People & Lifestyle
Get a youthful appearance! The secret to the flawless skin
Achieving a flawless, youthful complexion requires an understanding of your skin, effort, and consistency. It is not something that happens overnight but involves weeks of discipline to achieve radiant, clear skin. It would help if you made significant changes to your eating and drinking habits, sleeping patterns, and overall lifestyle.
Moreover, you need an effective skincare regime with quality products without any harmful chemicals. Some brands will be better than others and when looking for products try to look for skincare brands like The Face Shop, 3CE, Innisfree, Laneige and Cosrx. While the sheer amount of skin-related must-haves is overwhelming, we have listed down a few fantastic products that deliver for almost everyone. The likes of tween skincare are cult favorites that you can find in nearly every skincare enthusiast’s cabinet.
Besides the primary products that make up the daily skincare routine, we have also mentioned the hero products, each targeting a specific skin issue. Hence, whether you want to treat dry skin, diminish fine lines, or reduce acne scars, you will find a respective product in our comprehensive list:
Cleansers
Before you go to bed, you should remove your makeup and the gunk and grime that accumulates on your face throughout the day. Double cleansing is an effective method to prepare a clean canvas for the rest of your skincare regime. It involves washing your face twice, once with an oil-based cleanser that breaks down your makeup and removes the sebum, and then with a water-based cleaner for a deep-cleanse to unclog the pores. Use gentle, non-irritating cleansers that do not strip off excess moisture, leaving your skin feeling dry and tight. We recommend:
- Clinique Take the Day off Cleansing Balm
- No7 Radiant Results Nourishing Micellar Cleansing Oil
- Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
- CeraVe Foaming Cleanser
Toners
The jury is still pending regarding the necessity of the toners. However, the right kind of toners with beneficial ingredients can elevate the rest of the skincare regime’s efficacy. Look out for ingredients such as AHAs and BHAs, Hyaluronic acids or Glycerin, and Vitamin C, for exfoliation, hydration, and anti-aging, respectively. Conversely, alcohol-laced astringents can cause more harm, as they leave the skin excessively dry. We recommend:
- Exuviance Soothing Toning Lotion for sensitive skin
- Versed Baby Cheeks Hydrating Milk Toner for dry skin
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution Acne Toner for acne-prone skin
- Mario Badescu Witch Hazel and Rosewater Toner oil skin
- Augustinus Bader the Essence Exfoliating Toner for combination skin
Serums
Serums are tasked with providing targeted treatments to your skin. They are lightweight products enriched with a high concentration of active ingredients that quickly absorb into your skin. The serums you choose to include in your daily day-and-night routine depend on the skin conditions you want to alleviate. In general, face serums can be divided into the following categories:
Skin-brightening serums brimming with potent antioxidants, such as Vitamin C and lactic acid, help diminish dark spots, refine skin texture, and impart a radiant complexion. You can get the most benefit by incorporating it in your morning regime to protect your skin against pollution and UV light.
Acne-fighting ones often contain salicylic acid or glycolic acid to assist in unclogging pores and accelerating cell turnover. Components like niacinamide are also useful for reducing redness and hyperpigmentation associated with acne scars.
Antioxidant serums protect your skin against free radicals, which unstable molecular fragments generated by air pollution and UV rays. These can damage your skin and accelerate the aging process. Antioxidant serums can have ingredients including Vitamin C in the form of L-ascorbic acid, ferulic acid, retinoids, vitamin E, and niacinamide. They are most effective when applied during the daytime.
Hydrating products typically contain hyaluronic acid, which physically binds the water to your skin for a more youthful, dewier, and plumper look. It can also temporarily minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a smoother makeup application. When it comes to fighting aging signs and symptoms, natural products should always be your go-to. Greener and cleaner ingredients are not only nourishing for your skin but are also packed with vitamins and hydrating minerals. For instance, chamomile serums are known to function as antimicrobial, antiallergic as well as, organic goat milk soaps which are another amazing nourishing source. Goat milk contains vitamin A and E which are anti-aging and discoloration, and delay signs of aging, and leave it glowing.
