Dry
Dry skin can result from factors such as genetics, environment, sun damage and low fluid intake. In those with this type, the skin has low sebum levels and an inability to regulate or maintain moisture, resulting in dry, flaky and tight skin. As a result, make-up can look ‘cakey’ and the complexion can be left feeling rough and looking rather lacklustre.
We recommend: Applying a thick moisturiser right after bathing, and avoiding long, hot baths and showers, as they can actually dry the skin out further! Equally, ensure you remain hydrated throughout the day (8 glasses of water is the recommended intake) and wear sunscreen – such as Clarins range.
Perfect facials: Elemis Visible Brilliance, Clarins Moisture Replenisher or Elemis Skin Specific Exotic Moisture Dew.
Oily
It’s not just teenagers who suffer from this skin type, oily skin can be hereditary, or as a result of diet, hormones, seasonal changes and stress.
Oil is naturally produced by the sebaceous glands and in some people these are overactive and produce excess sebum, resulting in shiny or greasy looking skin. Pores are enlarged and clogged, resulting in the appearance of blackheads and blemishes. Oily skin tends to have shine within just a few hours of cleansing.
We recommend: Choosing oil free, water-based cosmetics. It is often misjudged that oily skin already has enough moisture; however a lightweight oil-free moisturiser is beneficial, particularly in combatting the effects of ageing. Similarly, often people assume overly scrubbing the skin will help, in fact this can make matters worse and cause inflammation. Differentiate your products throughout the year, as your skin needs can vary season to season.
Perfect facials: Elemis SOS Purifying Facial, Clarins Aromatic Balancer or Elemis Skin Specific Lavender Repair.
Did you know? Oily skin is actually a blessing in disguise – the production of oil is essential in healthy skin and it actually makes it less prone to ageing and wrinkling!
Oily/Combination
If your skin is both oily and dry, then you are likely to have combination skin. This is the most common skin type of all! Typically the T-Zone (the area across the forehead and the nose) is oilier, with dry patches across the cheeks or around the mouth; however this can differ by person. The best treatment for this skin type can be to target specific areas of the face differently. Products labelled for combination skin are also excellent, as they treat the dryness, without resulting in an over-production of oil.
We recommend: Beginning your routine with a gentle foaming or gel cleanser, and follow with a toner that does not include any irritants. Exfoliate a few times a week, products with salicyclic acid are great as they not only exfoliate the skins surface, but also within the pores themselves – reducing pore size and unclogging! Soothe the drier parts of your face with serum/moisturiser, using lighter products on the oily zones.
Perfect facial: Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing or Elemis White Brightening.
Ageing
Ageing is inevitable, and as we age our skin begins to change. Cells repair at a lower rate resulting in thinner, paler and drier skin, with the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Skin also begins to slacken due to the loss in elasticity as a result of collagen reduction.
Sun damage and unhealthy lifestyles can have a negative impact on the way your skin ages. Always wear sunscreen, and ensure you are drinking plenty of water and that your diet includes plenty of fruit and vegetables. Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol intake also helps!
Perfect facials: Elemis Advanced Anti-Ageing Facials – Pro Intense or Pro Collagen Quartz Lift.
Or for a more intense therapy, we highly recommend our range of CACI facials – this celebrity favourite treatment has been likened to a non-surgical facelift. These treatments use a combination of effective techniques which have been designed to stimulate the muscles and give a plump, youthful appearance to the skin.
Why not visit our Spa, where our therapists will be happy to assess you on your correct skin type, as well as recommend the best products and treatments for you! Call 01244 572199 for more information, or click here to view all of our facials.
