Skin Types

Understanding your skin type over a skin condition

Everybody’s skin requires a slightly different daily skin care routine and beauty products to keep it looking its best.

Whether you have a skin type of combination, balanced skin, oily skin, dry skin.  Or a skin condition of sensitivity, sun damage or suffer from acne; there are products out there which will suit your skin better than others.

Find your skin type

Have you looked at our online ‘get to know your skin tool’?

As skincare experts here at LA Skincare we are frequently asked what the difference is between skin types, skin conditions, and how customers can navigate their skin and improve upon its natural beauty.

Having worked with thousands of women, I can say with confidence no two dermis’ are the same. We live in different environments, have unique genetics, and indulge in different diets. The key is to find out what category your skin falls under and how you can make the most of it.

Let’s start by taking a look at common skin types that most women fall under.

Skin Conditions

Skin conditions are quite different from skin types. Our environment and genetics determine the condition of our skin. Not every woman suffers from a skin condition, however. Some of the more obvious skin conditions include:

  • Sun Damage: Pigmentation is a visible sign of sun damage, but damage is not always noticeable with the naked eye. The best way to combat sun damage is by preventing it with a great daily SPF.
  • Acne: While acne can develop during your teen years, some women struggle with blemishes their entire lives. Applying the Chocolate Delight Mask twice a week will clear pores and leave a balanced complexion.
  • Dehydration: A lack of water and moisture contributes to dull skin.  Applying an oil based serum, like the Soft as Silk serum will leave skin feeling plump and hydrated.
  • Sensitised: Sensitised skin is often something we are doing to ourselves or the lifestyle we  are living in.

    Common Skin Types

    • Dry Skin: Dry skin is characterised by flaky, sensitive and perhaps even painful skin. A lack of moisture is the most common tell tale sign that your skin type is overly dry.
    • Balanced Skin: Balanced skin is typically smooth in appearance, has pink overtones, and barely noticeable pores. Most women with normal skin have very few if any blemishes or flaky spots. Additionally, a balanced moisture and keratinization production is also a distinguished mark of normal skin.
    • Oily Skin: Overactive sebaceous glands and lipids produce too much moisture and oil on the surface of the skin creating, oily skin. This skin type is traditionally susceptible to blackheads and acne. For those of us who do suffer from oily skin, blemishes wreak havoc and create a constant battle.
    • Combination: Combination skin simply refers to skin that is dry in some spots and oily in others.  For women who have combination skin, T-zone oiliness is quite common.

     

    What’s the Difference?

    Skin types, skin changes, and even aging skin can have a dramatic impact on your facial appearance.

    The difference between skin types and skin conditions comes down to the way it is treated. Your skin type will determine your daily facial routine.  The makeup you wear, the lotion you use, and even what you consume directly affects your appearance.  Your basic skincare needs are affected by the type of skin you have.

    Skin conditions, on the other hand, can refer to temporary conditions of the body.  This is down to many factors from season to season, hormones and environmental factors contribute to skin changes in every woman.  Other factors can include pregnancy, menopause, psoriasis, and a host of other illnesses fall under the skin condition category.

    The difference is the permanence of skin types vs the impermanence of skin conditions.

    Aging skin and our bodies change overtime, which makes it all the more important to see a specialist on a regular basis.

    At LA Skincare we believe it is all about having the correct routine that is not only correct for your skin, but for your life style too.  We offer a range of products for sensitive skin, blemish prone skin, those looking to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and all skin types in-between!

    Oily Skin

    Oil is present in everybody’s skin and it is very important to keep your skin moisturised.

    This can become a problem when you suffer from oily skin!  This means you have excess oil on your face which can leave it looking and feeling greasy.

    This skin type coincides with acne prone skin, as the excess oil can clog your pores which can lead to spots and blackheads.

    There are steps you can take in your weekly skin care routine that will help to control the oils in your skin, including gentle exfoliation 2-3 times a week.

    All of our beauty products are suitable for those with oily skin, particularly our cleanser with salicylic acid as this works to fight blemishes and the amazing Chocolate enzyme mask. Oily skin prescription

    Dry Skinskin care routine

    Dry skin occurs when your face loses its moisture.

