Aiming for a flawless complexion this summer? While many lotions and potions claim to work miracles, the only way you’ll really enjoy the benefits is by recognising what type of skin you have. In this article, we discuss the different skin types and the best way to get that glowing, radiant look.
A primary cause of dry skin is when the outer layers of your skin become damaged and are unable to retain normal moisture levels. Damage can be caused by anything from exposure to the sun to soaps, scrubs and creams with irritating or drying ingredients.
What to do:
Choose a mild face wash to remove impurities from your skin. Fragrance-free options are great, as they often don’t contain harsh chemicals that could irritate your skin further, making it feel tighter and dryer.
Once you’ve cleansed your face, you’ll need to apply a hydrating moisturiser. Choose one with lots of antioxidants or with skin-repairing and anti-inflammatory ingredients. Lightly apply all over the face, paying special attention to problem patches.
Oily skin occurs when your skin produces excess oil, which gives you an unwanted sheen and could result in spots and blemishes if you don’t keep your oil levels in check. For many people with oily skin, the obvious action is to choose a product to dry the skin out. However, this can often trigger a reverse reaction, where the skin creates more oil to compensate for the overall loss.
What to do:
It can be tempting to keep washing your face to get rid of your excess oil. However, you should only wash your face two or three times a day maximum. Wash your face with a lightly medicated or sensitive cleansing wash and apply an oil-free moisturiser. Available from Pure Beauty, Dermalogica Active Moist moisturiser is a great choice as it is both lightweight and oil-free.
Combination skin is where you have a mix of skin types, including normal, dry and oily. Usually, you will have an oily T-zone across your forehead, nose and chin, while other parts of your face may be normal or even dry. This means you’ll need to use a variety of treatments depending on the skin type for each area.
What to do:
To begin, use a gentle wash to remove impurities from your skin then identify your problem areas. Apply a hydrating moisturiser to dry patches and use a lightweight, oil-free product on your oily areas.