Anti-aging serums enhance skin renewal and collagen production to combat fine lines, wrinkles, and dehydration and improve texture and skin tone. Ingredients such as retinol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C are the most efficient. Integrate retinol products in the nighttime routine since it makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight. You should ideally use it only once or twice a week, in the beginning, to ensure that your skin does not react to it. We recommend:
- Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Treatment with Benzoyl Peroxide
- Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Serum
- SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
- iS Clinical Hydra Cool Serum
- The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
- Drunk Elephant T.L.C Framboos Glycolic Night Serum
Eye creams
The skin around your eyes is highly impressionable, thin, and delicate compared to the rest of your body. Therefore, you need an eye cream specifically formulated to be gentle and non-irritating without compromising its effectiveness. The key characteristics of a good eye cream are hydration, anti-aging, de-puffing, and brightening. We recommend:
- RoC Skincare Retinol Correxion Eye Cream
- Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Crème
- SkinCeuticals A.G.E Eye Complex
Moisturizers
You do not need moisturizer only during the winters but also during the warmer months. Your moisturizer’s core purpose is to hydrate your skin, which leads to a wide array of benefits. When your skin’s moisture barrier is enhanced, it makes your skin look smoother and more youthful. It also improves the overall texture and makes your skin increasingly resilient against damage and irritation. Therefore, incorporate a moisturizer, as the final step of your skincare, during the day and night. We recommend:
- Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Gel
- La Mer Crème de la Mer
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is an imperative constituent in your skincare journey, as it protects your skin against early aging and reduces the risk of skin cancer. Whether you plan to leave the house or the weather is cloudy, you must wear sunscreen every day. We recommend
People & Lifestyle
DFMI Business Lab announces filmmaking-participants from across Africa
After receiving a record number of applications for the third edition of the DFMI Business Lab, the Durban FilmMart Institute is pleased to announce 35 participants from 22 countries across the continent.
The selected participants will undergo a 12-week online business development programme aimed at nurturing and empowering producers with the necessary skills to effectively engage in a global market.
“The Lab is now in its third year. We would like to thank DW Akademie for their continued investment into capacity-building on the African continent,” says Magdalene Reddy, director of DFMI. “In addition to providing filmmakers with the expertise to expand their film career, the lab has created a sense of community between the producers inviting them into a peer-to-peer support system where they are free to share opportunities and learnings as they engage in the film industry.”
The Lab will focus on modules such as Financial management, Business management, Intellectual Property and Entertainment Law, Distribution, and coproduction led by film and creative industry professionals from Burkina Faso, Canada, France, Kenya, South Africa, and the USA.
DFMI Business Lab participants:
Abdifatah Abdi (Somalia)
Boi Beatrice Kenneh (Sierra Leone)
Boris Fredy Agblo (Benin)
Chelsea Art (South Africa)
Doreen R. Kilimbe (Tanzania)
Duwayne Murphy (South Africa)
Emil Garuba (Nigeria)
Faith Riyano (Zimbabwe)
Faye Binetou (Senegal)
François Maree (South Africa)
Ghislaine Kanga (Ivory Coast)
Gopalen Parthiben Chellapermal (Mauritius)
Habtamu Mekonen (Ethiopia)
Ian Tarimo (Tanzania)
Ibtissem Labidi (Tunisia)
Khangelani Mtyhalela (South Africa)
Khanyisile Zondi (South Africa)
Lauren Scholtz (South Africa)
Limbani Maxwell Teputepu (Malawi)
Madelize De Lange (South Africa)
Manar El-Zohery (Egypt)
Muhammad Taymour (Egypt)
Muhannad Lamin (Libya)
Naseeba Bagalaaliwo (Uganda)
Ndumiso Gumede (South Africa)
Nduruka Njoroge (Kenya)
Omoyefe Majoroh (Nigeria)
Oueslati Ager (Algeria)
Oularé Momo (Guinea)
Paul Wilo (Zambia)
Pingdewinde Tiemtore (Burkina Faso)
Rugare Ponde (Zimbabwe)
Sally Ngoiri (Kenya)
Timilehin Adewoye (Nigeria)
Zineb Chafchaouni Moussaoui (Morocco)
The programme is presented in partnership with DW Akademie and supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. The online programme will commence in October 2023.
The Durban FilmMart Institute receives principal funding from the Durban Film Office and the eThekwini Municipality.
People & Lifestyle
Prof. Douglas Boateng-chaired institutions shine at CEO Awards and CIMG Awards
Two institutions under the leadership of Professor Douglas Boateng, the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) and Labadi Beach Hotel, celebrated significant wins at the second edition of the Ghana CEO Vision & Awards ceremony, CIMG Awards and HR Focus Awards 2023.
Edward Nana Yaw Koranteng, CEO of MIIF, proudly received the prestigious ‘CEO of the Year’ award in the Minerals category, while David Attu Eduaful, the Managing Director of Labadi Beach Hotel, was honoured with the ‘Excellence in Leadership’ accolade at the Ghana CEO Vision & Awards for skillfully navigating the hospitality giant beyond the challenges of the pandemic.
Labadi Beach Hotel had earlier won the Best HR Management in Hospitality at the HR Focus Awards 2023 and also recently won the CIMG Hospitality Facility of the Year.
