I was thinking about what the first blog should be and it occurred to me that a general remark I get from people is "I don't know what skin type I have". So let's begin there.
It can be very easy to get your skin type and skin condition mixed up. There are four skin types excluding normal/young skin which is perfectly plumped, smooth and supple, oil and moisture balanced and flawless. Probably what most of us strive to get again.
So which skin type are you?
Oily Skin
Oily skin can appear sallow and dull or shiny and hard with uneven texture and enlarged pores. It can be particularly oily on your T-zone, which is your forehead, nose and chin.
Comedones (blackheads) and papules (spots) are common due to the over production of sebum (oil) in the skin.
Dry Skin
Dry skin can appear pale and thin, with fine lines and no visible pores. It can feel and look tight especially straight after washing your face. If it's very dry, the skin can be flaky and there could be some broken capillaries.
Combination Skin
This is a combination of any two skin types. Generally combination skin is an oily T-zone but the cheeks could be dry or normal. This is a very common skin type.
Mature Skin
As we age the skin loses its firmness and elasticity resulting in fine lines and wrinkles. The skin can feel looser and thinner. Contours may be less defined. The skin can become dry due to sebum production slowing down. Small capillaries can become visible. Puffiness can occur around the eyes as the lymphatic system that takes away waste has slowed down.
Pigmentation can form in patches on the skin which is known as lentigo or chloasma.
No matter what skin type you have, basic skincare hygiene is essential and you really cannot get more basic then cleansing your face correctly and applying a SPF. I'm finding it hard leaving it at that as I want to add in anti-oxidants to fight free radical damage, Vitamin A for general skin health, probiotics for gut health and so on but I'll stop :)
For your basic skincare routine, here at Illuminated Skin we recommend the following products.
This is a mild cleansing gel for all skin types to gently and thoroughly cleanse the skin of make-up and impurities, while maintaining the skin's natural moisture balance. It is gentle enough to be used morning and night.
This dual action facial cloth features a smooth side for removing your cleansing products and make-up and a textured side for a gentle micro-exfoliation. It's soft enough not to drag on the skin. It's made from biodegradable and anti-bacterial fabric, it is hygienic, machine washable and quick drying. When it dries it becomes hard but as soon as warm water is applied it softens up again.
Moisturising Daily Defence SPF 50+
This daily moisturising sunscreen protects the skin from harmful and prematurely ageing UVA/UVB rays. Contains zinc oxide for broad spectrum physical protection, Hyaluronic Acid to increase skin hydration and help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Niacinamide a potent anti-oxidant, works to help prevent pigmentation and promote elasticity. Apply sunscreen to the entire face, ears, neck, back of neck and chest area.
Not to forget about your lips we recommend a hydrating lip balm with SPF 15.
I love this lip balm especially as it contains SPF and even more so as it contains alpine rose to help reduce cold sore occurrence. It hydrates, protects and smooths the lips. It also contains niacinamide protecting your lips from environmental stresses such as pollution and toxins.For personalised advice on your skin and to start on a personalised skincare routine suited to you contact us to book in for an online skin health check from the comfort of your home.
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