircon tuning your face all day long, get the ACTA Hydrate Elixir. 

Why Your Skin Barrier Matters

When I was younger, we used little alcohol pads morning, night or whenever to mattify our skin. When I think about it now, I cringe, my poor skin barrier. Gone are the days where we strip our skin barrier, now we do everything we can to protect and bolster it. And sometimes it needs help, it takes a beating daily: UV Exposure, Environmental Stress, Pollution, over Exfoliation. These all take its toll on your skins barrier. Depending on where you live, you are more or less exposed to pollution. For us city dwellers, it is heccies and if your gorgeous South African Skin is sensitive or needs Barrier Protection or Repair, the ACTA Vitality Serum and Feel (Good) Skin Hydrating Mist are excellent weapons to keep in your arsenal. 

Understanding South Africa's Skin Types 

In South Africa, we truly have representative skin types, from fair skin, to olive to deeply melanated skin and while they are all different, there are things they all have in common, they need barrier support, hydration and an SPF. ACTA has your answer to Hydration with the Hydrate Elixir and Barrier Support with the Vitality Elixir. 

ACTA has been formulated for South African skin, to combat local conditions, South African climate, consumers and skin conditions. Along with Feel (Good) Skin and Clear. Skin, we have all your solutions in house.