Ladies & Gents, it has arrived. Misty and stark cold mornings, as the French say, “AU REVOIR, my friends. See you when it’s all over”. Who wants to get out of bed, leaving their warm blanket of comfort and rest? Work routines, exercise routines, and especially SELFCARE routines are more difficult to follow, which has a negative impact on the condition of your skin. Well, let me shed some light for you, it’s not that difficult after all! (angels singing in the backround – haaaaah)
As a Skincare Specialist myself, I have come to realize that most people don’t know how to take care of their skins properly. Skin care is an art and a science, but don’t be intimidated: this is something we can all learn. Building the right skin care routine should take into account your skin type and your age, of course.
There are basic skin types: normal, oily, dry, combination, -mature. Knowing which skin type you are allows you to select the correct product to use on a daily basis.
Our Experts from Matis South Africa have provided us with some clear guidance, so let’s break it down and help you identify YOUR Skin Type & Condition, and of course, help you select the exact product you need to combat and defend your skin against this cold winter.
Mature :
How to Tell: As the years go by time definitely takes the most toll on our skin. The skin changes in all its facets. Our skin feel dryer, thinner and softer to touch, but the most defying change is the loss in elasticity and flexibility. Our skin also loses its consistency as it becomes more uneven, finer, appearance of wrinkles and expression lines start to become deeper and more noticeable. Mature skin will also become more sensitive over time as the skin thins out and more irregularities like sunspots etc will appear.
Do’s & Don’ts: Since our skin is more sensitive when mature, we should be very careful what products we use on our skin or which external factors we expose our skin to. Our skin will be more reactive and more susceptible to environmental factors and lifestyles like insomnia, incorrect skincare routine, smoking, extreme stress, medication, deficient diets etc. We can diminish the effect of these factors by looking after our skin like a delicate flower. Exfoliate at least once a week to stimulate the cellular production system and use serums and moisturizers daily.
Skincare Products : Products to combat ageing skin
Dry Skin :
How to Tell: Dry skin is a result of fewer oil-producing glands in the skin than a normal skin. This means the skin is very low on the needed oil to retain a level of nourishment and moisture in the skin, leaving it unprotected and very susceptible to the external aggressors. Dry skin normally feels smooth to touch, itchy, tight and a little sensitive. Dry skin normally also looks dull and grey.
Do’s & Don’ts: When you wash your face, rinse it with lukewarm water and not hot water as this will strip the natural oils from the skin which a dry skin already has very little of. Rather use fragrance free cleansers and alcohol-free toners. Also drink at least 4-6 glasses water a day to optimize hydration and water molecules in the skin.
Skincare Products : Restore the moisture with these products :
Combination Skin:
How to Tell: A combination skin is one of the most popular skin types around the world. This skin type is labelled as “combination” because these skins has different variations of dry, oily and normal combinations. Some areas may be normal and others oily. T-Zone Combination normally leaves the forehead and the nose/chin areas oily and the rest of the face dry or normal, or the other way around.
Do’s & Don’ts: Combination skins normally need different treatments/home care on the different areas. A good way to treat all the areas at optimal level is to buy different masks to use on the different areas twice a week.
Skincare Products : Neutralize the best way possible with these products :
Oily :
How to Tell: An oily skin normally has a very high oil-production and can leave the skin shiny, with enlarged pores and also with blackheads, breakouts or blemishes. The complexion will also look thick and rough. Oiliness can change depending upon the time of the year or weather. Things like heat and humidity, hormonal changes and stress can also worsen the oiliness.
Do’s & Don’ts: Very important with an oily skin is to not stimulate your oil-glands even more. Your oil production is already at a very high intensity and needs to be brought under control by using the correct products. Be careful when choosing your products as some products will remove all oil and water molecules and leave the skin dry and unprotected. Make sure to exfoliate once a week to prevent a build-up of oil and dead skin cells which will cause breakouts, pimples or blackheads. Wear a sunblock every day as the sun can flare up acne and oil production.
Skincare Products : No More Oil with these products :
Sensitive Skin :
How to Tell: Sensitive skin is a condition, not a skin type, which means it can be treated. This condition causes itching, irritation, dryness, redness or in severe cases, inflammation. To be honest, this “term” gets thrown around way too often. Most people think they have a sensitive skin, but this is in most cases, not true. There are multiple factors that can cause a “sensitized” skin like extreme cold and dry weather (winter season), over using of products or using incorrect products, etc. If you do have a sensitive skin most products used on the skin will cause irritation or a “tingling” sensation on the skin.
Do’s & Don’ts: If you do have a sensitive skin it’s very important to use the correct products. Product ranges marked for sensitive/delicate skin dermatologically tested. Avoid products with strong perfume fragrances, and rather go for natural infused products. Use enzymatic(on-granular) exfoliators because granules will be too rough on a sensitive skin and cause irritation. Also avoid alcohol-based products, for example a non-alcoholic toner. It’s also very important to use a sunblock daily as sensitive skin is very prone to sunburn – use an independent sunblock above your serum, moisturizer and foundation.
Skincare Products : Sooth Sensitive Skin with these products :
Normal Skin :
How to Tell: So, this is the skin type we all strive to have, not too dry, not too oily. All the treatments and home care products we buy and use is to achieve a normal skin. A normal skin will have no or few imperfection, will have low or no sensitivity, barely visible pores and a very radiant complexion. Let’s be honest, it’s the closest to the perfect skin any person can wish for.
Do’s & Don’ts: When you have the skin type everybody wants; you have to look after it. If you use the incorrect products or you do not protect your skin from UV radiation or extreme weather conditions, even if you don’t drink enough water, exercise or eat healthy you can cause conditions on your skin which can cause all different kinds of skin concerns like break-outs, sensitivity, dryness, dehydration, pigmentation etc. Make sure you constantly look for changes in your skin and treat it immediately before it becomes a concern.
Skincare Products : Keep it Up with the following products :
Now that you know which route to go with your daily skin care routine, there are no more excuses to not leave the house and explore the outside world, or maybe in your case, the stacked racks of groceries in Woolies. Looking after your skin will not only improve its condition, but also have a massive impact on how you see and feel about yourself, and who doesn’t want to look in the mirror and say “Hey There Beautiful” (wink-wink)
Most important, have fun and be kind to one another.
Lynn-Mari