The cosmetics world can be an overwhelming place. So many different brands with so many different products, and so many different uses, it is often difficult to know where to start. Hopefully, with this simple guide, we can help you find your feet in the skincare world.
So, you want to manifest a skincare routine that suits your skin, leaving it happy and healthy. You’ve done a quick google search and the results are endless… hyaluronic moisturiser this, salicylic acid cleanser that. What does this all mean? And is it even relevant to you? Well, let’s start with the basics. You need to get to know your skin; at the end of the day, it is the body's largest organ, so it is important to nurture it correctly. There are four main skin types; dry, oily, combination, and normal. Individual skin types differ depending on a variety of factors, from genetics to diet to environmental conditions. In order to find the right products for your skin, you need to understand what type of skin you have. Sounds like a hassle? It really isn't! It's super easy, let us help.
Step One: Wash your face. Remove all excess dirt and make-up from your face, so that your skin is at its natural state and can start fresh.
Step Two: Wait. Allow your skin to adjust to its natural state, with no products influencing its texture. We suggest waiting a couple of hours to really let your skin sit and do what it needs to do.
Step Three: Reflect. Go to the mirror and what do you see? What do you feel? By applying no products to the skin, its natural state should be exposed. It may feel tight, and look dull in places. Alternatively, you may see and feel a shine, particularly around your T-zone (above the brows, around the nose.) Or, maybe you’re experiencing a bit of both. The lucky few will experience none at all. Either way, all are completely normal! It’s important to reiterate that. None are right, none are wrong. Just different, and there are different products on the market to nurture such issues.
If you’re experiencing regular breakouts accompanied by excess oil and a shine, you are likely to have oily skin. This simply means that glands in the skin produce too much sebum; the waxy substance that works to protect and hydrate the skin. However, this does not mean that you should avoid using facial oils. Facial oils are great for oily skin, as are liquid products, as they’re easily absorbed and work to balance complexion. Alternatively, reduce the amount of heavy creams, which sit on the skin alongside excess oils.
Those with dry skin will experience a tight sensation, with areas of flakiness. Quite the opposite to oily skin, dry skin is a result of a lack of natural oils and moisture reaching the skin’s surface, possibly due to environmental factors (dry, cold weather), genetics, or over-exfoliating. Consequently, skin may appear dull. Opt for creams and lotions, moisturisers infused with antioxidants to heal rough patches are your go-to. Again, you can hardly go wrong with facial oils as they aid the restoration and regulation of natural oils.
The very lucky handful of individuals who see no difference in their skin’s texture or complexion will have normal skin. If this is the case, 1) lucky you, 2) opt for lightweight formulas, keep it simple, but always stick to the Cleanse, Tone and Moisturise ritual in order to maintain the skin's healthy lipid outer layer. If in doubt; use facial oil after cleansing, before moisturiser!
Finally, if you’re looking in the mirror and feeling very confused by what you see (a little bit of everything), chances are you have combination skin. That is, a combination of both dry patches and an oily T-zone. Sounds confusing, but it is so common, and again, normal. You don't want to encourage oils to invade your skin, so target oily areas with lightweight serums and moisturisers which will both soothe dry patches whilst freeing pores from clogging with excess dirt. Most importantly, avoid harsh cleansers with synthetic ingredients. This will only lead to further irritation and an unbalanced complexion.
It seems complex, but when you take time to reflect on your skin it becomes easier to understand. Hopefully, this simple guide will help you discover what skin type is yours, and what to use in order to nourish it. Take into account the varying factors that can help regulate your skin’s complexion; diet, genetics, environmental factors etc. Hydration is key! Whatever your skin type, don’t panic or stress! Skin fluctuates overtime, and it is very individual. When you love your skin, it will love you back