Determining your skin type and the right skin care products for your skin type can be a tricky task as there are thousands of products on the market.
When it comes to finding out your skin type, the first thing you need to do is identify all of the problems you have with your skin and the conditions when ‘flare ups’ occur. This is because many external and internal elements can impact the way your skin looks and feels, such as climate, pollution, stress and your diet – recognising internal and external factors will help you to identify your skin type more accurately.
You need to rethink what ‘skin type’ means as the general categories of oily, dry, and combination skin are, although good basics, not the definite answer to your skin woes. Making a list and monitoring the effects of each factor over 3 months will help pinpoint your skin type. This is a lengthy process and can be cut short by booking into our clinic for a free consultation – but once you have identified your skin type and everything that affects it, you will be able to help your skin finally look and feel as normal as possible!
Different skin types require different product formulations, and it’s important to realise you may actually have a more than one skin type: sensitive and dry, oily and blemish-prone, sun damaged with acne. Some ingredients in skin care products can also worsen or even be creating the problems you’re trying to resolve! Some frequent ingredients that are responsible for causing irritation and found in all types of skin care products are: alcohol, menthol, thick emollients, pore-clogging waxes, fragrance, abrasive scrubbing agents, and drying cleansing agents.
Ultimately, your skin type is based on how much oil is produced in the follicles from the sebaceous glands, the amount of lipids found between cells and the sizes of the pores in the T-Zone and throughout the face
Here is a list of general skin type characteristics to get you started with finding out your skin type:
Normal
Normal skin type is the ideal skin type. The skin is neither oily nor dry, and appears smooth, clear and healthy. Normal skin has the right balance of moisture and oil, with good elasticity, minimally visible pores and even in tone. A facial we offer for normal skin types Orange Tea Massage Cream is perfect for normal skin types: it nourishes the skin with vitamins and botanicals recommended for all skin types and conditions. It also contains anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties and creates a sensory relaxation experience.
Dry
This skin type is very common. Dry skin doesn’t retain enough moisture, which causes the skin to wrinkle and fine lines to develop easily. The lack of oil makes the skin flaky fragile, and reduce its ability to act as a protective barrier. As a result, dry skin types are more susceptible to the effects of external elements. Tightness and small pores are another characteristic of this skin type. If flaky patches appear on your face every morning, afternoon and night, you’ve got dry skin. A good moisturizer with SPF protection should be worn on a daily basis. Using a gentle face wash and applying a night cream before going to bed will seal in moisture. For extra benefits to dry skin, try our Flower Enzyme skin peel. The fruit enzymes gently remove superficial dead skin cells whilst the flower extract contribute mild organic acids to gently stimulate and tone skin while providing antioxidant protection.
Oily
Oily skin types often affect people during adolescence. This skin type has large pores and produces too much oil, giving it a greasy, shiny appearance. People with an oily complexion are prone to lots of blemishes, pimples and blackheads. Oily skin often looks plump as dead cells do not shed as quickly. Cleansing the skin on a regular basis is a must, and using a toner to unclog pores and remove dead skin cells from the face will help reduce breakouts. An oil-free moisturiser can be applied to hydrate the skin. Oil build up may cause bacteria to thrive to the skin, due to moisture, and spots to form. We recommend our Salicylic acid 30% skin peel as it contains antiseptic properties and is used to treat oily, congested skin types. Cleanse your pores and balance your complexion with this effective chemical exfoliant.
Combination
This skin type often has both dry and oily areas; usually most oily in the Tzone – the forehead, nose and chin – and dry on the cheeks and around the eyes. Combination skin can be difficult to manage as the various areas require different treatment. Wash the skin daily with a good cleanser and use a toner on your t-zone to remove oil and dead skin. Finish by applying an oil-free moisturiser on the face, with particular focus on dry areas.
Sensitive
Sensitive skin is the most fragile. This skin type is often prone to irritation and redness, and people with sensitive skin tend to burn easily. Using hypoallergenic facial cleansers and lotions will avoid irritation and prevent redness associated with inflamed skin. Our Cucumber Gel Mask is highly recommended for sensitive or dehydrated skin as its naturally calming ingredients help reduces inflammation and decrease transepidermal water loss. For those of you with visible fine lines and wrinkles, this treatment may also be beneficial to you as it also relieves puffiness and helps to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
Glo therapeutics is a cutting edge skincare line that not only purifies the condition of the skin, but also actively promotes skin health and vitality. Utilising innovative technology and the latest developments in the industry’s science, their advanced formulations are created with potent concentrations of active ingredients to clinically transform the skin.
The best way to be sure of your skin type and the products most suitable for your skin is to book a free consultation with our skin care therapists. They will determine your skin type and the best skin care products to help your skin look and feel amazing. They will also advise you on the best skin care routine for your skin type and treatments that will help keep your complexion clear. Contact us
Dr. Mario Russo, plastic surgeon to the stars, is here this Friday! If you’re considering cosmetic surgery or would like more information on cosmetic surgery procedures; such as breast augmentation, then book your free consultation by calling 01708 225555
