With a plethora of skincare products available on the market
today, how do you know you’re using the right products? How do you know what
your skin type is? Hopefully this post is useful for you!
The importance of skincare is often understated, especially when our
skin is the largest organ in the body, and the skin on our face is particularly
delicate. Our skin is important for every day functions like heat regulation,
absorbing vitamin D and UV rays, protecting us from harmful bacteria and germs, and
secreting any waste products from sweat and sebum.
Many people mistake some skin conditions as skin types, but
there are only 4 skin types, with characteristics you should easily see in a
magnified mirror and a good light. Your
skin type is genetic, and you are born with it.
Oily Skin
Probably the most common skin type in this day and age. The
most obvious characteristic is having skin that has a shine to it, or an
apparent oily layer. Usually people with oily skin are prone to blemishes,
blackheads and acne, and have enlarged or open pores. Sometimes people with
oily skin appear quite sallow too. But, you’ll be glad to know, if you have
oily skin, you’re more likely to tan easier, and your skin doesn’t show the effect
of ageing as much as other skin types, due to the sebum layer on your skin!
Dry Skin
The complete opposite to oily skin; dry skin is often flaky
in appearance and feels tight or harsh, sometimes with uneven texture. It can
appear tired and dull, and pores are retracted or small. People with dry skin
don’t usually find themselves with many blackheads or impurities, but are more
prone to sensitivities on the skin. Dry skin often ages quicker as fine lines
show more, so the importance of a good moisturiser is a must.
Normal Skin
This skin type is rarely seen in this day and age, but it’s
characterised as having a good balance of moisture and oil, with no blemishes
and no enlarged pores. Skin appears smooth and supple, with good circulation and
colour.
Combination Skin
Combination skin is usually seen with an oily T-zone, and
either normal or dry skin on the cheeks. Spots and acne can appear in certain
places, such as around the nose and forehead. This skin type is more common on
younger skin.
Anything else labelled on a skincare products other than
these 4 skin types, are aimed at “skin conditions”, which doesn’t always mean a
medical condition. A skin condition, is just something that appears on your
skin. This can include sensitivities, dehydration, blemishes, broken capillaries,
comedones/blackheads, scar tissues, flaking dry patches, crows feet, dark
pigmentation, open pores and excess hair. Your skin condition is affected by
different things. This can be anything from hormones, ethnicity, genetics, sun
damage, stress, allergies, humidity, weather, ageing, medication and more.
So, an example would be if you have oily skin, with prominent
blemishes and acne; it’s important to get a product aimed at those issues.
Equally if you have dry skin, with sensitive patches, get a product aimed at those
areas.
Skincare Routine
A good skincare routine includes a cleanser, toner and
moisturiser every day, with exfoliation once or twice a week. It’s always best
to use an actual cleanser that penetrates the pores, rather than wipes or
micellar water by themselves, particularly if you wear makeup.
Cleanse
Gel, foam, clay and power cleansers are all best for oily
skin as they’re more penetrating for removing excess oil. Micellar, cream and milk
cleansers are best for dry skin as they’re more moisturising. Oil cleansers are
best for most skin types. You’ll find most products are aimed at oily, dry and combination
skin as these are the most common.
Tone
Toners are often left out of the process, but they are worth
adding into your routine. When using the correct toner for your skin type, they
are very beneficial. A toner for oily skin helps shrink your pores, and
detoxify the impurities causing pimples and blackheads. A toner aimed at dry
skin can be deeply nourishing and hydrating.
Moisturise
Once you’ve blotted your face after toning, apply a good
quality moisturiser, again aimed at your skin type. If you have oily skin, look
for the ingredient Dimethicone, which helps mattify your skin; and look for properties
that fight blackheads and acne like Retinoids and Salicylic acid. It’s usually
best to use light gels and lotions rather than heavy creams. If you have dry
skin, look for the ingredients Hyaluronic acid, which increases skin hydration,
and Glycerin which helps retain moisture. It’s best to use thicker lotions and
moisturisers for dry skin. For combination skin, you can use a mix of products
to find what works best for your own skin.
Exfoliate
Exfoliation is also often missed out, but can be very
important for improving your skin condition. It helps to improve cell renewal, blood circulation, skin colour and the absorption of nutrients. You should do this at least once a week, before you moisturise. There are 2 types of exfoliants.
Mechanical or physical exolfiants, usually come in the form of a brush/sponge
or have substrate inside the product to create abrasion, like oatmeal, sugar,
pips and seeds or shells. These exfoliants are best used less often for your
face, as when over used, cause irritation. Chemical exfoliants include Alpha
Hydroxy Acid (AHA’s) and Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA’s), which promote skin renewal.
These often include Retinol and enzymes.
Now it’s important to note that your skin completely renews roughly
every 3-4 weeks as your lower layer of skin in your dermis breaks down and
moves to the upper layer of your epidermis. So, it can take up to 4 weeks to
see improvement in your skin condition.
Facials
Another thing to add into your skincare routine, which is
currently more popular in the US, is regular facials at your local salon.
Having facials every 4-5 weeks can improve not only your skin condition, but
your circulation and the effects from ageing. Your beauty therapist will give
you a skin analysis, telling you the exact skin type you have, the current
conditions, and what they can do; and even better what you can do at home to
improve it. Over recent years, facials are becoming more popular in the UK.
