How can I identify my skin type?

When it comes to your skin there is your genetic skin type, classified as oily, dry, combination or sensitive. Your genetic skin type doesn’t change from day to day, and only experiences change over a long period of time. Then there is your skin condition, which relates to the daily or weekly fluctuations that your skin experiences, such as dehydration, sensitisation or a breakout. One of the best ways to determine your skin type is to seek advice from a trained professional therapist. Through a process of observation and questioning and using diagnostic tools they can accurately determine your skin type and current condition of your skin health. If, however, you are short of time and want a quick and easy assessment, ELEMIS has launched a NEW Virtual Skin Analysis on www.elemis.com – an innovative virtual skin diagnostic technology that analyses your skin health to deliver personalised skincare recommendations and routines.

How to identify your skin type:

Oily skin has an excessive oil flow that causes the skin to appear shiny and may feel greasy, especially throughout the T-zone. It may also be prone to enlarged pores, acne blemishes, blackheads, and whiteheads.

Dry skin produces fewer natural oils. This causes the skin to appear dull and may feel rough or flakey. The skin often feels tight, noticeably dehydrated, and prone to showing visible fine lines. In addition, it may feel itchy or sensitive.

Combination skin includes areas that are dryer with less oil flow as well as oily areas, with the T-zone commonly being oily and the cheeks being either dry or normal. This is one of the most common skin types, especially for the under fifties.

Sensitive skin is also classified as a skin type. It’s often fine, fair skin that burns rapidly in the sun, however, most commonly, it’s skin that has been sensitised by environmental factors like the weather, medication or diet. Sensitivity appears red, feels tight and can have dry, dehydrated patches. It can feel irritated and itchy, it might sting or tingle when product is applied, or be prone to dullness, dehydration lines and loss of firmness, breakouts and blemishes.

What benefit does vitamin C offer?

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps to fight against free radicals – stray molecules that damage the skin and cause premature signs of ageing. Free radicals are generated by a variety of factors, including pollution, UV exposure, and even stress. Suitable for all ages and skin types, Vitamin C will be most beneficial for those experiencing hyperpigmentation, signs of visible ageing, and dull, uneven skin.

How often should I exfoliate?

Exfoliation is a key part of maintaining a healthy and beneficial skincare routine. How often you need to exfoliate your face depends entirely on the product, method of exfoliation, and your type of skin. As a guideline, however, we suggest using chemical exfoliations once a week, such as Pro-Collagen Tri-Acid Peel to break down the intercellular proteins, encouraging the outer layer of dead skin cells to loosen, providing an exfoliating action, and stimulating skin renewal. For physical exfoliation, we recommend using our Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator 2-3 times a week. Physical exfoliation lifts dead skin and other debris from the surface through a mechanical action, instantly revealing the skin below and often immediately improving skin texture.

Is a toner necessary?

Applying a toner will complete your skin prep and ensure that skin is balanced and perfectly purified. With a consistency similar to water, your toner’s job is to balance the skin barrier’s pH after cleansing – the optimum number being 5.5 – while removing any remaining residue. Toning will also help to remove minerals that may be found in tap water.

What does hyaluronic acid do?

Hyaluronic Acid is a naturally occurring polysaccharide that is known for its ability to bind 1,000 times its weight in moisture. It is naturally produced within the deeper layers of the skin, and is critical for maintaining skin hydration, supporting collagen and elastin, and helps give the skin its volume and suppleness.

Benefits of Hyaluronic acid are:

1. Improves the skin’s appearance and texture

2. Supports skin’s moisture retention

3. It smooths visible lines to also improve the appearance of dehydration

4. It’s lightweight so doesn’t overload oily skin and is great for every skin type

In what order should I apply skincare?

By starting with the most easily absorbed product and building up to the densest, you ensure a clear pathway for every glorious active to sink deep into the cells that need them most. Begin with a cleanser to remove makeup, followed by a second cleanse (in the evening). Any exfoliation would then be your next step (once or twice a week). Next, apply a toner, followed by our Pro-Collagen Marine Moisture Essence to replenish hydration and prepare the lipid barrier to better absorb the skin-enhancing actives in serums and oils. The first step in the ‘treatment’ phase is a Facial Oil, followed by a Serum. Next, apply an Eye Cream before finishing with a Moisturiser to lock everything in. In the daytime, always finish your skincare routine with SPF.

How can I minimise pores?

You can minimise the appearance of pores by keeping them clear of oil and debris and boosting your skin’s collagen and elastin. It’s important not to strip the skin with harsh alcohol-based toners thinking this will ease the problem, when in fact stripping the skin of oils does not reduce the pore size but increases it as the skin is busy creating more oil to replace what has just been lost!

The best way to do this is to follow a good skincare routine, as above, using an oil based-cleanser like Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm for your first cleanse. In addition, Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads will help to reduce the appearance of pores using our Tri Enzyme technology and lactic acid, which gently exfoliates and improves the texture and tone of the skin.

Which skincare ingredients should be avoided in pregnancy?

Most essential oils are advised to be avoided during the 9-month journey. Aroma is not always great for pregnant women if a woman is experiencing extreme morning sickness, it can be one aroma too many. We recommend consulting with your doctor for which skincare products are safe to use during pregnancy.

Retinol is another ingredient that is recommended to avoid during this time.

Do you need to wash your face in the morning?

Yes, during the night your skin naturally sheds dead skin cells and oils, and bacteria can accumulate on your skin’s surface. Cleaning your face in the morning helps to remove this buildup, leaving your skin feeling fresh, clean and prepares your skin for application of skincare products. Clean skin absorbs products more effectively, allowing them to work better.

For those with oily skin this will also help remove excess oils that may have accumulated over night. This can help to prevent clogged pores and breakouts throughout the day.

It will also help you feel more awake and refreshed, giving your skin a healthy glow for the day.

Noella Gabriel is global president and co-founder at luxury skin wellness brand ELEMIS, which recently announced a new partnership with Galgorm, Northern Ireland’s Premiere Spa Resort, offering an extensive range of high-performance products and treatments exclusive to Galgorm.

Find out more at shop.galgorm.com