I have been looking forward to writing this series of posts for a while but wanted to take my time researching and preparing for it. Skin care is so important and it is the basis to achieving the best-looking makeup. I have always been interested in skin care since I was a teenager and have been cleansing, toning and moisturising since I was 15. My mum was really good with her skin care and it really rubbed off on me.
So, I decided to do a skin care course to find out more about how the skin works, the different skin types and the most suitable skin care routines and products. I get asked lots of questions about skin care, so thought I would create a post about it. I really hope people find it helpful.
The Basics
There are lots of different things that influence our skin. Some are internal factors, which are out of our control such as genetics, hormones, puberty, pregnancy and menopause. Then there are the external factors that impact our skin such as UV radiation, aggressive products, washing too much, nutrition, stress, lack of exercise, lack of sleep and smoking. These we can work with. There are basic things in our everyday lives that we should do to help our skin.
Sun Cream
Sun Cream helps protects our skin from UV rays. We should wear everyday especially through the Spring and Summer but very few of us do, me included! Us Brits believe we only need it when the sun is really hot or on holiday but this is not true.
Health
Bad nutrition, unhealthy diet, little exercise, lack of sleep and stress are all things we can also work on improving. Not only will this help our skin but our general healthy and well-being will become much better. Smoking is really bad for your skin and should be avoided. It increases the production of free radicals which are chemical particles that damage the skin.
Washing
This is a factor I know I need to look at. Bathing or washing for too long in hot baths and too many showers can cause the skin to lose its natural moisturising properties and surface lipids which are a form of fats. I shower a couple of times a day some days and it dries my skin out terribly.
How Aging Affects the skin
One thing I have noticed over the past few years is how much my skin has changed. I have recently just hit the big 40 and I reckon that over the past 5 years my skin has changed a lot. As we get older our skin loses collagen and elastin which results in fine lines and wrinkles. Too much sun exposure and general gravity also causes the skin to go saggy and can become leathery. Skin becomes thinner and drier and the body’s ability to fight free radicals weakens. People with oilier skin tend to age a bit better as they can accommodate the drying of the skin. Vitamins A, C & E are great for aging skin. They can be found in anti-aging supplements and creams. A good moisturiser over the years is also really important to lessen the impact.
Skin Types
Everyone has different skin types. It is important to identify what skin type you have in order to make sure you are using the correct skincare and makeup products. Here are the main skin types with characteristics to help you:
Normal Skin:
- Smooth in texture with a healthy glow
- Surface is clear with fine pores
- No sign of skin blemishes, flaky dry or oily areas
- Skin’s moisture is well balanced
- Tends to be mainly in younger people
Dry Skin:
- Tightening and flaky skin
- Skin looks dull especially around the cheeks and eyes
- Skin cam often feel itchy or burning
- Can often be caused by genetics or extreme climates, medications and cosmetics
Oily Skin:
- Skin is oily to touch
- Appearance is shiny
- Pores are larger and visible
- Can be prone to blackheads and acne
Combination Skin:
- A combination of different skin types for example dry on cheeks and eyes but oily on T-zone (forehead, chin and nose)
Mature Skin:
- Quite dry skin
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Dull in colour
- Sensitive to weather
Once you have identified your skin type you can ensure you buy the products suitable. In my next post, I will be discussing skin care routines for the different skin types. I have so much to tell you all I just can’t write it in one post or it will be like a huge novel! I hope you found this information helpful.
