skin types Archives - Enhance What's YoursEnhance What's Yours

Posted on November 4, 2014

Are you using the right cleanser for your skin type?

In one of my previous posts, I covered skin types and discussed how you can find out whether you’ve been blessed with normal skin, have combination skin, suffer from oiliness or, are at the other end of the spectrum: suffer from dryness.

While this might seem blatantly obvious to some, others can get quite confused about their skin type so if you’re unsure, you can use my method for determining your skin type as a quick guide or simply speak to a dermatologist (you really can’t go wrong here).

When you know your skin type, it makes shopping for the right beauty product slightly easier. Usually, it is the first thing beauty consultants will ask you when you’re looking for a product or in this case, a cleanser.

Cleanser Options

Gel cleansers usually lather or foam when contacted with water. They are formulated to fight blemish-causing bacteria as well as oil build up without stripping the skin of its natural oils. Gel cleansers work best with people who have oily or combination skin and are prone to breakouts.

Suggestions: Clinique Wash-Away Gel Cleanser, €22.00 BOOTS, Avene Cleanance Soapless Gel Cleanser, €14.99 BOOTS, Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit Facial Wash €6.29 BOOTS

Balm cleansers leave a moisturising cushion on the skin. They condition the skin while cleansing and are suitable for all skin types except oily skin.

Suggestions: Clinique Take the Day Off, €29.00 BOOTS, Champneys Super Rich Cleansing Balm, €16.50, BOOTS, The Body Shop Camomile Sumtuous Cleansing Butter, €14.95, The Body Shop

Oil cleansers are typically very oily (as the name suggests) and work best on the driest of skins.

Suggestions: Make Up for Ever Extreme Cleanser, €25.00, MUFE , L’Oreal Skin Perfection 15 Second Miracle Cleansing Oil,€12.29, BOOTS, Origins Clean Energy Gentle Cleansing Oil, €23.oo, ORIGINS

Exfoliating cleansers can sometimes contain beads or grains to encourage dead skin removal. Most exfoliating cleansers are gentle enough for all skin types and a lot of them contain glycolic or salicylic acid which play a huge role in loosening up dead skin cells.

Suggestions: Neutrogena Gentle Exfoliating Wash,€4.99 , TESCO, L’Oreal Go 360 Clean The Scrublet, $4.99, ULTA.COM, Aveeno Positively Ageless Daily Exfoliating Cleanser, $9.99, ULTA.COM

Cream cleansers have a water-based formula that cleanses the skin without leaving residue (that’s always a plus). As well as cleansing ingredients, these products contain emollients which make them better suited for normal to dry skin types.

Suggestions: The Body Shop Vitamin E Cream Cleanser, €10.95 THE BODY SHOP, Clarins Extra-Comfort Anti-Pollution Cleansing Cream, €30.00 DEBENHAMS, Bobbi Brown Hydrating Rich Cream Cleanser,€27.50 BROWN THOMAS

Remember, the purpose of using a face cleanser is to get rid of lurking bacteria, unwanted sweat, worn out makeup and the oil that builds up throughout the day. If you use a cleanser that is suitable for your skin you have less of a chance of stripping your skin of its natural oils. Cleanse twice a day EVERY day and always use an SPF! 🙂

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Posted on July 3, 2013

What’s your skin type?

Natural beauty/ Skincare

SkinTypesPhoto oily dry sensitive combination skin skin care maintenance women men grooming heath beauty moisturizing

Where do you lie?

Knowing your skin type is absolutely vital when you’re going to buy products for your skin because the last thing you or anybody else wants is getting a skin reaction from something that was recommended by a friend of yours because it did wonders on her and she is absolutely glowing now….

It might sound like common sense to you, but believe it or not, a lot of people need to be reminded that no two people are the same, what works for them mightn’t work for you and vice versa! But don’t lose all hope quite yet, there is something out there for everyone! All it takes is knowing what skin type you have so this way you’ll know which products will(or at least they should) do wonders for you.

At this stage you might or mightn’t know exactly what skin type you have, and yes, we can all agree that generally your skin would be a lot drier in the winter, while on the other hand you might need a few pieces of blotting paper for your over working sebaceous glands in the summer…

But this quick ‘at-home skin analysis’ will help you be less doubtful….

Self-test: Skin Analysis

-Always analyse your skin after having cleansing it.

-Do NOT apply any moisturizer in case it interferes with your final verdict….

-If the overall texture is flaky then consider yourself a dry bird! shiny? then you’re definitely oily… smooth? then consider yourself lucky because you have normal skin! Reddish? sensitive! A bit of everything = combination

Other signs….

Normal : Smooth, small pores, good water/oil balance, high degree of elasticity

Dry: Tight after washing, looks flaky, dehydrated, invisible pores, poor elasticity shows fine lines the fastest

Oily: Shiny T-zone, visible pores, few signs of aging, frequent breakouts

Combination: Oily T-zone with dry cheeks, larger pores on the forehead, nose and chin, elasticity dependent on combination type

Sensitive: Can range from oily to dry, easily irritated, flushes easily, can appear patchy and red, itchy

These are the basic guidelines that everyone should be aware of because this way you will be in a better position to choose the right products for your skin type.

Since all of these are different, they require a different skin care routine, some more special than others so keep an eye for my post on maintaining these different skin types!

Now that you’ve graduated from part 1 of this course, go share your wisdom with your loved ones and help them properly identify their skin type!

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