Prof. Boateng, speaking about the awards, stressed the importance of good corporate governance. He believed that winning these awards was proof that following ethical and responsible business practices could lead to remarkable success. “These awards are a testament to the power of proper corporate governance and the remarkable outcomes it can achieve,” he said.
Prof. Boateng added that when he was given the mandate the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta and President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo reminded him that MIIF, especially, was a Ghana and a generational project and not a political party project. To this end, he explained that, there was going to be minimal interference and they have lived up to their promise.
“It is for this reason why we have managed to create the fastest growing sectorial sovereign fund within record time. I am proud of the work we have done so far and I extend a hearty congratulations to the executive management and the other board members of the fund. We shall continue to do what is in the best interest of Ghana and Ghanaians,” he said.
He also went further to laud Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) and its Director General, Dr. John Ofori Tenkorang and board chair, Elizabeth Ohene, for empowering the board of Labadi Beach Hotel to function with minimal interference. “This is how institutions are best run. When they are allowed to function properly with good boards and corporate governance principles, they flourish,” he said.
Mineral Rich
MIIF was established as Ghana’s minerals sovereign fund, with the aim of strategically leveraging the mining sector’s value creation potential for sustainable national development.
Under the tutelage of Prof. Boateng as Chairman and Mr. Koranteng as CEO, MIIF has defied global economic challenges, experiencing rapid growth in just 18 months. Starting at approximately US$125 million in October 2021, when they were appointed, MIIF’s Assets Under Management (AUM) are projected to surpass US$1 billion by January 2024, making it one of the world’s fastest-growing specialized funds during this period.
Prof. Boateng re-emphasized Ghana’s historical significance in West African mining, with the country currently being the leading gold producer on the continent. However, the mining industry had not fully realized its potential to deliver long-term prosperity and opportunities until now.
He was optimistic about the future as MIIF recently announced a US$32.9 million capital investment in Ghana’s first-ever lithium mine, Atlantic Lithium, signalling its commitment to the mining sector’s growth and diversification.
Additionally, MIIF is considering a GH¢300 million investment in the Ada-Songor Salt project operated by Electrochem Ghana Limited, a subsidiary of the McDan Group of Companies, with the potential to become the continent’s largest salt industrial complex.
Labadi Beach Hotel’s resilience and success
Under the guidance of Professor Boateng, Labadi Beach Hotel has continued to thrive despite economic challenges. Earlier this year, the hotel, a key player in the hospitality industry, presented a GH¢10 million dividend to its sole shareholder, the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), for the year 2021. It is projected that the hotel shall declare another dividend to the shareholder.
This remarkable achievement followed the unprecedented challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and served as another reason to celebrate Labadi Beach Hotel’s 42-year legacy of providing top-quality services to guests and contributing significantly to Ghana’s tourism sector.
The hotel’s growth is evident, having expanded from its original 104 rooms to now offering 164 rooms, including 2 Presidential Suites, 4 Executive Suites, 4 Superior Suites, 5 Bars, 2 restaurants, and a 900-seater multi-purpose conference and banqueting facilities. The facility also boasts a spa, well-equipped gym, lagoon for fishing, and two luxurious leisure and lap pools set in a tropical landscaped garden overlooking the natural Maale Lagoon.
Prof. Boateng highlighted the significance of Mr. Eduaful’s role as the first indigenous General Manager for the hotel, emphasising, “This demonstrates the potential for success in companies led by Ghanaians and sets an example for other institutions to achieve similar heights.”
Professor Douglas Boateng
Professor Douglas Boateng, Africa’s pioneering Professor Extraordinaire for supply and value chain management at SBL UNISA, is a globally acclaimed expert in procurement, governance, logistics, and industrial engineering within the context of supply and value chain management. Holding numerous qualifications, including a Doctor of Engineering from Warwick and various fellowships from prestigious institutions in the UK and South Africa, he has made remarkable contributions to both academia and the industrial advancement of supply chain management on local and international fronts.
Notably, he received the Platinum Life Time Global Achievers Award in 2016 and a Life Time Achievers Award in 2013 from the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply. Professor Boateng’s expertise in industrial engineering, procurement, and supply chain management in developing countries earned him a Life Time Achievers Award from CEO Titans Building Nations in 2016. He is widely recognized for his pivotal role in promoting strategic sourcing’s significance in Africa’s long-term industrialization and socio-economic development.
Furthermore, Professor Boateng has been an elected member of the UK’s Institute of Directors for over two decades, lending his expertise in board-level decision-making, accountability, and governance to both local and international organizations and CEOs.