ProFacials talks about skincare
Posted on 11/11/2022
Everybody’s skin is different and the type of skin is determined by both genetics and internal or external factors which can change over time. From a cosmetic point of view there are 5 main skin types and is classified according to factors related to its balance: sebaceous secretion, sensitivity and hydration level. It’s important to identify your skin type and to know it’s characteristics so you can maintain a healthy skin condition.
What is the difference between ”normal” and ”combination” skin?
”Normal” skin is generally referred to as well-balanced skin that rarely needs much care. In other words, it’s neither too oily or too dry. It has a soft appearance and texture with little to none blemishes and good blood circulation. As the skin ages, the dryer it may become, so adjustments in your skincare routine may need to be altered.
Combination skin is typically identified as oily, sometimes shiny, skin along your T-zone – your forehead, nose and chin, combined with dry skin along your cheeks. However, more than one skin type or condition is generally termed ‘combination’ skin. Most people use different products to address each type of needs but there are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Try avoid washing your face more than twice a day as this might irritate both skin types.
- Use oil-free sun protection to avoid clogging your pores.
- Consider using two types of products, one of one skin condition and another for the other. Definitely, avoid using drying products all the the face. You could apply a clay mask just to your oily T-zone for instance.
For combination skin ProFacials at Cheltenham Reflexology and Massage suggests using Eve Taylor Balancing Skincare Collection
Perfect for both Combination and Normal skin types.
What is ”sensitive’ skin and how can you tell if you have it?
It can be difficult to know whether or not you have sensitive skin. If you find your skin reacting quickly to products and temperatures causing discomfort in the form of itchiness, redness and tightness, you may have sensitive skin. You may have sensitive skin in your genes or it could develop over time. Lots of factors affect the skin, including your environment, stress levels, pollution, medication, diet, skin care regime and general product use. It’s worth consulting with your GP if you have any concerns about your skin, especially if there’s been a dramatic change.
ProFacials at Cheltenham Reflexology and Massage recommends using products that both nourish the skin whilst reducing dryness. It is best to avoid scratchy exfoliants as this may irritate the skin, leading to damage to the surface of the skin and blood capillaries.
Pro Tip: Look for products with label descriptions such as ”gentle on skin” or ”for sensitive skin”
Have a look at Eve Taylor’s Ultra Soothing Skincare Collection
Dry/Dehydrated Skin
Dry skin generally produces less oils than any other skin type. It can have a rough feel and often appears dull – looking. Combined with factors such as age, change in temperatures and even health status you may find your skin is prone to flakiness, itchiness, fine lines and wrinkles. Dry skin is genetic, whereas, dehydrated skin is temporary and often environmental factors are influential.
It’s really important to help your skin stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and preferably use an oil based moisturiser/cream.
It is recommended to avoid scratchy ‘scrub’ exfoliants as these can lead to broken capillaries and instead use a chemical exfoliant .
Always avoid drying products, especially clay-based masks.
Pro Tip: Apply moisturiser while your skin is still slightly damp to lock in extra hydration.
Oily & Congested Skin:
Oily skin has an overall shine, slightly greasy feel and enlarged pores. This skin type may be prone to inflammation, acne and blemishes. Oily skin is often genetic, although it is also influenced by internal factors such as changes in hormone. Sebaceous glands in the skin, that produce an oily substance, are found more in the T-zone of the skin. Some people have very active glands that produce lots of sebum.
Skin care for oily skin is centred around using products that reduce both the sebum production and oil that clogs up your pores. You will want to avoid using any products that ‘strip’ the skin as your body may struggle to create more oil that keeps your skin hydrated. Alternatively, the skin may over-produce oil to make up for the loss. We suggest washing your face twice daily using oil-free cleansers. Using a serum that helps to clarify the skin is also useful.
Top Tips: – Use skin-blotting papers throughout the day to maintain an oil-free appearance
– Use oil-free makeup products
– avoid touching your face as the oils and bacteria from your hands can spread and lead to clogged pores and acne
Caring for your skin in Menopause:
Menopause can bring some unfavourable changes to your skin as the hormone oestrogen, declines. There are two main important proteins found in the skin namely, Collagen, which provides an essential role in tissue repair and structural support, and Elastin which provides the skin with its elasticity.
From the time we hit puberty, our body stops producing elastin. The ageing process and environmental factors, such as UV rays and diseases can cause elastin to swell and become stiff, losing its flexibility and causing sagging of the skin. When oestrogen levels decrease so does our body’s collagen production leaving the skin dehydrated, wrinkled and feeling thin.
So how do we support the production of collagen and elastin? Unfortunately there is no cure for ageing, but prevention is better than cure, so start taking care of your skin as early as possible. Introduce vitamin C into your diet, as this makes up the amino acids that creates collagen or try adding vitamin C into your skincare routine. Wearing sunblock and exercising will also help to maintain the elastin in your body.
ProFacials at Cheltenham Reflexology and Massage recommends using a retinol serum to help slough off dead skin cells, that can create a dull look to the skin. Nourishing products that help with skin hydration are also key. Hyaluronic acid and facial oils are a great way to gain easy hydration.