    If you suffer from dry skin, your face is likely to feel tight and your skin rough, and it can be difficult to cover up with makeup.

    It is a problem which many of us suffer from, but if not treated it can become much worse.

    It is important to keep your skin nourished by using serum and moisturiser 1-2 times a day. Here at LA Skincare, our products work to repair damaged skin, and are suitable for all skin types including those with sensitive skin – Dry skin prescription.

    Combination Skin

    In combination skin the skin types vary in the T-zone and the cheeks. The so-called T-zone can differ substantially – from a very slim zone to an extended area.

    Combination skin is characterised by

    • an oily T-zone (forehead, chin and nose)
    • enlarged pores in this area perhaps with some impurities
    • normal to dry cheeks

    The causes of combination skin:

    The oilier parts of combination skin are caused by an over production of sebum. The drier parts of combination skin are caused by a lack of sebum and a corresponding lipid deficiency.

    Our full range is ideal for people with good skin as it provides daily exfoliation using our squeaky clean cleanser and the plump up moisturiser should be more than enough for your skin using the whipped cream for extra hydration at those certain times of the month.

    Use step 2 and 3 to keep up with purifying your skin – combination skin prescription

    Balanced Skin

    You are definitely one of the lucky ones.  However, do not get complacent with your skin.  It is still important to find the right skincare routine for your face.  There are products out there specifically for this skin type, including moisturisers, cleansers and face masks.

    Have a look at our well balanced skin care prescription, for what we advise for you to use.

    For your skin type it is really important to provide enough hydration, even though you have normal skin most of the time, our skin can still change all the time.  It is easy to fall into the trap of being a bit lazy because our skin is generally ok.

    We still need to take good care of our skin though and regularly exfoliate and moisturise – balanced skin prescription

    Sensitive skin – condition over type

    Sensitive skin is more a condition than a type.  I have listed it here as well, though, as I know people will be looking for it.  Let’s have a look at the signs of sensitive skin.  Firstly, I cannot tell you how many people tell me they have sensitive skin.  Often, they do not and it is caused by other factors.  Many people are unaware of these and that is because we are not taught.  We just do what we think is best or what our friend does or what the media tells us to.

    I would rather educate people on their skin.  So, let’s have a look at some examples of what can happen if you have sensitive skin.

    • Thin skin texture with a translucent appearance.
    • A feeling of tightness, which can indicate dehydration and lead to skin reactions from products.
    • Redness or blotchiness. This signals over-reactive capillaries or a tendency toward rosacea.
    • Flaking, peeling or cracking on the cheeks and forehead. This indicates dehydrated skin and impaired barrier function.
    • Flushing and itching, or burning sensations, which can also be a sign of over-reactive capillaries.
    • Small, rash-like bumps or breakouts (not to be confused with acne breakouts).

    Sensitive skin is something we are born with and we can only try and not irritate it.

    Sensitised skin is caused by the environment.  Often this is something we have done or exposed ourselves to.  We need to learn to avoid these triggers.  But, of course, firstly we need to work out what they are.

    Looking for the best skin care products and treatments?

    No matter what skin type you have, we offer facial treatments and solutions suitable for you.

    You can also visit one of our stockists local to you and one of our trained therapists can help you.

    If you are still unsure as to how to tell which skin type you are, or would like more information on the causes of skin irritation and what beauty products to use in your day and night time skin care routine, fill out our online prescription test for advice tailored to you.

    We can also help with online zooms, where we can offer a skin consultation.  You would need to organise an apt via our contact form.

    Lots of love

    This is all said with love, I know many people have different opinions and that is absolutely fine.  The biggest piece of advice I always say is:

    ‘Listen to your skin!!’

    If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.  Skincare should not cause any damage to your skin, if used correctly for YOUR skin!

    Any questions, just ask…

    Much love.

    Louisa Ashforth Signature[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1568036738644{margin-top: 40px !important;margin-bottom: 40px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_btn title=”Acne” style=”flat” shape=”square” align=”right” i_align=”right” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-caret-right” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Flaskincare.co.uk%2Fskin-care%2Facne%2F|title:Acne||”][/vc_column][/vc_row]