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Skin Types

How to recognise them

Dry Skin

A lipid dry skin type normally produces less oil than other skin types and can be recognised by the following signs

It visibly can look dull, have more fine lines, look flaky, scaly and irritated.

It can feel tight, less elastic and itchy.

Pore size is normally very fine or invisible and can be prone to milia (whiteheads).

Very often it can be accompanied by sensitivity.

Dry skin may be caused or made worse by:

  • Your genes

  • Aging or hormonal changes

  • Weather such as wind, sun, or cold

  • Ultraviolet (UV) radiation

  • Indoor heating/ air conditioning

  • Long, hot baths and showers

  • Ingredients in soaps, cosmetics, or cleansers

  • Medications

 

Dry skins should invest in milky cleansers, richer moisturisers, and products containing plant-based butters and oils.

Exfoliating regularly being mindful of the skin barrier and nourishing overnight face masks for an intensive treat.

Glycerine, hyaluronic acid, antioxidant-rich soothing plant oils, ceramides, and omega fatty acids can all be part of a well-curated skin care routine for dry  skin

Oily Skin

Oily Skin is due to overactive sebaceous glands producing excessive oil.

Classic signs of an oily skin are open pores

Prone to Comedones (black heads)

Shiny appearance

Clogging, Congestion and bumpy texture

Sallow appearance

Oily skin can be caused by or made worse by

  • Genetics

  • Hormones

  • Stress

  • Poor Diet (low levels of vitamin A and B2)

  • Over cleansing

  • Harsh Skin care products

  • Environmental factors

  • Medication

  • Seasonal changes

  • Humid climates

Oily skin will benefit from cleansers and washes that are water based.

Matte moisturisers that are more Hydrating

Salicylic Acid is a great ingredient to exfoliate dead skin cells and banish blocked pores. It also has Anti inflammatory properties

Niacinamide to regulate oil production and anti inflammatory

Hyaluronic acid to Hydrate and maintain moisture levels

Dehydrated Skin

Lacks water

Can be a temporary condition

Can feel oily and dry at the same time

Prone to breakouts

Affected by external factors such as heating, air conditioning, UV exposure

Characterised by numerous fine lines and tight feeling

Requires water binding ingredients and an uptake in water internally

Hyaluronic acid to Hydrate and maintain moisture levels

Lactic acid exfoliates the skin's surface, dissolving the glue that holds dull, expired cells together. It also boasts hydrating properties and can help to stimulate the production of natural moisturising factors found in our skin.  

Glycerine is a fantastic humectant that works incredibly well to rehydrate and plump the skin.   

Ceramides are basically the cement that holds skin together – they strengthen the skin's barrier to prevent moisture from escaping

Panthanol /Provitamin B5, also falls into the humectant category because of its ability to attract and retain water within our complexion. When applied, it converts to pantothenic acid, a naturally occurring water-soluble molecule that works immediately to improve hydration levels.  

Squalane is an oil-like substance (although not actually an oil), often derived from olives or sugarcane. It helps to seal in hydration

Vitamin E works wonders as a natural emollient, forming a protective barrier on the skin's surface. This barrier helps trap moisture, preventing water loss.

Shea Butter is a natural ingredient with occlusive properties that hinders water evaporation from the skin

Sensitive Skin

Your skin is reactive
If you have sensitive skin, you may notice that  detergents, fragrances, perfumes, skincare products, and household products may cause your skin to react whether it may be itchiness, dryness or reddening. Changes in weather and temperature can be a trigger

 You notice redness
This can be a red rash, red bumps, blushing and flushing, or even red dilated blood vessels.

 Your skin is dry
Dry skin and sensitive skin can go hand-in-hand. It can lead to acne breakouts and cracked skin.

You develop rashes often
Sensitive skin may react with a red, dry, flaky, or bumpy rash when exposed to a trigger. This is especially true for products that are left on your skin, such as facial creams. You may develop a rash very quickly after contact

 You’re prone to breakouts
If you have sensitive skin, you may develop breakouts that look like acne with red bumps and pustules. You may find that an acne wash or cream to treat the breakouts only worsens your symptoms.

Causes of sensitive skin

Ingredients for sensitive skin

 Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is a moisture-binding ingredient and a naturally occurring substance found in the human body. It draws moisture in from the environment through the epidermis, the top layer of skin.

 Jojoba oil is lighter than other face oils and is easily absorbed into the skin. It’s also full of nutrients like vitamins E and B and packed with antioxidants and minerals like copper, zinc, and chromium.

Ceramides are lipid molecules that are crucial to your skin's structure and barrier function. They help to prevent moisture loss and protect against environmental effects.

Squalane is a lipid naturally found in the skin; the sebaceous (oil) glands secrete it. The benefits of squalane for the skin include softening or smoothing the skin and calming inflammation. Those with sensitive skin will see the most effects from squalane oil, which is highly recommended for dry and sensitive skin.  Chamomile

Chamomile has so much to offer, especially to those with sensitive skin. It is an ancient herb that naturally detoxes your skin and fights environmental pollutants that can frequently exasperate sensitivity. Chamomile is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties that ease itching, swelling, and redness.

Acne

There are several types of acne, including:

Fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis): Fungal acne occurs when yeast builds up in your hair follicles.

Cystic acne: Cystic acne causes deep, pus-filled pimples and nodules. These can cause scars.

Hormonal acne: Hormonal acne affects adults who have an overproduction of sebum that clogs their pores.

Nodular acne: Nodular acne is a severe form of acne that causes pimples on the surface of the skin, and tender, nodular lumps under your skin.

 

Sebaceous acne can be found on the tzone chest and back. Oil is present along with pustules and comedones (black heads.) Commonly occurs in teenagers.

Caused by a hormonal inbalance , incorrect or harsh cleansing products ,bacteria present and clogging

Internal acne can be found anywhere but generally cheeks, outer chin and neck and jaw.

There is normally very little oil present and papules don’t always develop into pustules.

Affects any age but generally 20 – 30.

Can be stubborn to treat, itchy and sore

Internal acne can be caused by a hormonal inbalance, incorrect diet and toxic overload, medication that destroys the natural Flora, stress or slow lymph resulting in toxin build up.

Salicylic acid is a great ingredient to exfoliate dead skin cells and banish blocked pores. It also has Anti inflammatory properties

 

Niacinamide regulates oil production and anti inflammatory

Tea tree oil known for its natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, tea tree oil is a popular choice for acne-prone skin.

Retinol The ingredient stimulates cell turnover in the lower layers of skin, which helps to prevent pores from becoming clogged with dead skin and sebum. 

Azelaic acid in creams reduces swelling and inflammation caused by acne bacteria. It also helps prevent keratin from abnormally building up and blocking follicles

Kaolinite Clay masks and spot treatments are popular within skincare because of their ability to mildly exfoliate without irritating skin

Retinoids This form of vitamin A is very effective in fighting acne thanks to its keratolytic action, which helps to reduce the size of pimples and prevent them from forming

Aloe vera This plant has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties

Charcoal maintains its purifying properties by pulling debris and bacteria out of the pores

Adapalene is a topical retinoid that works by promoting faster cell turnover,

Glycolic is an AHA- very small molecules- which penetrate the skin easily and increase cell turnover. 

Green tea helps regulate oil production and reduces acne bacteria counts. Both of these actions can prevent acne flares before they start. It may also help fade post-acne marks.

Hyaluronic acid is a moisture-binding ingredient and a naturally occurring substance found in the human body. It draws moisture in from the environment through the epidermis, the top layer of skin.

Probiotics and prebiotics work by calming and balancing skin inflammation so they're a great way to soothe a sore, irritated breakout. 

Willow bark This ingredient is a source of natural salicin, which is a highly powerful ingredient that fights acne. Due to the presence of salicin Willow bark, extracts have core anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, which eliminates the appearance of fine lines and skin pores. 

 

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Rosacea

Rosacea  is a common inflammatory skin condition that causes redness on your face or other parts of your body, including your eyes. Different types of the condition can cause pimples and swelling on your skin.

The four different types of rosacea include:

Erythematotelangiectatic: Rosacea is persistent and causes facial redness with enlarged and visible blood vessels (vascular). This type flares, where symptoms come and go unexpectedly.

Papulopustular: Pus- or fluid-filled pimples form on your skin. There is a possibility to swell and symptoms are similar to acne.

Phymatous: Skin can swell and thicken. Your skin could be bumpy and it most often affects your nose. Symptoms could make your nose appear bulbous (rhinophyma).

Ocular: Rosacea can affect your eyes, causing them to feel irritated and bloodshot or watery. Your eyes are sensitive to light and painful bumps can form on your eyelids (styes).

 

In addition to niacinamide, look for ingredients like:

Aloe vera This plant has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties

Chamomile It is an ancient herb that naturally detoxes your skin and fights environmental pollutants that can frequently exasperate sensitivity. Chamomile is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties that ease itching, swelling, and redness.

Oatmeal helps treat inflammatory skin conditions and protect against sun damage

Mandelic acid If there is acne associated with the rosacea, mandelic acid provides mild exfoliation and anti-bacterial support

Allantoin is known for its soothing properties. It helps protect the skin, reduce visual redness, and ease irritation,

Fern extract helps treat inflammatory skin conditions and protect against sun damage

Arnica Its antibacterial characteristics may help prevent infection, while its anti-inflammatory properties may relieve redness and irritation.

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